Name:   Osms - Subject:   Lake levels and water wars Date:   5/7/2015 6:01:47 PM

The Lake Martin HOBOs held their annual meeting this past weekend.  Guest speakers were Jim Crew and Alan Peeples of Alabama Power.  As most of you know Jim Crew heads up the relicensing effort for APCo, and Jim explained the current situation to members.  Jim explained that the Final Environmental Impact Statement includes the addition of three feet in the winter and an extension of full pool in the fall from September 1st thru October 15, if water is available which will occur every third or fourth year.  The important question of "WHEN" was answered by Jim and he thinks the final document could be signed this summer which would allow the implementation this fall, possibly.

Alan Peeples, manager of dam operations for the company, furnished information on the Corps of Engineers "new" Operating Manual.  If the Corps is successful in implementing the manual their efforts to help their friends in Atlanta could affect Lake Martin's Fall Lake Level by drawing down our lake from 0.6' to 0.9'.  Yesterday the Corps announced the signing of the approval of their manual and today Gov Bentley announced litigation has been filed against the Corps to stop the implementation....see the link below.

The HOBOs appreciate Jim Crew and Alan Peeples for taking time on a Saturday morning to come address our group.

Link: http://www.wtvy.com/home/headlines/Governor-Bentley-Challenges-Army-Corps-of-Engineers-Water-Manual-302954361.html