Jon Wise from Duke Energy spoke today regarding the Lake James dam and powerhouse project.  The main news is that the lake should refill to a normal level by about Memorial Day, 2011.

Wise noted that the dams were strong but being built in the 1920s they were not up to 2011 seismic standards.  In other words, the strengthening of the dams (addition of about 100′) would make them much stronger in an earthquake.

Further, the construction of the new powerhouse with 2011 technology has many added benefits including a powerhouse that generates around 31.5 megawatts, dissolved oxygen would be placed in the water (which is good for fish), and there would now be a continual flow of water into the downstream river.

Right now the lake is at its lowest level – approx 15 feet down.  The lake levels will begin to rise toward the end of March and reach normal pond levels in about 60 days.  In the late fall, more construction will be completed but Wise anticipates little drop in the lake level.