License Overview

Remmel Dam, the older of the two dams, was the first major generating facility in Arkansas, built by Arkansas Power & Light under the leadership of Harvey Couch in 1923. Carpenter Dam was built 9 years later by AP&L, which later became Entergy. Both are on the Ouachita River. Remmel Dam creates Lake Catherine and Carpenter Dam creates Lake Hamilton. The dams and lakes together form Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project #271.

The two hydroelectric stations can generate 65.3 megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 50,000 homes.

Under the license issued by FERC, Entergy has numerous responsibilities regarding both the operation of the dams and the management of the shoreline of the associated lakes. “Harvey Couch would be very pleased to see that in 2003-- and now looking ahead through 2053 -- his dream endures. His project continues to benefit the people of Arkansas as a source of recreation, scenic beauty, and emission-free electricity,” said Doug Sikes, manager of Entergy Hydro Operations.

The renewed license is similar to the previous one, but there are some differences in what it requires of Entergy.

The general nature and purpose of the license will not change. Entergy is still responsible for facilitating general recreational use of the lakes and managing non-project use (docks, seawalls, etc.) in a manner that protects and enhances the project’s scenic, recreational and environmental value.

However, the license is more specific and, in some cases, more restrictive in how Entergy is required to fulfill its obligations. Many of the changes involve environmental considerations.

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