Interior cites 'jeopardy' to Cherokee sites

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2002

The Department of Interior is opposing plans to dredge a South Carolina lake for fear of disturbing ancestral Cherokee sites.

In a motion filed late last month with federal regulators, the department sought to intervene in a project at Lake Keowee. An Interior attorney cited an obligation to "protect Indian cultural resources."

"The proposal places in jeopardy the preservation . . . of certain Cherokee village sites containing human remains, objects and structures of great importance to the Cherokee people and to the United States," the September 26 filing stated.

The document, which was first reported by The Greenvile News, was sent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, an independent federal agency with oversight of hydro-electric projects. A private company, Duke Energy Corporation, created on the lake as part of a nuclear generating station.

A Duke spokesperson quoted by the paper said the company will follow state law regarding human remains. Federal intervention by the Interior could force consultation with any number of Cherokee tribes associated with the site. It could also require repatriation of any remains or artifacts.

But a developer associated with the project told the paper he will halt excavation if necessary. "We'd be very interested if they're there, because, gosh, we'd be the first ones to want to protect them," James B. Anthony said.

However, some work was already "completed" last year, according to other documents on file with FERC. Anthony said his development company "mistakenly" excavated sediment from the lake.

E-mails also show correspondence with Interior field representatives regarding the project. The company eventually re-submitted paperwork, agreeing to notify state archaeologists if any artifacts are uncovered.

According to FERC documents, the project involves dredging a total of 3,300 cubic yards of sediment from the bottom of the lake and adjoining on-shore property. Already, 126 cubic yards have been removed.

The dredging is designed to complement a housing development on the lake known as The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards. Homeowners are having trouble navigating their boats during low water levels, according to federal and state documents.

The Interior motion does not specify the exact location of the sites it believes are in jeopardy but the area is rich in Cherokee history. When Duke Energy first began to create the 18,400-acre lake in 1967, hundreds of remains and items were uncovered.

The lake in fact is named after Keowee, a regional capital of the Cherokee Nation. Duke removed some burial grounds and relocated them elsewhere.

Relevant Documents:
DOI Motion to Intervene (FERC Docket P-2503-068)

Relevant Links:
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - http://www.ferc.gov
Duke Energy Corporation - http://www.duke-energy.com
The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards - http://www.cliffscommunities.com/keowee2.html