MORGANTOWN – Lake Lynn Generation has supplied answers to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for questions FERC sent to the company in January regarding alleged poor maintenance of recreation sites the company oversees around Cheat Lake.
On Jan. 17, FERC wrote to the company: “We received several allegations concerning the lack of oversight and maintenance associated with recreation facilities required … of the project license and the approved recreation plan for the Lake Lynn Hydroelectric Project. The information we received indicates that you are not adequately removing garbage and debris and appropriately maintaining facilities. You have a continued obligation to maintain your project recreation facilities under your approved recreation management plan and under [federal code].”
FERC wanted answers on these topics:
A detailed statement regarding the frequency of trash and debris removal and mowing at each recreation site.
A detailed statement regarding the frequency of general ground maintenance at each recreation site.
An explanation for the out-of-service toilets, sinks and water fountains at the Cheat Lake Park; and its plan and schedule for getting them back in service before the upcoming recreation season.
The storage and/or placement of sand over storm drains within various other areas of the recreation sites.
What has been done to address the rusty metal sticking up out of the ground at the playground at Cheat Lake Park.
The company sent its answers on Friday.
Regarding trash and debris, it said it empties trash receptacles daily April through September and twice per week October through March at six sites, including Cheat Lake Park.
It conducts security and maintenance patrols daily April through September and twice per week October through March at the same sites. “The patrols pick up litter, identify hazards such as downed trees, and identify maintenance and/or public safety needs.”
Mowing and weed eating are performed weekly from May through October dependent upon growth at five sites.
Regarding maintenance, it repeated its remarks about the patrols and mowing.
It told FERC that general recreation facility maintenance, including cleaning, painting and repair of park infrastructure, is performed as needed. Larger scale repairs and maintenance occur during the off-season. This February and March, contractors are scheduled to perform maintenance activities in the bathrooms, including painting the bathrooms, repairing bathroom stall doors and upgrading plumbing.
The 2024 plumbing upgrades include touchless toilet and sink sensors that will improve hygiene and efficiency, Lake Lynn said,
Interpretive signs at the information kiosks are weathered and aged, it said, and it its working to have new signs made and replaced before the 2024 Memorial Day weekend.
Lake Lynn said of the out-of-service facilities that it “has observed an increased rate of vandalism at Cheat Lake Park over the last several years.”
Last winter, copper plumbing was stolen from the bathrooms at Cheat Lake Park and they had to be closed until the plumbing could be replaced in 2023.
The company became aware of a water pressure issue at Cheat Lake Park in October 2023, caused by a water leak. It is investigating the location of the leak to determine the scope of repair. If it can’t be completed by April 1, it will notify FERC of a plan and schedule for repairs.
Preventative maintenance requires the bathrooms to be closed for winterization, Lake Lynn said. The water is shut off Nov. 1 through March 31 to prevent freezing damage. A portable toilet at the main upper parking area at Cheat Lake Park is provided as an alternative.
The water fountains at Cheat Lake Park work, Lake Lynn said, but it has learned that the levers that releases water are difficult to operate. It is investigating the issue and plans to resolve it when upgrading the plumbing.
The placement of sand over storm drains was a one-time communication error, Lake Lynn said, and will be rectified for future deliveries.
The metal at the playground is part of the playground equipment’s foundation, Lake Lynn said. Mulch is placed every spring around the equipment but spreads out in areas of high traffic. “Lake Lynn plans to increase the frequency of placing mulch in the playground to twice a year and/or more frequently as needed.”
The company concludes its letter, “Safety and compliance are top priorities for Lake Lynn. Lake Lynn is committed to managing and maintaining the Project recreation sites in compliance with the Project’s approved Recreation Plan and to ensure the safety of recreation users.”
FERC is reviewing Lake Lynn Generation’s application to renew its Lake Lynn Hydroelectric Project license. As part of the application, Lake Lynn Generation/Eagle Creek Renewable Energy propose to remove 307.1 acres surrounding Cheat Lake from federal protection. FERC held a public hearing in Morgantown on the case on Sept. 25.
They say they will make no changes to operations or facilities. But the proposal has generated significant skepticism and opposition from the public and various groups with an interest in the lake – who fear the land may in fact be sold off to developers.
In response to the concerns about the acreage, a bipartisan resolution – sponsored by seven local delegates – is working its way through the Legislature to study turning Cheat Lake into a state park to keep the land protected.
Email: dbeard@dominionpost.com
