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"Good News" - NC Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee now active.
The long awaited initiation of the NC-RRBAC was accomplished in a meeting at the NC State Legislative building on the 27th of August.Your Roanoke River Basin officers and Board Members have been working diligently to make this happen for many years. The committee along with it's counterpart VA RRBAC work as advisory groups to the legislature and administration of both states on River Basin water and other natural resource matters. The Bi-State Commission and Advisory Committees represent our best hope for collaborated and integrated recommendations for management of the natural resources of the Basin.

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RRBA Suggestion for a Win/Win Kerr Lake Guide Curve Change May be Adopoted For Interim Operations Deviation Proposal
Hydrologics Inc. and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will present the modeling results of the RRBA suggestion for the guide curve to be used for the Interim Operation proposal to the Corps of Engineers at a meeting on June 3, 2008. We were notified that modeling results looked good and could be a favorable compromise to all stakeholders. The Association has been seeking just that kind of change, and we must thank John Ryan, Board Director and Executive Committee member for coming up with it. John is a former COE official, lives on Kerr Lake and has excellent experience and knowledge in the operation at the reservoir.As of August 25, 2008 the RRBA alternative,now known as Option 6, is the only option left on the table as the project moves forward for approval

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RRBA Addresses the Virginia Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee
The Advisory committee of the VA Roanoke River Basin Bi-State commission appointed by the Governor requested the RRBA address an important session to be held on April 15, 2008 at the Kerr Lake Dam concerning the issue of Water Allocation and Inter-Basin Transfers. The session also included an update of the Smith Mountain License agreement work as well as presentations from the US Corps of Engineers, NCDENR Water Resources, and VADEQ Water Resources. Our presence and presentation at the meeting was requested since the Committee considers our Association as an important player in the arena of protecting water resources for present and future generations of Roanoke River Basin citizens.

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Lake Gaston Association Meeting
On March 5, 2008 representatives of the RRBA attended a regular and board meeting of the Lake Gaston Association (LGA). As requested the Association made a presentation on the concept of Riparian Rights, the key issues facing the Basin in area of Inter-Basin Transfers of water “threats” and the need to manage the Roanoke River Basin watershed as a Total System in order to optimize on water quantity and quality. The presentation was well received and the RRBA continues to enjoy a close relationship with the LGA.

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Interim Operational Deviation Request for Kerr Lake Sought by Corps of Engineers(COE)- March 18,2008
The RRBA was requested by the COE to respond to a plan to develop an interim operational procedure to be employed during periods of extreme flooding.The interim approach would be used prior to the completion of the current on going 216 Study, and would therefore be a deviation from current operational procedures. The RRBA agrees with the objective of the plan which would be to trigger flows that would greatly reduce the number of days the lakes, the river and the swamp remain underwater, especially during growing seasons. The idea is to "De-Water" the system as fast as possible after a flood event. The changes in operation are now being studied and documented in an environmental assessment to be completed in April. After the final documented deviation request papers are completed a Public hearing period will proceed. If adopted the effect of changes will be monitored to determine benefits and impacts to bottom land forests, shoreline erosion,farm land, recreation, hydropower, and spring fish spawning.

This approach closely resembles an "Adaptive Management" proposal made by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) following the severe prolonged flooding event in 2003 which caused much damage to the ecosystem. The RRBA supported the TNC proposal at that time and on March 18, 2008 we notified the COE that we support interim operational deviation request.

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VA BEACH – NORFOLK WATER SERVICES CONTRACT PROBLEMATIC
During the Kerr Lake drought of record in 2001/2002, the Corps of Engineers (COE), during stakeholder drought management meetings asked if VA Beach could reduce their withdrawals for a period of time to mitigate the low inflows in the river. VA Beach was able to buy surplus water from Norfolk and the withdrawals were reduced by 50% or better from the allowable 60 MGD. This action was very positive and helpful at that time. During the drought period of 2007/2008, at the urgency of the RRBA, the COE once again requested if a reduction of withdrawals from Lake Gaston was possible since VA Beach pumping was running at the maximum of 60MGD. This time VA Beach was unable to comply because of their contract with Norfolk, VA. Although drought conditions in that area were not severe, and the communities were not under any mandatory water restrictions, the Norfolk reservoirs were low due to repairs being done on the Burnt Mills Dam and the Blackwater River pumping station. As a result the VA Beach request was denied. The Water Services contract with VA Beach has a provision in Section 2.4 that allows Norfolk to demand water from the VA Beach supply above the current month demand as long as the Norfolk capacity is less than 90%. 2007 was the first time Norfolk has exercised that provision and unfortunately it came at a time that inflows in the Roanoke River Basin were at a record low. This sequence of events merely highlights the inherent flaw in agreements surrounding Inter-Basin transfers of water since in this case Norfolk was under no obligation to respond to the needs of the out of basin supplying watershed. The question remains — Did they care?

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URANIUM MINING
The controversial issue of mining for uranium in Pittsylvania County, Virginia is being monitored by the Association prior to taking a firm position. RRBA is not scientifically based and relies on the results of studies by scientists and technologists for intelligence on matters such as this. The Association was disappointed that the VA House tabled a bill that would study the benefits and risks of uranium mining in Virginia. The bill 525 would have set up a commission made up of delegates as well as non-legislative citizen members with expertise in this area. It would be tasked to make recommendations for legislation for regulatory controls and safeguards for mining and processing uranium. We are currently monitoring along with the Dan River Basin Association and The Nature Conservancy in order to better understand, evaluate and take a position on mining uranium in Pittsylvania County, VA, which could impact water quality flowing into the middle and lower River and Lakes in the Roanoke River Basin.

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Total Involvement Urged During Extreme Drought- September 2007
During the Corps of Engineers (COE) stakeholders meetings on Water Management and drought conditions,the RRBA has been urging the involvement of all major users of water in the Basin to participate in the proceedings the COE will begin in executing a "Drought Management Plan". The plan went into effect on September 8, 2007. Through phone calls, e-mail messages and the local news, Vice President Gene Addesso has been requesting that major users of water in the basin join the discussions on how to best use the water flows that we have. Among those summoned were the municipalities and water supply systems, the power generating companies, operators of the Virginia Beach Pipeline out of Lake Gaston and other Industries on the River system. Of particular concern is the VA Beach pipeline since it is withdrawing the maximum amount of water out of Lake Gaston allowed by their inter-basin transfer permit at this stage. Unfortunately Water taken in this manner is never returned from where it came in contrast to those with Riparian Rights in the Basin. The RRBA for this and many other reasons has been unequivocally opposed Inter-Basin transfers of water whether Intra-state and Inter-state. The RRBA appreciates the willingness of the COE to bring together all parties effected by these conditions to participate in how we may best manage the crisis. The RRBA will be represented in these sessions as always.These stakeholder meetings represent a unique process by which one can be involved.

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RRBA supports Fish Structure placement on Kerr Lake
August 20, 2007. Through a Dominion Power Foundation contribution, the RRBA is cooperating with a volunteer group from the Clover Power Station near South Boston under the leadership of Tim Hamlet, in the acquisition of fish structures that will be strategically placed and GPS marked by the Corps of Engineers on Kerr Lake. The numerous structures will provide additional friendly habitat for the Fishery on Kerr Lake. Types of fish structures such as these have been placed in other impoundments in Virginia and the project is looked upon favorably by the Virgina Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF). ----

RRBA Participates in Legislation Assessment (VA HB3113 and SB1403)
On May31st 2007 RRBA President, Harold Carawan, and RRBA Board member, Tom Myrick attended a meeting held by the VA DEQ to discuss subject legislation passed in 2007 and report back to the General Assembly on any recommended changes to the legislation under the reenactment clause prior to final approval in the 2008 Session. The RRBA asked for, and received a seat at the table in this process.

HB3113 and SB1403 as passed would implement three primary changes in the Commonwealth’s environmental protection programs:

(1) Replaces the current Air Pollution Control Board, Water control Board and Waste Management Board with a single Board of Environmental Quality. The new Board is charged with promulgating the regulations that set standards and requirements for air quality, water quality, and waste management.

(2) Assigns the Department of Environmental Quality the responsibility for issuing permits and taking enforcement actions based upon the regulations adopted by the board.

(3) Establishes an Environmental Appeals Board to hear administrative appeals of permit decisions made by the Department.

The problem is that the new law is that it replaces three Citizens Boards (Water, Air, and Waste)with one total board controlled by the politicians alone. The average citizen, average small business and average small communities will be out of loop. The power will be in the hands of one individual appointed by the Governor. For that reason among others, the RRBA was opposed to the legislation and now seeks to participate in any process that will allow changes to it prior to final approval in 2008.
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Martin County Seeks RRBA opinion on Proposed Ethanol Plant
At a recent meeting with Martin County officials of the RRBA were asked to comment on the possible construction of an Ethanol Plant on the lower Roanoke. The matter was discussed at the April Board Meeting by RRBA Directors. The need for Ethanol production in the US is recognized and the only concern raised was that the plan would call for a lot more barge traffic on the river. This in itself is not a problem, however, if water depths are not adequate to prevent stirring and mixing of the river bottom it does become a big problem. It is known that beneath the top layer of silt in the river there exists a number of pollutants such as mercury and PCBs that have been covered over the years and present no danger now. A stir up of or dredging of the bottom would. Since the RRBA is not a scientifically based organization, our position is to wait until all the proper environmental studies are completed by the Water Quality group of NCDENR (NC Division Of Environmental and Natural Resources),as an example, before giving an opinion. Gene Addesso RRBA VP has contacted Martin County Manager, Russell Overman, and informed him of this decision.

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Assessment urged for Northampton Fly Ash Dumpsite Expansion
In November 2006 the RRBA joined the Four Rivers RC&D council in urging the Northampton Board of Commissioners to delay the issuance of a permit that would allow the expansion of a fly ash dumpsite in Garysburg until NCDENR and the Corps of Engineers perform an environmental review.The dumpsite is 3,000 feet south of the Roanoke River and fly ash dumpsites in other areas have caused contamination problems requiring major clean up efforts. The Northampton Board quickly responded that they have asked for the environmental reviews and will await the results prior to any action.
Update on Fly Ash Dumpsite -Oct. 3, 2007 Northampton County Commissioners denied the special use permit after a public hearing which cited possible contamination due to arsenic, lead and mercury deposits into a creek that empties into the Roanoke River.