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Byllesby/Buck Hydroelectric Power Plant

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1911–1912. New River, New River Trail State Park

One of five hydroelectric projects still operating in Virginia under the direction of American Electric Power (AEP), the Byllesby/Buck complex consists of two plants, three miles apart. Built by the New River Development Corporation, each has a concrete gravity dam with ogee-shaped spillways and steel flood-gates. Turbine scroll cases, cast into each of the powerhouses' substructures, contain vertical generators. The main dam, located at Byllesby, is some 528 feet long and 44 feet high from toe to crest. The dams' powerhouses are brick buildings highlighted by simple pilasters. Both dams may be viewed close-up from the New River Trail State Park, a former railroad bed converted to a recreational trail.

Writing Credits

Author: 
Anne Carter Lee

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