May 8, 2012

In the last edition of Balancing the Basin, I mentioned that the Savannah District was working on a draft Environmental Assessment known as an “Interim Drought Plan EA” that would evaluate minor adjustments to the 2006 Drought Contingency Plan. We have completed the Draft EA and are currently soliciting comments from state and federal natural resource agencies, stakeholders, and the public. I invite you to review the study on our website on our "Plans and Reports" page.

Our Draft EA examined alternative drought management approaches that could respond more efficiently to the varying needs of the basin. It focused on improving use of conservation storage to meet the Congressionally-authorized purposes of the reservoirs: water supply and water quality, downstream navigation, hydropower, fish and wildlife, flood risk management, and recreation.

Our recommended alternative uses an inflow-based drought indicator, which would adjust releases from the three-reservoir system as river inflows decline at the USGS Broad River gage at Bell, an unregulated tributary that flows into the Thurmond reservoir.

We understand that drought is a major concern for our stakeholders throughout the Savannah River Basin. Our goal is to balance the needs of upstream and downstream users, within our Congressionally-authorized authorities, to ensure the overall sustainment of the basin, human health, and the environment. Therefore, our Planning and Engineering team designed this EA to provide flexibility to the existing Drought Contingency Plan during extended drought periods. We wanted to identify ways to respond earlier in a drought to conserve additional water storage, while balancing the impacts of drought on our other project purposes.

Once we collect and assess public comments, the EA could go into effect as early as June. This EA is expected to remain in place until we complete the next step of the Savannah River Basin Comprehensive Study, which will update the drought plan based on the "drought of record."

On another note, I extend a tremendous 'thank you' to the community groups, stakeholders, Corps employees, government officials and others who contributed to the Hartwell Dam and Lake 50th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony on April 27. More than 350 people attended the event, including about 15 former construction workers and their family members. It was an honor to shake their hands and tell them how much we appreciate their service to the Hartwell Project, the region, and the nation.

But as we remembered and honored the last 50 years, we also looked ahead to the future, highlighting the need to update and modernize infrastructure across the nation. I extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Richard Lockwood, Chief of Operations and Regulatory for the USACE Headquarters, for delivering the keynote address at the ceremony, who spoke on the theme of infrastructure transformation from the national perspective. I also thank the many Congressional staffers who attended on behalf of Congressmen in the region. You can see additional coverage and photos of the 50th Anniversary ceremony included in this issue of Balancing the Basin.

If you've read a newspaper or watched the news lately, you’ve probably heard of the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project. We released the project’s final report on April 11 for public comment. This report culminated 15 years of intense study, comprehensive analysis, and coordination with multiple state and federal agencies, stakeholders, and the public. We anticipate a Record of Decision later this year, which would be the final step before construction can begin. This a major milestone for the Savannah District, the State of Georgia, and the entire nation, as our reports indicate the harbor deepening would bring an annual net benefit of $174 million to the nation. Learn more about the engineering, environmental and economic aspects of the project on our SHEP website.

As with every project we do in the Corps of Engineers, we strive to be transparent with the public and our stakeholders. I hope you find that Balancing the Basin helps do just that. Please pass it along to a friend or coworker, or click the "Subscribe" link to join our mailing list. If you have story ideas or comments, please let us know by contacting the Corporate Communications Office.

V/R
COL Hall

February 10, 2012

To our communities, residents and stakeholders of the Savannah River Basin:

As we progress through 2012, the Corps of Engineers Savannah District team continues to work diligently on various projects at Hartwell, Richard B. Russell and J. Strom Thurmond.

Our engineering and planning team is working on an Environmental Assessment that will evaluate minor adjustments to the 2006 Drought Contingency Plan that could allow the Corps to implement changes during the current drought, depending on the recommended alternative and project conditions. This EA, which we are calling the "Interim Drought Plan EA," will contain alternative drought management approaches to more efficiently respond to the varying needs of the basin and improve the use of conservation storage to meet project purposes. The EA is scheduled for public release this spring and will remain in place until the end of the next step of the Savannah River Basin Comprehensive Study (revision of existing Drought Contingency Plan).

We are keenly focused on initiating the next steps within the Savannah River Basin Comprehensive Study. The study will examine the extensive interactions of resources, project purposes and environmental and social aspects of the entire basin. It would improve our scientific understanding of the effects of reservoir operations during all flow conditions, and allow us to identify the effects that would result from major changes in those operations. The Comprehensive Study is required for the Corps to make changes to the water management plan that are outside our existing Congressionally-defined authorities.

The study is a joint endeavor between the Corps of Engineers and the states of Georgia and South Carolina. The Corps met with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Georgia DNR, and The Nature Conservancy earlier this week to discuss how we should best focus study efforts to result in useful products. Resuming this study has taken much longer than any of us thought, but we continue to get closer to identifying and agreeing on the specific tasks that would be performed, the cost of those tasks, and which party would perform them. I invite you to read more about these efforts and more in the “From the Water Managers” column in this edition of the e-newsletter.

Also, we are gearing up to celebrate an historic occasion—the 50th anniversary of the completion of the Hartwell Dam and Power Plant. We are working with community partners to bring activities to Hartwell throughout 2012 to commemorate the anniversary year.

We recently awarded a repair contract for the Richard B. Russell Dam. Once the work is complete, the power plant’s full generating and pump back capacity will be restored. Pump back generation provides more peak-demand electricity while re-using the same amount of water again and again. READ MORE

And as always, we stress the importance of sound safety decisions and planning while on the water this winter. Colder weather increases the chances of boaters, hunters and fisherman of developing hypothermia. Your first line of defense is to always wear a properly-fitting, U.S. Coast-Guard approved life jacket.

v/r,
COL Jeff Hall
Commander, Savannah District

October 25, 2011

For this edition of Balancing the Basin, we invited three federal natural resource agencies to share information with you, our stakeholders, about their roles in the management of the Savannah River Basin.

I'd like to thank our counterparts at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, and the Environmental Protection Agency for their contributions to this issue. Their articles help us to communicate the importance of environmental conservation and protection as it relates to our water management actions.

We rely on the scientific expertise of these organizations so that we can balance the needs of upstream and downstream users while protecting fish, wildlife, plants, endangered species, human health and the environment. This multi-purpose, multi-agency approach—as authorized by Congress—requires us to constantly adapt as we balance often-conflicting needs throughout the Savannah River Basin.

Speaking of adapting, we constantly look at forecasts and weather patterns. These forecasts help us make the best scientific decisions on managing the water in the reservoirs—especially during times of drought like we face now.

Unfortunately, long-range weather forecasts for the upper basin show drier-than-normal conditions for the winter and spring. Simply put, we need rain. Two weeks ago, I directed our water managers to further reduce discharges from the J. Strom Thurmond Dam from 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) (daily average) to 3,800 cfs. While the reservoirs remain at drought level 2, further reducing outflows beyond the level 2 threshold will help keep more water in the reservoirs so that we can be better poised to endure the drought in coming months.

One thing I must stress again is that during times like these, we only produce hydropower as a byproduct of releasing water to meet downstream needs. These downstream needs include the needs of the federal agencies featured in this issue, and the hundreds of thousands of people, plants and animals that call the Savannah River Basin "home."

v/r,
COL Jeff Hall
Commander, Savannah District

September 7, 2011

We announced last week that the three reservoirs on the Savannah River reached the second drought trigger level. This means we took immediate action to reduce water discharges from the reservoir system.

As discussed previously with you at meetings and as part of this column, it's the Corps' job to manage the entire Savannah River Basin as one system. Our decisions affect Hartwell, Thurmond, Augusta, the Savannah River Site, Plant Vogtle, and many others who depend on the river for their livelihood and well being. The city of Savannah gets 50 percent of its drinking water from the river, as do other municipalities downstream. We don’t take this responsibility lightly nor do we make decisions without careful consideration, consultation, and analysis. We have defined procedures we must follow to protect both people and the environment.

Cities, businesses, and utilities draw from the reservoirs and the river to provide drinking water and support industry—which in turn creates jobs. The states oversee and permit withdrawals from the water system. We do not. Our water managers talk regularly with SC and GA resource agencies on water management in order to gauge needs of upstream and downstream users. In addition to GA and SC, the reduction in water leaving the reservoirs requires the concurrence of the federal resource agencies which are also charged with enforcing numerous federal laws related to water.

The dam and reservoirs were not built solely for lake residents. In fact, Congress authorized them for multiple purposes: flood risk management; hydropower generation; water supply for residents/commercial uses throughout the basin; water quality for environmental stewardship throughout the basin; recreation throughout the basin; and downstream navigation. Project authorization mandates us to achieve a balance between project purposes. In order for any specific project purpose to be designated as a "higher" priority, legislation to amend or change the existing authorizations and cost allocations would have to be initiated and passed by Congress. We understand that many people would like the Corps to operate its reservoir projects differently. Major changes in operation of the reservoirs require careful study of the benefits and impacts associated with the proposed changes. These analyses are typically performed in a Comprehensive Basin Study which produces updated operating rules and revised costs allocations. For example, if reservoirs are kept full during drought for a specific user group, downstream impacts will need to be mitigated and paid for by that user group.

You may have read or heard the suggestion that we set the outflows from Thurmond to 3600 cfs year-round. While initiating a 3600 cfs maximum higher in the pools instead of Trigger Level 3 would conserve water benefiting the upstream users, it would negatively impact the downstream users and the environment. The drought plan attempts to balance impacts to users throughout the basin as drought becomes more severe. Past droughts have shown that prolonged periods of 3600 cfs have caused concern by natural resource agencies indicating detrimental effects on critical habitat downstream of the reservoirs. At some point, drought potentially impacts all users negatively, but the drought contingency plan initiates actions that share the impacts equitably as the pools decline rather than benefiting one group of users and harming another beyond repair. It is important to remind users that it was through their stakeholder input representing various interest groups that established the elevations and magnitudes of the drought triggers.

Simply put, Congress did not authorize "economic impacts" as a purpose for the reservoirs we manage. We must follow the direction of the Congress. To do otherwise would exceed our authority.

Priorities change depending on changing conditions. During a drought, electricity is only generated as a by-product of meeting the downstream flow requirements. Power generation does NOT drive discharges during a drought. Power is generated because we have to let water go downstream for the uses described above.

To better communicate the process, we developed the Balancing the Basin e-newsletter. It's designed to help stakeholders have a better understanding of our water management procedures. More information on water management can be viewed by going to our "Questions and Answers" section of the water manager's page which was published in the August 2011 edition.

I hope that this information is helpful and better explains the need to manage the basin as one system.

v/r,
COL Jeff Hall
Commander, Savannah District

August 1, 2011

We've initiated our Drought Management Plan because our reservoirs on the Upper Savannah Basin have reached the first drought trigger level. This means we immediately reduced water discharges from the reservoirs.

I urge you to use extra caution when boating, swimming or fishing during the next weeks. As the reservoir levels decline, underwater obstructions will be closer to the surface. This is particularly dangerous for boaters and skiers. Swimmers should not venture outside designated swimming areas. All visitors should wear a life jacket when swimming, boating or fishing. Dock owners may need to move their docks to remain in adequately deep water.

Some people may think it is wise to retain as much water as possible in the reservoirs. However, to do so imposes a heavy hardship on many thousands of people who rely on the Savannah River. Below Thurmond Dam various municipalities, industries, counties, utilities, and wildlife depend on adequate flows of the river. These include the cities of Augusta, Ga., North Augusta, S.C., Savannah, Ga., and Jasper County, S.C., among others.

While we understand the frustration businesses and property owners around the reservoirs express, we must strive to meet all the purposes of the reservoirs as set by Congress. We also know that droughts end and the reservoir levels will return to normal. Water must be allocated during droughts to reduce environmental impacts and to provide project benefits for public health and safety.

I encourage you to access our web pages that monitor lake level web pages. You can find them on the left side of the home page at http://water.sas.usace.army.mil, and we will continue to keep you informed about our management of the Savannah River’s water resources.

v/r,
COL Jeff Hall
Commander, Savannah District

May 11, 2011

What a great time of the year! It’s that time when Mother Nature beckons and we head to the great outdoors. Outdoor recreation benefits our physical and emotional rejuvenation and promotes respect for our natural resources.

We here at the Savannah District are blessed to have three of the best lake and recreations areas in the nation, along with the many Low Country rivers and of course, the Atlantic Ocean. With these beautiful resources comes a responsibility to focus on water safety. The goal of my message is to encourage each of you to enjoy the water and have lots of fun, but never forget, or maybe better said "always be thinking" about water safety first.

LAKE & RIVER – BOATING SAFETY

Everyone on a boat, and near the water, should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, whether the boat is a large speedboat or a small canoe — and whether you're a good swimmer or not. Wearing a life jacket (also known as a personal flotation device, or PFD) is the law in some states for certain age groups, and you could face a stiff penalty for breaking it. Always be aware of the law in your area – some states require that you wear an approved life jacket for water skiing and other on-water activities. Better yet, just wear the PFD for all the other great reasons, such as the consequences to your family and friends when you don’t! Wearing a PFD is like wearing a bike helmet. It may take a few minutes to get used to it, but it definitely can be a lifesaver. Don't leave land without it.

Alcohol is involved in numerous water-related injuries and up to half of all water-related deaths. The statistics for teenage males are particularly scary: one half of all adolescent male drownings are tied to alcohol use. More people die in boating accidents every year than in airplane crashes or train wrecks, but a little common sense can make boating both enjoyable and safe. If you are going to go boating, make sure the captain or person handling the boat is experienced and competent. Alcohol and water still don't mix. Alcohol distorts a person's judgment and slows down reaction time. That distortion is even greater on the water.

The U.S. Coast Guard warns people about a condition called boater's fatigue, which means that the wind, noise, heat, and vibration of the boat all combine to wear you down when you're on the water. Because there are no road signs or lane markers on the water and the weather can be unpredictable, it's important to be able to think quickly and react well under pressure. If you're drinking alcohol, this is often impossible.

LAKE & RIVER – SWIMMING SAFETY

Children or inexperienced swimmers should ALWAYS wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device/life jacket when around the water. Watch out for the dangerous "too's" – too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity. Be sure to set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep). Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, depth changes, obstructions and where the entry and exit points are located. The more informed you and your family are, the less likely you are to be injured or worse. Always use a feet-first water entry—head and neck injuries and resulting fatalities occur far more often from "diving" in head first.

Remember – swimming in an open body of water (such as a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool. You need more energy to handle the currents and other conditions, and have no quick escape route. Always swim with a partner, even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps, which might make it difficult to get out of the water. When people swim together, they can help each other or go for help in case of an emergency.

Speaking of emergencies, it's good to be prepared. Learning some life-saving techniques, such as CPR and rescue techniques, can help you save a life. A number of organizations offer free classes for both beginning and experienced swimmers and boaters. Check with your YMCA or local hospital, or chapter of the Red Cross.

Lightning can hit the ground before the rain does so take shelter from storms early.

Check out additional water safety advice at http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/wtrsafty.html

Enjoy your summer and be safe! Don't Drink & Navigate - JUST WEAR IT!

v/r,
COL Jeff Hall
Commander, Savannah District

January 31, 2011

Back in October I had a whirlwind tour of the upper Savannah River Basin and met with a number of stakeholder and media groups representing a wide array of interests, including hydropower, lake community, business, recreation, veterans, environmental and natural resources. During my visit, stakeholders had an opportunity to voice their concerns and interests. The meetings also gave me a chance to share my command philosophy and approach for balancing the water needs of stakeholders in the basin.

During my discussion, I emphasized that rain and drought are natural occurrences. Even before we built the three Corps of Engineers dams on the upper Savannah River, this region would go through periods of heavy rain and drought. The Corps’ reservoirs have enabled many communities to exist and grow, even during periods of drought. We have experienced two new record breaking droughts in the last 10 years and have found it necessary to adapt to meet these extreme events. Through the Savannah District’s multipurpose management of these limited water resources, we attempt to achieve a balance among the many needs of the region.

It’s important to remember that the Savannah River basin watershed is managed as one system – from the headwaters to the Atlantic Ocean. Congress authorized these reservoirs as multi-purpose projects. The authorized purposes include flood risk management, hydropower, recreation, water supply-water quality, navigation, and environmental stewardship. The water management staff in the Savannah District strives daily to meet as many needs for as many users as possible throughout the Savannah River Basin. We know that the actions we take affect many people directly. We take that responsibility very seriously.

It may seem wise—to some—to retain as much water as possible in the reservoirs. However, to do so would impose a heavy hardship on many thousands of people who rely on the Savannah River. Below Thurmond Dam various municipalities, industries, counties, utilities, and wildlife depend on adequate flows of the river. These include the cities of Augusta, Ga.; North Augusta, S.C.; and Savannah, Ga., and Jasper County, S.C., among others. In addition nuclear and fossil fueled power plants along the Savannah River must have an adequate flow of river water to continue to provide electricity to a vast swath of the lower Savannah River Basin.

However, when we enter the first drought level, we reduce outflows from the reservoirs. This reduction has environmental impacts on the downstream communities, the estuary and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. As we move into more severe drought levels, we further reduce outflows causing additional impacts to the downstream environment. Stopping flows from the dam all together would have a catastrophic impact on many thousands of people and would likely kill endangered species.

There seems to be a consistent misconception about hydropower production. During drought, hydropower takes a backseat. During droughts we generate electricity only as a by-product of meeting downstream needs. We must send water downstream to meet needs in the lower basin so we pass that water through the power plant getting a double benefit from the same water.

While we understand the frustration businesses and property owners around the reservoirs express, we must strive to meet all the purposes of the reservoirs as set by Congress. We also know that droughts end and the reservoir levels return to normal. Then, and only then, do we move hydropower out of the backseat but we never let it "drive." The professional water managers, planners and operators who work for me act as my GPS, but I drive. Hydropower is a passenger.

We will use this newsletter to explain our water management approach to stakeholders and others who have an interest in the Savannah River Basin. I encourage you to share it with your friends and neighbors in hopes that we can balance our conversation and work for all who rely on the river.

v/r,
COL Jeff Hall
Commander, Savannah District