Lake Jocassee

(Energy Production)

Portion of NAPP infrared photograph (1984). Lake Jocassee is in the
upper left (black) and the hydroelectric dam is in the center. The Keowee
River is to the lower right (also black).

Portion of topographic map from the Salem USGS quadrangle
(1959). Lake Jocassee is in the upper left and the hydroelectric
dam (outlined) is in the center.

Cartographic Products:

Lake Jocassee Lake Jocassee

(NAPP) (Topo Map)

SC MAPS Order Form (.xls format)

Rationale

The Lake Jocassee Region Study Area is a prime wilderness location characterized by rugged mountain topography, scenic waterfalls, pristine trout streams, and unique habitats which are home to more than fifty rare plant and animal species. Because of the undeveloped nature of this region, both the federal and state government, along with private groups such as the Nature Conservancy, have established a series of parks, preserves, and wild-and-scenic river corridors to help preserve this wilderness area for the study and enjoyment of future generations. Lake Jocassee is one part of a series of dams and reservoirs constructed, operated, and maintained by Duke Power Company, to provide electricity for the citizens residing in upstate South Carolina. The rugged topography is ideal for power generation by standard hydroelectric plants as well as pumped storage technology. Lake Keowee also provides cooling water for the Oconee Nuclear Station. The environmental demands created by power generation often conflict with goals of wilderness preservation. Duke Power Company, through their land management subsidiary, Crescent Resources, Inc., has established a winning partnership with state resource agencies and private organizations to provide the power needs of upstate South Carolina with minimal disruption to the environmental resources.

Background Information
    Description of Landforms
        Characteristic Landforms of the Blue Ridge
        Geographic Features of Special Interest
        Blue Ridge Rock Types
        Blue Ridge -- Piedmont Boundary
        Fracturing, Folding, and Uplift of the Blue Ridge
    Influence of Topography on Historical Events and Cultural Trends
        Native American Folklore
        Traditional Scottish Ballads of the Blue Ridge
        Ellicott's Rock
        Mountains as Recreational Areas
        Tourist Attractions
    Natural Resources, Land Use, and Environmental Concerns
        Climate Influences Land Use
        Trout Streams
        Fish Hatcheries and Stream Stocking
        Soils and Farming
        Unique Habitats and Changes Through Time
        Constructing Reservoirs
        Hydroelectric Power Plants
        Multiple Use of the Blue Ridge Landscape: Concepts and Conflicts

Study Site 2B--Lake Jocassee (Energy Production)
    Brief Site Description
        Introduction
    The Bad Creek Pumped Storage Project
    The Oconee Nuclear Station
    Transmission of Power
    Activity 2B-1:Watershed Management and the Environment
    Activity 2B-2: Power Production and Engineering