SENECA – Eligible property owners on Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee can apply for dock modifications to reach deeper water from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, 2016.
The program allows dock owners to proactively make permanent modifications to ensure a dock’s usability when lake levels may be lower, such as during an extended drought.
Eligibility is based on requirements outlined in Duke Energy’s 2014 Keowee-Toxaway Shoreline Management Plan (SMP). Property owners may qualify for the dock modifications program if they had an existing Duke Energy-approved boat dock by the Dec. 1, 2013, effective date of the Relicensing Agreement; or they had a Duke Energy-approved permit for a not-yet-installed dock issued less than 12 months prior to Dec. 1, 2013 and installed prior to the permit expiring.
In addition, an eligible dock must meet all other requirements of the SMP.
The program allows qualifying dock owners to add up to an additional 200 square feet to the current maximum size limit for boat docks. The opportunity is an outcome of the Keowee-Toxaway Relicensing Agreement Duke Energy entered into with stakeholders during the Keowee-Toxaway Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relicensing process.
The program differs from the “Follow the Water” program which allows a dock owner to temporarily move a dock during periods of drought.
Dock owners must submit an application and receive written approval before work is performed. There are no fees to apply during this one-year special period.
Due to the anticipated volume of requests and related construction demand, the build-out period for the dock modifications will be extended from one year to two years from the approval date. Applications received outside of the special period for permits to extend docks will be processed, but will have to meet all of the typical permitting and fee requirements of the SMP.
Dock owners can contact Duke Energy Lake Services at 800-443-5193 for more information or to request an application. Applications are also available online at www.duke-energy.com/lakes/LakeServicesApplications.asp.
Applications must be submitted or postmarked by Aug. 31, 2016.
