Duke Energy work proposed in national forest
The Nantahala National Forest is reviewing a proposal from Duke Energy that would allow the company to upgrade its electrical distribution system located on national forest land in the Winding Stairs area of Macon County.
Under the proposal, Duke would install about 1,400 feet of new electrical distribution line underground near the bike path at Queens Creek, install about 3,000 feet of new electrical distribution line overhead along Winding Stairs Road, install about 2,700 feet of new electrical distribution line overhead between switchbacks on Forest Service Road 422, and develop two access roads — 1,700 feet and 700 feet in length — on old road beds.
The project would require boring and trenching to install underground lines, and vegetation would be cut to install overhead lines and access roads. Best management practices, such as native plant seeding and silt fences, would be used, and measures would be taken to protect the Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat.
Comments on the project are due by Aug. 6. Email comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mail to Steverson Moffat, NEPA Planning Team Leader, Nantahala Ranger District, 123 Woodland Drive, Murphy, N.C. 28906.
