Obtaining Shoreline Permits from APCO
Appalachian Power Company (APCO) has the responsibility under its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license and its land rights to review and approve activities within the Smith Mountain Project boundary which includes both Smith Mountain and Leesville lakes (all land within the 800 foot contour for Smith Mountain and 620 foot contour for Leesville). The normal Leesville Lake water level varies between the 613 and the 600 foot contour NGVD. Activities include the building of any structure be it a deck, dock, ramp or pier, disturbing the ground and the cutting of vegetation. Vegetation within the project boundary must be preserved if present. Ground disturbing activities in this area must be minimal in order to maintain the function of the buffer. All parties desiring to remove vegetation within the project boundary must obtain written authorization from APCO prior to beginning any removal and must agree replace the function of buffer. Shoreline stabilization is allowed in areas of active erosion. No material is to be placed in excess of the minimum needed for erosion control. If existing vegetation is sufficient to control erosion and the shoreline is not actively eroding, the existing vegetation shall remain in place. Permittees are encouraged to consider landscape plantings to control erosion. All parties desiring to stabilize their shoreline must obtain written authorization from APCO prior to beginning any activity / construction inside the project boundary.
How to begin the permit stage to conduct activities within Appalachian Power Company’s Project Boundary.
Go to the Forms for All Applications Download Page on the AEP Website. Download the appropriate form and send it to:
Appalachian Power Company
Shoreline Management
P.O. Box 2021
Roanoke, VA 24022-2121
Shoreline Management Plan for Smith Mountain Pumped Storage Project
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as part of it’s re-licensing process requires hydro-electric owner/operators to have a Shoreline Management Plan in place. These plans regulate activity along the shores of lakes for a number of reasons. A vegetative buffer zone around the lake provides a way to prevent pollutants from entering the water as well as stabilizing it’s banks. Navigational safety on the lake is achieved by limiting the number and types of access points for boaters. It also conveys aesthetic considerations as well. The plans allow owner/operators to require permitting for land disturbing activities, construction and vegetation removal within the project boundaries. The Leesville Lake project boundary is the 620 foot contour.