Prompted by an El Nino effect, the Basin experienced the wettest winter in 80 years of record. The RRBA initiated a request for flow deviation to rid the basin of flood waters as quickly as possible. That request was denied by the Corps of Engineers.(see article below dated March 20, 2010).

Working in conjunction with The Nature Conservancy, US Fish & Wildlife, NC Wildlife Resources Commission and the Virginia Dept. of Inland Game & Fisheries, the RRBA is preparing to bring the issue to the Basin Bi-State Commission at their next meeting in Roanoke Rapids, NC on June 21, 2010(See Calendar page). The presentation will include key requirements and recommendations on this issue, and the related on-going Kerr Lake 216 Study of Operations.

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May 11, 2010 Future of Water Supply Allocations out of Kerr Lake at stake

A major issue that needs a policy recommendation from VA and NC has been the spate of allocation requests from municipalities and regions (such as Raleigh, Durham, Cary, etc.) from outside of the Roanoke Basin that have come to the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which currently controls allocations from Kerr Lake under the Water Policy Act of 1958. The USACE has not responded to those requests, at the recommendation of the Roanoke River Basin Bi-State Commission pending further study and development of new policies related to water allocation out of the remaining storage supply of Lake. To this end the Bi-State Commission has appointed a blue-ribbon ad hoc committee to study the various policy options and to report back a recommendation to the two state Advisory Committees and ultimately to the Bi-State Commission. That committee has met quite often over the past few months and has developed an allocation report, which contains 5 possible protocol options for allocating the available water. Included is an option for the states to purchase the remaining supply thereby moving the allocation process from the USACE to the States. The Bi-State Commission received that report in their March 31st Rocky Mount VA meeting and has referred it to each state’s Advisory Committee for consideration. The Commission intends to act soon on making a decision as to the option they wish the Ad Hoc Committee to develop further, possibly as soon as its scheduled meeting on June 21, 2010. This is an important activity to the citizens of the Basin as it directly relates to water ownership and future water resources in the future. For further information on this matter contact Gene Addesso, VP RRBA on 919-414-4591

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March20, 2010 RRBA and Conservation Groups Request Flood Stage Deviation Flows

The RRBA, National Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, NC Wildlife Service and others including lower Roanoke landowners fought hard to rid the basin of continued flood levels due to the extraordinary weather conditions this winter as fast as possible. Our goal was to get approval of a deviation request to increase flows to 35,000cfs rather than to 20,000cfs which was just continuing the high Kerr Lake levels and the inundation of the bottom lands which have been flooded since November. 35,00cfs would help de-water the system as soon as possible to get rid of inundation and get flows some what back to normal. Sadly, despite escalation to the COE Colonel's office in the Wilmington District, the request was denied on the basis of current regulatory limits, power company costs and quite frankly no way to get around the bureaucracy. The response to the deviation request further points out the need to get the Kerr 216 study completed and get a new flow protocol and guide curve in place for Kerr Lake. Unfortunately the 216 Study will not conclude until 2012, if it stays on schedule. If conditions continue to get worst we may have to go the batters box again. Conditions have changed in twenty or more years and we must not be resistant to changing how we manage the system.

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December 16, 2009 RRBA leads way to a Coalition on Inter-Basin Water Transfers

The RRBA has initiated, and is coordinating a task to organize a coalition of Counties, Cities, Towns and Citizens Groups, in order to address requests for the withdrawals of surface waters for use and disposal outside of the basin (IBT's). The goal is unify the small communities and citizens in the basin so as to keep better informed on IBT'S. Thus it will allow participation in the approval process as a stronger and more coordinated group providing a greater influence. By-Laws for the Roanoke River Basin Coalition (RRBC) have been developed and the organization committee is now in the process of officer selection and incorporation. Although the task has been focused on the mid to lower basin areas at this time, it is fully intended to organize in a manner that will allow encompassing all the areas of the Basin. Further inquires on this effort can be directed to Gene Addesso (919) 870-0833.

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August 17, 2009 RRBA supports Bi-State Commission Ad Hoc Committee

The RRBA has a seat in a committee established by the Roanoke River Basin Bi-State Commission to brain storm and recommend a protocol by which the waters of the Basin should be allocated by the US Corps of Engineeers. The committee is using John H. Kerr Reservoir as a starting point for the work. The committee is made up of the following experts in the field of water issues: Bill Cox – Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering – VA Tech Tom Fransen – Deputy Director, NC Division of Water Resources Bill Holman – Director of State Policy at the Nicholas Institute, Duke University. Former Secretary of NC Dept of Environmental and Natural Resources. Scott Kudlas – Manager, Office of Water Supply Planning – VA Dept of Environmental Quality Brian MC Crodden – Vice Pres., Hydrologics, Inc. Rick Seekins – Kerr-Tar Regional COG – Economic Development Richard Whisnant – UNC Institute of Government. Former General Counsel of NC DENR. --------------------------------

May19,2009 - *IMPORTANT* Kerr Lake Regional Water System (KLRWS) Inter-Basin Transfer of Water Request

It is important to note that regardless of recent hearings and publicity building a sense of urgency, the certification process in really in it's early stages. This is not to suggest we relax and drop our guards, but we must be aware of what is going to happen next. The consultants for the KLRWS are in the process of compiling all of the feedback received from public hearings and through the mail. The issues and concerns noted must then be addressed in a draft Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Statement (EA/EIS) for submission To NC DENR. After determination that all the issues have been addressed adequately along with all the other requirements of an EA/EIS, there must be another series of public comment hearings with a minimum 30 day comment period. This is our second important chance to raise valid and specific issues and concerns we feel must be addressed. A revised EA/EIS is then submitted to the NC Environmental Review Commission (EMC). The EMC determines if it is adequate and complete with settlement discussions if necessary. The requester then prepares the final EA/EIS along with a finding of no significant impact (FONSI). Within 90 days a draft certificate is prepared and a third set of public hearings must be held within 60 days with a 30 day minimum notice and a public comment period. This is our third chance to be heard on this issue before a certificate is issued or denied. This all may take years but it is important for us to stay vigilant and participate when appropriate.

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March 27, 2009 - Historical Inaugural Meeting of the Roanoke River Basin BI-State Commission Held

The first meeting of the Bi-State Commission was held in Clarksville, VA on Friday, March 27, 2009. This event marks the culmination of a long awaited objective of the RRBA, and our association worked vigorously and persistently to see it achieved. Made up of nine members including legislators from each state the commission was put in place to:

Provide guidance, conduct joint meetings, and make recommendations to local, state and federal legislative and administrative bodies, and to others as it deems necessary and appropriate, regarding the use, stewardship, and enhancement of the Basin's water and other natural resources.

This action is regarded by the RRBA to be our best chance of properly managing the use of the waters of entire Basin without having to engage in State "Water Wars" and law suits. To this end a key recommendation made by the RRBA was voted on and passed early in the session. The recommendation was to:

Immediately establish an AD Hoc Committee to develop a Document of Understanding with the State of Virginia, North Carolina and the USACE regarding the allocation and withdrawals of water out of the Roanoke River Basin.

To this end Bi-State Commission staff was directed to convene a brain storming session for outlining the protocol that we hope will become a Bi-State compact. The RRBA expects to participate in the session.

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March 12,2009 - Kerr Lake Water Regional System (KLWRS) Request for Further Inter-Basin Transfers of Water

As prescribed by NC General Statute 143.215.22L (Regulation of Surface Water Transfers), the RRBA has submitted the following letter of comments to the KLWRS for inclusion in the certification process:

Kerr Lake Regional Water System IBT Comments

CH2M HILL

Attn: Kecia Lucas

3201 Beechleaf Court, Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27604

Reference: Written comments on the KLWRS IBT Proposal

To whom it may concern:

The Roanoke River Basin Association (rrba.org) opposes any inter-basin transfers of water that would have a negative impact on the people of the Basin. RRBA seeks to protect basin water resources and growth potential, as both are essential for environmental protection and the economic vitality. North Carolina General Statute 143-215.22L – Regulation of Surface Water Transfers, (3), (d), (1) in Environmental Documents clearly requires - “A comprehensive analysis of the impacts that would occur in the source river basin and the receiving river basin if the petition for a certificate is granted.” The RRBA is aware of the fact that Local Water Supply Plans for both VA, under the DEQ and NC, under the DWR are in the process of being developed or updated. These plans should provide for the latest forecasts of water supply and demand which we feel are needed due to the recent trend of lower river inflows flows and water supply for the communities in both the VA and NC mid and lower Roanoke River Basin area. It is therefore, firmly and respectfully, the position of the RRBA that no new petitions should be granted until the Water Supply Plans have been updated or completed, submitted and proper due diligence is accomplished on them. We believe no proper statement of impact can be made prior to that action being completed.

Very truly yours, Gene Addesso- VP – RRBA CC: RRBA Executive Committee and Directors

Further info on public hearings on the matter is available in the Calendar section of the web site.

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March 2009 - Public Notice 5-1124, Pedestrian footbridge construction Below Roanoke Rapids Dam,

The Roanoke River Basin Association is supporting the construction of subject bridge. It is believed the bridge will provide much safer access to the important recreational fishing opportunities in the area, and was stipulated in the FERC re-licensing agreement with Dominion Power. We are aware of the loss of lives of people attempting to swim across the tailrace in past years. Regardless of the risk, without a bridge we feel people will continue to attempt dangerous crossings. Finally, our decision was also based on the “no adverse environmental justice impacts” specified in the public notice.

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Feb. 2009 - Virginia Beach Weighs in on Uranium Mining

In the interest of protecting their drinking water supplies from Lake Gaston,the VA Beach City Council adopted a resolution opposing uranium mining in the Roanoke Basin. The recommendation in the resolution also specified that the City should not oppose a study of the impacts of uranium mining as long as the criteria meets the City conditions regarding participation, accuracy,impartiality, and transparency.

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Nov. 2008 - NC Roanoke River Basin Advisory Committee Meeting.

The NC side of the Bi-State Commission Advisory Committee conducted an important meeting at the Kerr Lake Dam Conference Center on Nov.14,2008. The key agenda items were intended to bring the committee up to date on water quantity and quality issues currently being handled by the appropriate State agencies. An excellent presentation was also made on the importance of the fishery in the lower Roanoke River Basin. The afternoon portion of the meeting was devoted to discussing preparations for the Inaugural meeting of the VA/NC Roanoke River Basin Bi-State Commission to be scheduled as soon as possible. Those interested in presentation copies or additional information on the meeting should contact Gene Addesso at gene@gaddesso.net

Jan. 14, 2009 - Kerr Lake 216 Study Groups Revitalized

In the final push to conclude the lengthy 216 study of the operations of Kerr Lake for potential improvement, the COE has recently updated and renewed representatives and appointees to all the Study Work Groups.The RRBA is the only citizens advocate organization to have representation on these work groups as follows:

1.Downstream Flow and Riparian Ecosystem - Jean Richter,FWS,RRBA Board member and Chuck Peoples,TNC,RRBA Board member

2.Water Quality - Jean Richter

3.Reservoir Resources - John Ryan, RRBA Board and Exec. Committee

4.Sedimentation and Channel Morphology - Jean Richter & Chuck Peoples

5.Water Supply - Gene Addesso, VP RRBA

6.Operating Policies & Admin. Procedures - John Ryan & Chuck Peoples

7.Downstream Flow Based Recreation - Jean Richter

8.Modeling Oversight - Chuck peoples

The USACE Project Manager is Ben Lane and Lead Planners are Debbie Wills and Frank Yelverton.

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October 2008 - RRBA Board meeting in Gretna, VA successful.

Officers of the Association were pleased by the turnout and content of the October 11th meeting. Attendees received status updates by the executive committee on key issues in the upper, middle and lower basin areas. Presentations on the 216 Study Interim operations proposal and the latest on the Bi-State commission were made. The Association then adopted the following as it's credo: "The Roanoke River Basin Association opposes any inter-basin transfers of water that would have a negative impact on the people of the Basin. RRBA seeks to protect water resources and growth potential, as both are essential for environmental protection and the economic vitality of the Basin." The afternoon session featured the presentation of the R. Bolling Lambeth Scholarship to Alexander Breakell for Basin environmental projects accomplished as a High School student. Alexander is currently a freshman at Virginia Tech. The meeting was then capped by a presentation by Todd Benson, Attorney on the Piedmont Environmental Council regarding the uranium mining issue facing not only Pittsylvania County, but by all the citizens of the Basin. Parties interested in more information on the meeting can contact Gene Addesso VP RRBA at gene@gaddesso.net.

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August 2008 - "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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June 2008 - 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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April 2008 - 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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March 2008 - 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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March 18, 2008 - Interim Operational Deviation Request for Kerr Lake Sought by Corps of Engineers(COE)

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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February 2008 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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January 2008 - 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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