Hydropower Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Shoreline Management

Shoreline management is a longstanding FERC initiative intended to protect the shoreline around hydropower projects reservoirs. An SMP is a comprehensive plan to manage the multiple resources and uses of the project's shorelines in a manner that is consistent with license requirements and project purposes, and addresses the needs of the public. Striking a balance between local economic interests and protecting project resources associated with conditions of the license allows the public to enjoy those resources, and is vital for the long-term success of an SMP.

An SMP addresses issues such as which areas should be reserved for various purposes (recreation, environmental protection, residential and commercial development) and what structures - piers, boat docks, patios, etc., may be constructed on licensee-owned shoreline lands. These plans are prepared by licensees in cooperation with local stakeholders and resource agencies, and submitted to the Commission for approval.

Licensees have a responsibility to ensure that shoreline development activities that occur within a project boundary are consistent with project license requirements, purposes, and operations. As development and multiple uses of the shoreline continue to grow, licensees will face more and more challenges related to the effects of such development on project lands and waters, including public recreational use and environmental resources. An SMP can assist the licensee in meeting its responsibilities throughout the term of its license.

While these plans are specific to a particular project, SMPs should generally contain a summary of the purpose, goals and objectives of the plan and a description of the shoreline use classifications, with identifies allowable and prohibited uses for existing and future use of the shoreline.  A plan may have multiple classification or sub-classification types, but they usually fall within three general types: (1) a protected or natural resource preservation classification; (2) a limited development classification; and, (3) a more intensive development classification. These plans should also include: (a) maps showing the shoreline classifications in relation to the project reservoir, project boundary, and various other features; (b) a permitting program and guidelines developed by the licensee; (c) a monitoring and enforcement program; and (d) provisions for periodic review and update of the plan.

The licensee for the project is responsible for enforcing the SMP. The licensee enforces the SMP by overseeing shoreline activities and taking actions to prevent unauthorized uses of project shorelines. The licensee must ensure that the proposed uses of the shoreline are consistent with the purposes of protecting and enhancing the scenic, recreational, and environmental values of the project while safely operating and maintaining the project.

Congressional mandates and court decisions over the past few decades have required FERC to balance competing uses of hydropower projects, including (but not limited to) power development, environmental protection, flood control, irrigation, and public recreation (such as fishing and boating) when issuing hydropower licenses. FERC's responsibility is to be a steward of the public's resources while ensuring licensees comply with the various conditions of the hydropower license imposed in their licensee. With regard to the SMP, FERC initially reviews and approves SMPs (usually with modifications) and then assures that the licensee is properly implements the provisions of the SMP as approved.

Project boundaries are used to designate the geographic extent of the hydropower project that FERC determines a licensee must own or control on behalf of its licensed hydropower project. The project boundary must enclose only those lands necessary for operation and maintenance of the project and for other project purposes, such as recreation, shoreline control, or protection of environmental resources, as designated in the project license. It should be noted that the establishment of the project boundary does not have any impact on property rights. Whatever rights landowners have in lands within the project boundary – whether conferred by deed, lease, easement or other conveyance – will not change.

Licensees may, with Commission approval, authorize specific uses and occupancies of the project reservoir shoreline that are not related to hydroelectric power production or other project purposes (non-project uses). The uses also impact the reservoir shoreline. Examples of non-project uses include, but are not limited to: commercial marinas, private residential boats docks and marinas,; shoreline erosion control structures; water withdrawal facilities; certain recreation facilities; utility lines; access roads; bridge crossings; and, significant dredging activities.