FERC License Surrender and Decommissioning
On December 18, 2018, Georgia Power filed applications with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to surrender the licenses for two hydroelectric projects located on the Chattahoochee River — the Langdale Project (FERC No. 2341), located in Georgia east of Valley, Alabama, and the Riverview Project (FERC No. 2350), located one mile downstream from the Langdale Project in Chambers County, Alabama and Harris County, Georgia. The FERC process included public meetings, consultation with Federal and State agencies and numerous field studies.
As part of the license surrender process, Georgia Power is removing the dams, demolishing the Riverview powerhouse, preserving the Langdale powerhouse in place, and adding a new public park in Valley, AL on the Langdale site. Removal of the dams will benefit aquatic species by enhancing the area’s riverine shoal habitat consistent with Georgia Power’s ongoing environmental stewardship efforts and will provide a scenic and unobstructed stretch of river for local communities and visitors, including enhanced river connectivity for natural recreational paddling experiences.
On April 16, 2026, FERC issued an Order Approving Surrender of Project Licenses and Removal of Project Features.
Location Map
FAQs
Why did Georgia Power propose to surrender the Langdale and Riverview FERC licenses and remove the dams and Riverview powerhouse?
After local mill closure occurred in the 2000s the power from the Langdale and Riverview facilities was no longer needed, and, as a result, the projects no longer served their original purpose.
By 2009 the existing, vintage hydropower equipment no longer worked.
Why remove the dams entirely?
Georgia Power made the determination to request removal of the dams because the facilities had become obsolete and non functioning after mill closures. FERC evaluated Georgia Power’s request based on input from Federal and State agencies and the public.
Based on that evaluation, FERC concluded removal of the dams provided greater environmental and public benefits than project rehabilitation.
FERC also acknowledged that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was partnering with Georgia Power to help complete portions of the dam removal work due to the benefits in improved habitat for shoal bass and other aquatic species. Water quality standards will continue to be met throughout the removal project.
What authorizations has Georgia Power received to remove the Langdale and Riverview Projects?
FERC approval involves input from Federal and State agencies and the public. FERC approved Georgia Power’s proposal to surrender the licenses and remove the dams in its April 16, 2026 Order Approving Surrender of Project Licenses and Removal of Project Features.
Can I participate in the FERC process?
The FERC license surrender proceeding has concluded. You may review the documents filed in the FERC process on this webpage. After removal of the dams, FERC requires monitoring for an 18-month to 2-year period so that FERC can verify the work was completed and that the project area is stabilized. You can continue to follow updates on the removal of the dams by subscribing to the FERC dockets for the Langdale and Riverview Projects using docket numbers, P-2341 and P-2350. To sign up for FERC Online eSubscription, click here.
Construction Updates
Construction is expected to start in 2026 and will continue into 2027/2028. As the construction schedule is refined, and continuing throughout active construction, Georgia Power will post updates here.
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