The feds relax a Fall Creek pedestrian trail requirement

A federal regulator has presented Duke Energy an either/or situation when it comes to a pedestrian trail to the popular Fall Creek Access Area.  As the licensee for the Keowee-Toxaway Hydro Project, Duke sought an extension of time to complete Fall Creek Access trail improvements.  After considering what’s involved “FERC” –the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission—gave Duke the following choice:  either build a nature/fishing trail on that Lake Keowee peninsula by March 31, 2024 or make application to change the Recreation Management Plan.  In September 2019, Duke notified “FERC” that it was restricting Fall Creek access to address public safety concerns—including multiple drownings in the area known as ‘Jumping Off Rock’”.  By fencing across the causeway, there have been no additional drownings.  But now there is vandalism, illegal use of the shoreline, along with severe environmental degradation.  And therefore, there’s concern on Duke’s part.