dbeard@dominionpost.com
In response to allegations about poor Cheat Lake Park maintenance, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission told Lake Lynn Generation on Friday that it is generally complying with its license requirements regarding recreation.
However, FERC’s letter doesn’t appear to take into account current conditions at the park, based on a Friday visit to the park by The Dominion Post.
FERC says in its letter that the allegations were submitted in June 2024 and in April and August 2025. FERC sent several letters to Lake Lynn requesting information and received replies in January 2024 and in August 2025.
Restrooms and water fountains
Lake Lynn closed the restrooms and turned off the water fountains because of water leaks that were losing 60,000 gallons per day.
Lake Lynn was providing portable toilets and a water dispenser as temporary measures. The citizen group Save Cheat Lake alleged in August that the dispenser was not intended for outdoor use.
FERC said, “You state that you will continue to provide portable toilets until water is restored to the park.”
But as of Friday, there were no toilets or water dispenser (understanding that, regarding the dispenser, the area has experienced a period of freezing temperatures.) Save Cheat Lake point told FERC in a Feb. 22 submission that the toilets are gone, and is asking FERC to levy a $28,618 daily fine for the alleged violation,
In August, Lake Lynn entered into an agreement for Morgantown Utility Board to build a new line to the park, but that won’t start until 2027.
FERC told Lake Lynn, “Based on the information you provided, we find that you are in compliance with the terms and conditions of your license and approved recreation plan. Although the water leak problem remains ongoing, you demonstrate that you have taken, and continue to take, appropriate actions to ensure that the existing restroom facilities are being brought back into service and that drinkable water is provided at the park. … If you are unable to provide safe drinking water, you should file a request for a temporary variance from your approved recreation plan.”
Poor maintenance and debris
In its letter to Lake Lynn, FERC addressed complaints about exposed rusty metal, downed trees along the trial, trash and litter, among other maintenance issues.
FERC said, “Based on the information you provided, we find that you are in compliance with
the terms and conditions of your license and approved recreation plan.”
Save Cheat Lake said in its Feb. 22 submission to FERC that overflowing trash cans were causing trash to blow into the lake. It is seeking a daily fine of $28,618 for this.
On Friday, a damaged light fixture with exposed metal and wiring (wrapped in electric tape), broken wood and sharp edges sat just a few yards from the children’s play area.
The trash cans appear to have been emptied, but the plastic liners appear to have been installed incorrectly in most of them – the liners are collapsed and trash is sitting on top of them. Two dog waste bins were overflowing.
The winter boat ramp has a line of litter just above the water line, and litter sits on the lake banks at various spots.
In response to allegations about vandalism and dam security, FERC determined Lake Lyn is taking adequate measures.
Kayak launches
An issue not addressed by FERC because Save Cheat Lake just submitted a complaint about it on Feb. 22 is damage to the kayak launch dock. The group said one launch has torn off and drifted away. The other is damaged.
A look at the dock on Friday showed only one launch present. It is hinged and attached with pins for easy removal, but declining at a sharp angle, twisted and partially submerged. The group is seeking a $28,618 daily fine for this alleged violation.
Conclusion
FERC concludes its letter to Lake Lynn, “We determine that, based on recent information, you are in compliance with your license and approved recreation plan. … While your recreation facilities show signs of heavy use, we note here that some closures for maintenance are to be expected throughout the life of a project’s license and that you have taken measures to ensure that alternative recreational amenities are provided while addressing water leak issues.”
FERC is calling on Lake Lynn to provide an update on its efforts to fix the water leaks by June 27 and every four months thereafter. The company must also keep up with downed tree removal.
FERC said, “You are reminded that all facilities should be returned to service as soon as possible, and we recommend that you post the outage of any recreational facilities on your website to make the public aware of these outages, including an estimated date that the facilities will be returned to service and directions to alternative recreation facilities, if available nearby.”
FERC briefly notes that Lake Lynn has raised the issue of a possible entry fee for the park to offset the costs of installing a new water line and undertaking other needed repairs and upgrades.
“We note here that … you are permitted to collect reasonable fees from users to defray the costs of constructing, operating, and maintaining recreational facilities.”
