Wildlife Resources Commission Postpones Ruling on Proposed Exclusionary Zones

[NCangler]

RALEIGH, N.C. (Aug. 30) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission agreed on Wednesday to postpone ruling on two exclusionary zone proposals until its October meeting.

The exclusionary zones, proposed by Duke Energy and Alcoa Power Generating, would prohibit swimming and boating within 100 feet upstream or downstream of nine dams on the Catawba, Green and Yadkin rivers. The proposals would not ban fishing, provided anglers cast their lines from outside 100 feet, but would prohibit boats from entering the zones.

Alcoa and Duke officials requested the exclusionary zones, citing public safety issues. Sudden water discharges from automatically operated turbines, locks and gates can cause levels to rise rapidly, creating a hazard to boaters and swimmers.

If the proposals pass, the exclusionary zones would likely take effect in early 2008.

For more information, contact Maj. Keith Templeton at (919) 707-0030.