Lake Burton Civic AssociationC NewsletterLBCA February 2010
President’s Comments – February 19, 2010 Water...Water...Water As I conclude the first six months as interbasin transfers more transparent your LBCA president, I would never and open for comment by the have thought the most important issue concerned parties. Enclosed you will would be metro Atlanta’s water needs find a copy of Senator Butterworth’s and their impact on Lake Burton. This letter to the Atlanta Journal Constitution newsletter will deal almost entirely with which was published on December 4, this important issue. Though the final 2009. report to Governor Perdue from his On the second page of this Water Contingency Planning Task Force newsletter, you will find an article from does not mention Lake Burton, this Tom Fischer, president of the TRWC, does not mean the issue has gone away! discussing interbasin transfers and the The original report from the Boston Georgia Water Coalition (GWC) and Consulting Group – the consulting firm explaining what you can do to make your for the Task Force – had an option of voice heard regarding this issue. If you transferring 50 million gallons per day wish to learn more about GWC, please from Lake Burton to Gwinnett County. refer to the information on their web Since that proposal was made, site: www.georgiawater.org. LBCA officers and directors have been Georgia Power Company (GPC) is very busy organizing our opposition. also involved. On January 15, 2010, We have contacted similar organizations GPC invited the presidents of the Lake in the Savannah River Watershed that Burton, Lake Seed, Lake Rabun and have the same concerns as ours. We will Lake Yonah Associations to a meeting be working closely with the Lake Rabun with GPC’s representatives to discuss Association, the Lake Seed Association, the water transfer issue. GPC has been the Lake Yonah Association, the Lake – and will continue to be – very involved Hartwell Association and the Savannah with the issue of interbasin transfers of Riverkeeper. The LBCA is supporting water. On the third page of this The Tallulah River Watershed Council newsletter, you will find the contents of (TRWC) – a group that is coordinating a fact sheet and position paper issued by our efforts. Bob Fink, a current LBCA GPC to the lake presidents. I urge all Lake Burton Civic Association board member, is spearheading these [email protected] LBCA members to make sure you www.lbca.net efforts. The LBCA is working with understand the facts by reading this 706-782-4904 State Senator Jim Butterworth in important information. Post Office Box 1988 Clayton, GA 30525-0050 developing legislation to make (Continued on next page . . .) Lake Burton Lake Burton Civic AssociationC Newsletter February 2010 Newsletter February 2010 Civic AssociationC Water...Water...Water Georgia Water Contingency Planning (President’s Comments continued from page 1 . . .) Task Force Facts Also enclosed you will also find a One other matter we are (Note: The following “fact sheet” includes Georgia Power Company’s position statement regarding the partial reprint of the Findings and monitoring, is I-3 – the proposed inter- proposed interbasin water transfer.) Recommendatons of the Water state from Savannah to Knoxville. We l The State Water Contingency l The Task Force analysis of Contingency Planning Task Force. This will continue to give due attention to any Planning Task Force is comprised of alternatives re-affirms that Lake Lanier reprint includes only the executive I-3 recommendations coming from approximately 80 members, co-chaired is the best water source for metro summary and a portion of the Washington that would affect our area. by John Brock from Coca-Cola and Atlanta, and that all other alternatives introduction of the report. You may Finally, to help you begin planning Tim Lowe of Lowe Engineering. The pose significant incremental costs and access the entire report on the state’s your time at the lake, a copy of the chairman of each Regional Water require significant time. web site: www.georgia.gov. LBCA 2010 Calendar of Events is Council is a member of the Task Force. l The Task Force’s four recommen- Let me assure all of our members enclosed. Please include the LBCA’s l The task force efforts are part of dations are to (1) continue to pursue that neither I nor the officers and Annual Membership Meeting / Dinner Georgia’s multi-prong strategy in Lake Lanier reauthorization, (2) pursue directors of the LBCA are going to “put / Bluegrass Party on June 19, 2010 in response to the Judge Magnuson an aggressive conservation program as our heads in the sand” and just hope for your schedule. This event has proven to (District Court for the Northern a 2012 option, (3) only devote resources the best in this matter. We will take any be a fun party for all that have attended, District of Florida) ruling. The multi- to 2015 options if the outlook on and all actions necessary to protect the so, bring yourself and bring some prong strategy includes: (1) appeal the negotiations and reauthorization waters of Lake Burton. We will need the friends! decision, (2) negotiate with Alabama demands, and (4) initiate feasibility support of all of our members. If you Thank you for your support. and Florida, (3) congressional studies and permitting on capture have not already done so, please renew reauthorization - as directed by Judge options in the 2020 recommended your membership. As you can see, the Magnuson, and (4) a contingency plan portfolio. LBCA is working very hard to protect to address the gap in water supply l Georgia Power supports the multi- your investment on Lake Burton. Linda Dixon caused by the ruling. The Task Force prong strategy of the state to address was convened by the Governor to the Judge Magnuson ruling. We address the contingency plan part of support the decision that the strategy. reauthorization of Lake Lanier is the Interbasin Water Transfer Petition l The Task Force was directed to best solution economically and The Tallulah River Watershed Council you know that would be affected to do the analyze the water crisis as if it were a environmentally. Georgia Power will continues to study the best ways to protect same. threat to their business, develop a fact evaluate any feasible, proposed the assets of our watershed. We believe the Writing or calling legislators is also base to educate leaders on the state’s alternatives that would impact our interbasin transfer (IBT) petition available an option. However, this is an individual water situation and the implications of hydroelectric reservoirs with our ability at www.nowatergrabs.com, which was effort, easily forgotten or deleted. Whereas the judge’s ruling, and define a time to balance Federal Energy Regulatory developed by Georgia Water Coalition, to the petition, done on a large scale, is an driven action plan to prioritize specific Commission (FERC) project purposes be one of the strongest ways to show the impressive, tangible expression of the will options for conservation, supply such as power generation, downstream public's objection to IBTs. Georgia Water of the people, that can be used in enhancement, and water policy. flows, recreation, and other license Coalition is managing the web site, and will discussions and negotiations by Georgia l The Task Force has developed a list requirements. present the results of the responses to our Water Coalition. Using both options is the of recommendations for water supply l Several of the alternatives initially political leadership. Since the legislature most emphatic strategy to show public will. has already convened, their campaign is alternatives during three time periods: identified and analyzed by the Task If you wish to learn more about Georgia 2012, 2015, and 2020. The strategy is Force had potential impacts to our already under way. The greater the Water Coalition, check out their web site: response to this petition –and the sooner – www.georgiawater.org. referred to as the “3 Cs” – conserving lakes, including a 50 million gallons per Lake Burton Civic Association the more convincing Georgia Water more water, capturing the water we do day (mgd) interbasin transfer from Lake Lake Burton Civic Association [email protected] [email protected] www.lbca.net Coalition can be. Therefore, you can Tom Fischer receive, and controlling our water Burton. Regarding the current status www.lbca.net 706-782-4904 facilitate their job by completing the Chairman supplies through progressive water of the proposed option for the 706-782-4904 Post Office Box 1988 petition yourself and encouraging everyone Tallulah River Watershed Council Post Office Box 1988 Clayton, GA 30525-0050 policies. (Continued on next page . . .) Clayton, GA 30525-0050 Lake Burton Lake Burton Civic AssociationC Newsletter February 2010 Newsletter February 2010 Civic AssociationC Water...Water...Water Georgia Water Contingency Planning (President’s Comments continued from page 1 . . .) Task Force Facts Also enclosed you will also find a One other matter we are (Note: The following “fact sheet” includes Georgia Power Company’s position statement regarding the partial reprint of the Findings and monitoring, is I-3 – the proposed inter- proposed interbasin water transfer.) Recommendatons of the Water state from Savannah to Knoxville. We l The State Water Contingency l The Task Force analysis of Contingency Planning Task Force. This will continue to give due attention to any Planning Task Force is comprised of alternatives re-affirms that Lake Lanier reprint includes only the executive I-3 recommendations coming from approximately 80 members, co-chaired is the best water source for metro summary and a portion of the Washington that would affect our area. by John Brock from Coca-Cola and Atlanta, and that all other alternatives introduction of the report. You may Finally, to help you begin planning Tim Lowe of Lowe Engineering. The pose significant incremental costs and access the entire report on the state’s your time at the lake, a copy of the chairman of each Regional Water require significant time. web site: www.georgia.gov. LBCA 2010 Calendar of Events is Council is a member of the Task Force. l The Task Force’s four recommen- Let me assure all of our members enclosed. Please include the LBCA’s l The task force efforts are part of dations are to (1) continue to pursue that neither I nor the officers and Annual Membership Meeting / Dinner Georgia’s multi-prong strategy in Lake Lanier reauthorization, (2) pursue directors of the LBCA are going to “put / Bluegrass Party on June 19, 2010 in response to the Judge Magnuson an aggressive conservation program as our heads in the sand” and just hope for your schedule. This event has proven to (District Court for the Northern a 2012 option, (3) only devote resources the best in this matter. We will take any be a fun party for all that have attended, District of Florida) ruling. The multi- to 2015 options if the outlook on and all actions necessary to protect the so, bring yourself and bring some prong strategy includes: (1) appeal the negotiations and reauthorization waters of Lake Burton. We will need the friends! decision, (2) negotiate with Alabama demands, and (4) initiate feasibility support of all of our members. If you Thank you for your support. and Florida, (3) congressional studies and permitting on capture have not already done so, please renew reauthorization - as directed by Judge options in the 2020 recommended your membership. As you can see, the Magnuson, and (4) a contingency plan portfolio. LBCA is working very hard to protect to address the gap in water supply l Georgia Power supports the multi- your investment on Lake Burton. Linda Dixon caused by the ruling. The Task Force prong strategy of the state to address was convened by the Governor to the Judge Magnuson ruling. We address the contingency plan part of support the decision that the strategy. reauthorization of Lake Lanier is the Interbasin Water Transfer Petition l The Task Force was directed to best solution economically and The Tallulah River Watershed Council you know that would be affected to do the analyze the water crisis as if it were a environmentally. Georgia Power will continues to study the best ways to protect same. threat to their business, develop a fact evaluate any feasible, proposed the assets of our watershed. We believe the Writing or calling legislators is also base to educate leaders on the state’s alternatives that would impact our interbasin transfer (IBT) petition available an option. However, this is an individual water situation and the implications of hydroelectric reservoirs with our ability at www.nowatergrabs.com, which was effort, easily forgotten or deleted. Whereas the judge’s ruling, and define a time to balance Federal Energy Regulatory developed by Georgia Water Coalition, to the petition, done on a large scale, is an driven action plan to prioritize specific Commission (FERC) project purposes be one of the strongest ways to show the impressive, tangible expression of the will options for conservation, supply such as power generation, downstream public's objection to IBTs. Georgia Water of the people, that can be used in enhancement, and water policy. flows, recreation, and other license Coalition is managing the web site, and will discussions and negotiations by Georgia l The Task Force has developed a list requirements. present the results of the responses to our Water Coalition. Using both options is the of recommendations for water supply l Several of the alternatives initially political leadership. Since the legislature most emphatic strategy to show public will. has already convened, their campaign is alternatives during three time periods: identified and analyzed by the Task If you wish to learn more about Georgia 2012, 2015, and 2020. The strategy is Force had potential impacts to our already under way. The greater the Water Coalition, check out their web site: response to this petition –and the sooner – www.georgiawater.org. referred to as the “3 Cs” – conserving lakes, including a 50 million gallons per Lake Burton Civic Association the more convincing Georgia Water more water, capturing the water we do day (mgd) interbasin transfer from Lake Lake Burton Civic Association [email protected] [email protected] www.lbca.net Coalition can be. Therefore, you can Tom Fischer receive, and controlling our water Burton. Regarding the current status www.lbca.net 706-782-4904 facilitate their job by completing the Chairman supplies through progressive water of the proposed option for the 706-782-4904 Post Office Box 1988 petition yourself and encouraging everyone Tallulah River Watershed Council Post Office Box 1988 Clayton, GA 30525-0050 policies. (Continued on next page . . .) Clayton, GA 30525-0050 Lake Burton Civic AssociationC Newsletter February 2010 Georgia Water Contingency Planning Task Force Facts (Continued from page 3 . . .) interbasin transfer of 50mgd from Lake interbasin transfer of water from Burton, the Water Contingency Task outside the district area.” The district Force has removed this option from the referenced is the Metropolitan North recommended list of contingencies for Georgia Water Planning District. This the 2012, 2015, and 2020 study years. means that the contingency to transfer Therefore, the Burton contingency is water out of Lake Burton to Gwinnett off the table and is not identified as one County would be contrary to this of the options to pursue. existing law. l No interbasin transfers are contained l As the state moves forward with in the recommended 2012, 2015, or water management planning, any 2020 portfolios by the Task Force, consideration of interbasin transfers based primarily on relative cost must address not only the economic effectiveness, as well as on Task Force impacts, but also the impacts to water input and on implementation feasibility. quality, health, aesthetics, recreation, l Although the 50mgd interbasin and loss of power generation of the transfer from Burton is no longer under originating basin. consideration, it should be pointed out l Looking forward, Governor Perdue that Georgia Power’s hydropower will continue to pursue negotiations reservoirs are licensed by FERC and with Alabama and Florida. The state were constructed primarily for the will also continue with the legal appeal hydro generation of clean, renewable of the judge’s ruling and work with our electricity. Our hydropower reservoirs Congressional delegation toward have very little storage available above reauthorization of Lake Lanier. The what is needed to generate electricity Task Force has delivered to the and meet environmental and other Governor a clear set of findings and requirements in our licenses. recommendations for closing the water Therefore, very limited amounts of supply gap created by the ruling. The water are available for other purposes next critical step is action by the and would be subject to review,analysis, Georgia General Assembly to support and approval by FERC. As the Task the Task Force recommendations. Force and Governor have concluded, l Georgia Power will continue to track there are far better solutions than the this issue as it moves into the legislative withdrawal of 50mgd from Lake process and continue to be actively Burton. We support that decision. engaged in the Governor’s multi-prong l There are existing interbasin strategy, the State Water Management transfers in Georgia and there are Plan Regional Councils, and the current Georgia laws and regulations Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint which direct the Georgia Environ- Stakeholders group and to work with mental Protection Division (EPD) in FERC and EPD on any proposed the issuance of permits for interbasin withdrawals of any type from our Lake Burton Civic Association transfers. Of note is one particular law, reservoirs. Georgia Power will conduct [email protected] www.lbca.net O.C.G.A. 12-5-584, which states the a thorough review of any proposed 706-782-4904 following: “The district shall neither withdrawals and their impacts to our Post Office Box 1988 Clayton, GA 30525-0050 study nor include in any plan any reservoirs and assets.