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March 12, 2009
Region prepares for drought
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With the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin experiencing moderate drought conditions, the Yadkin Drought Management Team is planning ahead to minimize impact on area lake levels
The Yadkin Drought Management Team, a collection of state and federal agencies, hydropower operators, business interests, lake advocates and others, is bracing for the possibility of another drought this summer. The team recently reviewed its plan for response, should the region experience below-average rainfall amounts again this year.
On March 3, the U.S. Drought Monitor classified the Yadkin – Pee Dee River Basin as experiencing moderate drought conditions, the lowest stage of drought. While conditions have improved in the past week as a result of a storm that brought up to 6 inches of snow, the Yadkin Drought Management Team is planning ahead to help protect the water supply.
“The recent snowfall was a tremendous boost but precipitation totals are still below average, especially in the upper end of the river basin. The weather patterns look a lot like last year, which could result in below average rainfall,†said Marshall Olson, environmental and natural resources manager for Alcoa-Yadkin, which operates the Yadkin Hydroelectric Project that includes High Rock Lake and Badin Lake. “The Drought Management Team is planning to closely monitor weather conditions and will recommend proactive steps to help minimize the impact of drought.â€
During last year’s drought, Alcoa-Yadkin and Progress Energy worked together to protect water levels at area reservoirs and provide a dependable flow of water to municipalities and business users located downstream. Alcoa-Yadkin voluntarily reduced its power generation and twice received permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to reduce the amount of water it is required to send downstream. Meanwhile, Progress Energy adjusted its operating schedule to protect public water system intakes that draw from the Yadkin–Pee Dee system.
All of the reservoirs along the Yadkin-Pee Dee River are currently near full, but groundwater levels throughout the region remain low. When groundwater levels are low, rainfall is absorbed into ground and does not flow into creeks and streams that feed the river.
During moderate drought conditions, the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council advises water users to begin conserving water.
About the Yadkin Drought Management Team
The Drought Management Team was established as part of the Yadkin Drought Contingency Plan following a severe drought that affected the Yadkin - Pee Dee watershed in 2002. The group includes representatives from the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, S.C. Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Alcoa-Yadkin, Progress Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Carolinas and High Rock Lake Association. Additional organizations with an interest in the Yadkin and Pee Dee Rivers, including representatives from the Badin Lake Association, also are participating.
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