Smith Mountain Lake water plan draws large crowd

A plan altering water amounts released from Smith Mountain Lake still needs further review and discussion, a number of speakers said at a contentious public hearing in Gretna on Thursday.

A draft plan would change how much water Appalachian Power Company would be required to release from the Smith Mountain Project during drought periods.

Rather than releasing the minimum 650 cubic feet per second from the dam as is currently required, the draft permit that is part of the APCo re-licensing process would create a spectrum of amounts based on season, time of day and drought status.

Supporters of the plan say the lake would be kept closer to full pond, while reducing the flow downstream on the Staunton River. Opponents say the lake would not be kept high enough to protect public safety and recreation.

"We embrace the importance of balance for all and the belief that further work has to be done before it’s a truly balanced release protocol for all stakeholders above and below the Smith Mountain Lake dam,” said Russ Johnson, Franklin County supervisor and chairman of the Tri-County Re-licensing Committee. “Not just those served by the Smith Mountain Project but those downstream communities who draw water from the river itself.”

“The draft release requirements are based on a complex computer model that analyzed at least 70 years of historical stream flow,” said Brian McCrodden, a co-creator of the model.

The flow levels are calculated at Brookneal so the amount of water released at the dam could be much less depending on how much water is coming in from feeder streams.

“This proposed comment is not balanced and is not ready to go to the water board yet, from both parties’ standpoints,” said Fred Ingram, a Pittsylvania County supervisor and member of the Smith Mountain Lake Association.

The state water control board will make a decision on the permit October 16. A Roanoke River Basin Association has proposed a mid-September meeting in which all stakeholders involved can discuss the issue further and perhaps come up with an agreement, Johnson said.

“Supplying drinking water is the most important aspect to what is going to take place in this permit. ‘The plan’ is only looking at the lake; it does not look at the needs of drinking water downstream,” he said.

DEQ officials estimated that almost 1,000 people turned out to the hearing — so many that it was moved to the Gretna High School football field at the last minute.

Many recalled memories of the Staunton River before and after the dam was closed.

“The Staunton River is a part of a lot of us,” said Bobby Lloyd. “Not only would this affect the people, it will affect a lot of things. What about the habitat of the fish? What about the farms with cattle that depend on the river for water and drinking?”

Other speakers told how low lake levels impact boating and safety, because some vessels can’t get into coves or could run aground on shoals.

“We need the water level up to do our job properly,” said Al Busch, captain of Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire and Rescue. “We’re the only ones on that lake that can help you.

“I hope the proper authorities take their time and think about the adjustments of the water level and the safety of everybody.”