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Moore County commissioners approve letter opposing High Falls Dam removal, authorize follow-up federal outreach
Summary
Commissioners voted July 15 to approve a county letter to Congressman Hudson opposing the removal of High Falls Dam and authorized a similar follow-up letter to a federal official after lengthy discussion about water supply, fire protection and environmental review.
Moore County commissioners on July 15 approved a letter to U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson urging federal agencies to deny permits that would allow the removal of High Falls Dam, and authorized staff to send a similar letter to a federal office to seek additional review.
County attorney (as recorded) summarized the letter and the county’s primary concerns: that removal could reduce Deep River water availability for future county water needs and impair the High Falls Fire Department’s ability to access impounded water for firefighting. Commissioner Von Kennon moved the approval and the motion carried by voice vote.
Commissioner Jim Bunk Cannon, who has led the county’s local resistance to the dam’s removal, delivered a lengthy history and series of concerns about the proposal. Cannon said opponents had asked technical questions of the applicant and found gaps in their analyses, and warned that removal could harm local wells, historic resources, and water availability. "We can't afford to give up that asset," Cannon said, urging the county to pursue every avenue to keep the impoundment.
County staff and commissioners noted that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) had issued an order allowing the applicant to move forward subject to conditions; the board discussed simultaneous avenues of response, including outreach to the Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency. Commissioners voted to authorize the chair to sign the Hudson letter; they also voted to send a similar letter to Dan Bishop (federal OMB deputy director) and authorized the chair to sign that letter.
The board directed county staff and counsel to continue pursuing agency review and other avenues to halt or re-evaluate the removal process while continuing local advocacy.
Next steps: county officials said they will follow up with representatives in Congress, continue coordination with federal agencies, and pursue additional technical review of downstream impacts and pollutant mitigation plans.
