Environment
BIA questions dam's reach onto Cherokee land


The Bureau of Indian Affairs is questioning whether the operators of a dam concealed information in order to avoid sharing revenues with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina, The Smoky Mountain News reports.

Duke Energy's permit to operate the dam on the Oconaluftee River is about to expire. But the BIA said the company failed to provide an accurate map of the dam's operation.

After three years of waiting, the BIA says the map that was finally submitted shows the dam extends into Cherokee land. That would mean the tribe can share in revenues under the Federal Power Act.

Duke, however, denies the dam falls on Cherokee land. A spokesperson said the tribe sold the land in question back in 1924.

Get the Story:
Duke could owe tribe Oconaluftee dam profits (The Smoky Mountain News 7/5)

Relevant Links:
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians - http://www.cherokee-nc.com
Duke Energy - http://www.duke-energy.com

Related Stories:
Interior cites 'jeopardy' to Cherokee sites (10/15)