FERC filing- Key Island Rd

March 4, 2026

Debbie-Anne A Reese 

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

ATTN: OEP/Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance

888 First Street, N. E.

Washington, D. C. 20426

Subject: Allegation of Non-compliance regarding enforcing the Buffer Zone/Riparian Management Plan approved by the Commission in 2007. Project 516

Dear Secretary:

1- Lake Murray Watch is a conservation group that was formed over 20 years ago to promote the protection and enhancement of the project’s scenic, recreational and environmental resources.

2- The purpose of this filing is to inform the Commission of Lake Murray Watch’s concerns regarding findings during a recent shoreline inspection of the Key Island Cove development located on Lake Murray in Newberry County. The buffer zones at this development are managed by the 2007 Buffer Zone and Riparian Management Plan which was approved by FERC in 2007.

3- On October 6, 2025, Lake Watch and Mr. Jim Walters, a certified forestry consultant, inspected the buffer zone at the Key Island development on Lake Murray.  Mr. Walters’ report is attached below. Mr. Walters also reviewed the Buffer Zone and Riparian Plan Management Plan approved in 2007. The 2007 Plan prohibits removal of any vegetation/dead fall in the buffer area except for noxious weeds and vines and to install a narrow walkway to the dock.

4- Mr. Walter’s report indicated that on October 6, 2025, shoreline properties in the Key Island Cove development were examined to determine compliance with the most recent buffer zone management plan. These buffers were established several years ago, long after the current buffer plan was approved in 2007.  It was found,  that for the most part, the 25’ portion of the 75’ buffer  and land below the 360 contour were being protected (as required by the 2007 Plan), except for excessive clearing in the pathway to the dock. Most of the vegetation in the upper 50’ of the buffer, was cleared of natural vegetation except for scattered trees.  A number of properties were observed with turf installed all the way to the water line on paths considerably wider than the allowed 10 feet.

5- Based on these findings, Lake Watch hereby files a complaint with the Commission alleging that the buffer zones at this development do not meet the minimum requirements of the 2007 Plan. And that the Commission order Dominion Energy to require the violators to replant the buffer per the 2007 plan, which includes planting natural shrubs, bushes, and forbes.

6-In addition, Lake Watch request that the property owners be required to cease all mowing, blowing, raking and removal of live plants, leaf fall and dead wood within the buffer, which according to our expert is the only way to restore these important shore lands.

7- Dominion should require back property owners to read and sign the vegetative protection agreement and Dominion should emphasize to owners that buffers are public recreation areas.

Respectfully

Steve Bell

President- Lake Murray Watch

803-730-8121