Yadkin Project (FERC No. 2197)
Drought Contingency Plan Conference Call
October 1, 2009
Participants:
- Alan Jones, Alcoa Power Generating Inc.
- Bill Bunker, Alcoa Power Generating Inc.
- Chris Goudreau, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
- Dan Emerson, US Army Corps of Engineers
- Daniel Ngandu, NC Division of Water Resources
- Deb Owen, NC Division of Water Quality
- Doug Aman, Progress Energy
- Drew Elliot, Progress Energy
- Garry Kenney, Badin Lake Association
- Hope Mizzell, SC Department of Natural Resources / State Climatology Office
- Jim Mead, NC Division of Water Resources
- Jody Johns, Long View Associates
- John Crutchfield, Progress Energy
- Larry Jones, High Rock Lake Association
- Larry Turner, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
- Marshall Olson, Alcoa Power Generating Inc.
- Max Gardner, Progress Energy
- Mindy Taylor, Progress Energy
- Robert Brown, RB|PR
- Sonya Harden, Alcoa
Because the U.S. Drought Monitor recently classified portions of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin (Basin) as D1 “Moderate Drought” and in accordance with the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) for the Yadkin Project (FERC No. 2197), Marshall Olson, APGI, convened a call among interested parties to consider actual and forecasted stream flow, precipitation, and groundwater levels in the Basin. Marshall noted that the drought conditions are more prevalent in the southern portion of the Basin and that High Rock and Narrows reservoirs are only 1.8-ft and 1.7-ft below full pool respectively. Marshall indicated that the format of the call would follow the typical ‘round robin’ format of previous calls.
Alan Jones, APGI, reported that upstream flows have been decent, although trending downward. Recently with inflows around 1,900 cfs, APGI has passed 2,000 cfs on average for the month of September. APGI has plans to continue to operate the Project conservatively, while maintaining the ability to handle any extreme flows.
Dan Emerson said that W. Kerr Scott Reservoir is currently at elevation 1,029.4-ft and the USACE has plans to draw down the reservoir to elevation 1028-ft by the middle of October for a period of 1.5 weeks to facilitate a planned shoreline stabilization project. He said that APGI and others downstream could expect a slug of water on or about October 10. Continuing, Dan reported that there has been a healthy amount of rainfall above the project (7.5 inches in September). The average inflow in September was 482 cfs and the most recent 7-day average inflow was 817 cfs. Dan noted that with the exception of one day and any planned drawdowns, W. Kerr Scott Reservoir has been at or above its guide curve for the past year.
Neither the NC Department of Environment and Conservation (Divisions of Water Resources and Water Quality) nor the NC Wildlife Resources Commission had any comments.
Larry Jones, on behalf of the High Rock Lake Association, complimented APGI’s reservoir operations during the summer. He said that reservoir levels were stable and consistent all summer long. Those living around High Rock witnessed less shoreline erosion and better water clarity. Larry mentioned the recent untreated wastewater spill from the City of Thomasville’s treatment plant and noted residents’ reports of illness. He said that the HRLA is concerned about the lack of State enforcement and/or action against the City. Deborah Owen acknowledged Larry’s comment.
Gary Kenney, Badin Lake Association, echoed Larry’s comments about APGI’s reservoir operations during the summer. He also commended APGI on recent public statements about how the Project will be operated during times of drought prior to the issuance of a new Project license.
Max Gardner spoke on behalf of Progress Energy. He said that Progress Energy continues to operate Tillery and Blewett in accordance with the project license. Both reservoirs are currently full or near full.
Larry Turner, SCDEHC, has not received reports of any problems from dischargers or water suppliers in the area.
Hope Mizzell said that the SC Drought Response Committee will likely upgrade the status of the Pee Dee River Basin to the first level of drought, or incipient (i.e. a drought watch). She said that while the drought indices are elevated, impacts to agriculture and forestry have not been significant. Hope reminded the group that October and November are the driest months of the year; the average rainfall in October is 3 inches. She said that normal rainfall is forecasted over the next 6-10 days and then a low pressure system is expected to move into the area and pump in some moisture. Hope noted that she is more optimistic about the winter months, when the El Nino pattern is expected to bring at least normal rainfall.
Marshall said that APGI will continue to monitor the U.S. Drought Monitor and that if more than 10 percent of the Yadkin Pee Dee River Basin remains classified as D1 Moderate Drought APGI will schedule another DMT call in about a month’s time.
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North Carolina Drought Monitoring Council
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