Current News
528 Tons of Debris Removed From Smith Mountain Reservoir
ROANOKE, Va., March 5, 2013 – The high-water event that helped fill the Smith Mountain Project this winter also washed clean the riverbanks of the tributaries that feed it. In the last few weeks alone Appalachian Power removed 528 tons of mostly woody debris from the Roanoke River arm of Smith Mountain Lake.
“When high water follows drought conditions, it often washes trees, limbs, trash and other debris into the reservoir,” said Teresa Rogers, process supervisor for Hydro Generation Appalachian Power. “This year it’s washed even more floating debris into the lake than normal because the water rose so quickly and with such force.”
The Smith Mountain Pumped Storage Project is a two-reservoir hydroelectric facility that generates electricity at a dam between the gap in Smith Mountain. Water used for generating electricity is then captured downstream in Leesville Lake where it is pumped back in to Smith Mountain Lake to generate again. The company operates the project under a license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. As part of the company’s license it is responsible for removing debris from the navigational channels on the lake when certain conditions arise. More details on the Debris Management Plan, including how to report debris problems, can be found on-line at www.smithmtn.com.
“The good news is that in addition to removing 1,056,000 pounds of debris, so far clean-up crews found significantly less man-made debris than in years past,” Rogers said. “This is a testament to the volunteer river clean-up efforts upstream in recent years.”
The debris-removal crew will finish up on the Roanoke River arm then move to the Blackwater arm of Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake.
Appalachian Power officials remind boaters to use safe boating practices and watch for floating or submerged debris, especially this time of year.
“While we certainly are able to have an impact on the debris in the lake, it is impossible to remove every piece of floating debris that enters the lake,” Rogers added.
Appalachian Power has 1 million customers in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee (as AEP Appalachian Power). It is a unit of American Electric Power, one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, which delivers electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. AEP ranks among the nation’s largest generators of electricity, owning nearly 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the U.S. AEP also owns the nation’s largest electricity transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile network that includes more 765 kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission lines than all other U.S. transmission systems combined.
Parties Propose Changes To Smith Mountain Project Shoreline Plan
ROANOKE, Va., Feb. 28, 2013 – Changes in how the shoreline is managed at Smith Mountain and Leesville lakes could be on the way if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) adopts a proposal it received today by several parties.
For more than a year Appalachian Power, Bedford, Campbell, Pittsylvania and Franklin counties, the Tri-County AEP Relicensing Committee (TCRC) and local resident Bill Brush have participated in a FERC dispute resolution process to address issues related to how the shoreline is managed at the reservoirs.
“As is the case with most any settlement, not every party got everything that they wanted from this process,” said Charles Patton, Appalachian Power president and COO. “However, the parties have worked diligently over the last 14 months to try to achieve a plan that ultimately supports the best interests of the lake and the lake community, while at the same time ensuring the successful and efficient operation of the hydroelectric facility. I commend the parties for their efforts and dedication to the lake and the people who live and work around it.”
Since 2003 the land closest to the water at the reservoirs has been managed under a Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) approved by the FERC, which has regulatory authority over the project. The goal of the plan is to protect the scenic, recreational and environmental qualities of the lakes. Specifically, the plan addresses subjects like marinas, boat slips, and installation of erosion controls like rip-rap and shoreline vegetation as well as guidelines on constructing or maintaining docks, among other things.
“We are pleased that the Tri-County Relicensing Committee, Appalachian Power, and the counties surrounding Smith Mountain and Leesville lakes have been able to resolve many of the difficult issues that were a part of the previously proposed SMP, and hope that all of the parties will be able to work together going forward for the benefit of our citizens and businesses," said Bob Camicia, chairman of TCRC and Franklin County supervisor.
The Smith Mountain Project boundary for Smith Mountain Lake is the 800’ topographical contour line, and for Leesville it is 620’. The shoreline management plan can be found on-line at www.smithmtn.com.
The Smith Mountain Project is a two-reservoir hydroelectric generation project that uses pumped-storage system to provide low-cost electricity for the region and, at the same time, is a driver for the surrounding area’s economy and a focal point for residential, tourism and outdoor activities.
Appalachian Power Ends Water Release Variance From Smith Mountain Project
ROANOKE, Va., February 22, 2013 – Water flows from Appalachian Power’s Smith Mountain Pumped Storage Project are once again normal. The company releases water from the project into the Staunton River under a water release plan approved by state and federal regulators. From December 21 to January 18, water releases were lower than normal and done under a variance approved by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
“We’re pleased that the water management plan worked as intended,” said Teresa Rogers, process supervisor for the Hydro Generation Department at Appalachian Power. “Late last year, as we headed deeper into drought conditions we were able to adjust water releases under the approved plan. Once merited, we were able to consult with state agencies and stakeholders to ultimately seek and attain the variance to further decrease releases.”
Cutting the flows as detailed in the plan, then implementing the variance in conjunction with rain events that occurred resulted in the Smith Mountain Project filling to normal operating levels on January 18.
“We will continue to conference with stakeholders monthly and monitor flows as we go into Spring when water releases increase to accommodate striped bass spawning downstream,” Rogers said.
Appalachian developed the recommended variance releases in consultation with various stakeholders including DEQ, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, US Fish and Wildlife, US Corps of Engineers, Smith Mountain Lake Association, Citizens for the Preservation of the River, Counties of Bedford, Franklin, Campbell and Pittsylvania and Dominion Virginia Power.
The Water Management Plan can be found on-line at www.smithmtn.com under the resources heading.
Appalachian Power Implements Water Release Variance from Smith Mountain Project
ROANOKE, Va., December 21, 2012 – Minimal rainfall in recent months and a dry forecast has led Appalachian Power to request permission from Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to reduce outflows from its Smith Mountain Hydroelectric Project. Yesterday afternoon, the DEQ approved Appalachian’s request.
The Project involves two reservoirs, Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake. The adjusted water elevation fell below 791.0 feet in November. Normal full-pond is 795.
“While the current conditions are not entirely out of line with what we’ve seen in prior years, the lack of precipitation on the horizon justifies reducing outflows,” said Teresa Rogers, Appalachian Power hydro supervisor. “We’re hopeful that the reduced flows will meet needs both upstream and downstream of the project while protecting environmental and biological resources.”
Appalachian Power operates the Smith Mountain Project under a license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The license includes a water release protocol that has already resulted in reduced outflows from the Project since November. Prior to the variance the water release requirements were a minimum of 375 cubic feet per second (cfs) from Leesville dam and meeting a target minimum flow of 560 cfs at Brookneal. The variance approved yesterday and implemented at midnight on December 21st reduces the minimum discharge from Leesville dam to 335 cfs and temporarily suspends the requirement to meet a required target flow at Brookneal, with continued monitoring of downstream flow conditions during the variance period.
Appalachian developed the recommended variance releases in consultation with various stakeholders including DEQ, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, US Fish and Wildlife, US Corps of Engineers, Smith Mountain Lake Association, Citizens for the Preservation of the River, Counties of Bedford, Franklin, Campbell and Pittsylvania and Dominion Power.
Smith Mountain Fish Habitat Project
It might seem odd, but fish just love trees. They also love cinderblocks, pipe and a host of other weird looking things, when they’re put underwater, of course. They hide in it, and they hunt for food in it. An effort by Appalachian Power in late summer 2012 will help fishermen and property owners at Smith Mountain Lake learn just what type of stuff fish love best.
As part of the company’s federal license to operate the Smith Mountain Pumped Storage Facility, the company undertakes initiatives that improve the recreational and environmental qualities of the lake. Part of that process includes installing fish habitat, and the company will be doing plenty of that around piers and boat ramps throughout the rest of this year. But, Appalachian’s role in putting in habitat can be complemented if property owners do the same, and do it correctly.
With participation from a Habitat Review Technical Review Committee that includes local and state agencies, as well as the BASS association, 12 different types of habitat were identified for the study. The types of habitat range from natural brush, to pyramid-shaped objects, recycled wooden pallets, and even some structures that are sold in sporting goods stores. Next spring, divers from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will evaluate the structures and be able to recommend what type performs best.
Smith Mountain, Leesville Residents Reminded Of Call-In Reporting Number For Floating Debris
Rocky Mount, Va., Sept. 9, 2011 - Recent heavy rains in Southwestern Virginia have washed natural and man-made debris into the two reservoirs of the Smith Mountain Hydroelectric Project and Appalachian Power is reminding area property owners of its centralized process for reporting areas of debris.
Residents of Smith Mountain and Leesville Lakes can call 1-800-956-4237 to report floating and dangerous debris in navigable channels. Callers should be ready to give a description and location of the debris.
The number is the company’s Customer Solutions Center (CSC) used by Appalachian Power’s electricity customers. The Appalachian Power CSC is available to callers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
An Appalachian representative will take pertinent information from callers and forward it to the company’s Hydro Generation Department where it will be tracked and handled in accordance with new operating license requirements and relevant management plans.
The two lakes encompass more than 24,000 surface acres of water and about 600 miles of shoreline with many small coves. The phone-in process allows the company to more easily track where debris has accumulated.
Not all debris will be removed by Appalachian. The priority is debris in the main channel that presents a boating hazard. Debris along the shoreline and in the back of coves outside of the main channel will be removed if it appears it could become a hazard to boating.
Debris that is considered wildlife habitat will not be removed. There will be times when debris blocks private docks where it is the responsibility of the owner to have it removed.
Boaters and others using lakes for recreational activities should be aware of floating debris, particularly after heavy local rains or upstream flooding, and use safe boating practices and appropriate speed when on the water.
The new call-in process for the Smith Mountain Project went into effect in 2010.
For other lake-related issues, such as permit applications for in-water construction, shoreline vegetation work or questions regarding the Shoreline Management Plan, residents or businesses should continue to contact the Appalachian Hydro office in Rocky Mount at 540-489-2556.
Visitors Center Above Smith Mountain Dam Open For Visitors
Sandy Level, Va., Sept. 8, 2011 – Appalachian Power has reopened its Visitors Center and observation area at the Smith Mountain Hydroelectric Project.
The company recently completed work on the exhibit area at the site located on the Bedford County side of the Smith Mountain gap.
Appalachian Power has updated exhibits which tell the history of the project and show how power is generated at the unique two-lake complex.
The center is open Tuesday through Saturday each week, from 9:00 a.m. until 5 p.m. Exhibits and the overlook area close at 4:30 p.m. The center is open on Sundays between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. through Labor Day
There is no admission charge. Visitors can follow signs from Route 40 to “Smith Mountain Dam.”
The picnic area located below the Smith Mountain Dam on Leesville Lake is open to the public every day of the week.
Smith Mountain lake boaters adviced of missing navigation marker
Rocky Mount, Va., May 27, 2011 – For the second time in less than a week a boater has destroyed a navigation marker in an active area of Smith Mountain Lake.
Boaters should be aware that the R-16 marker will be missing during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The marker was located near Smith Mountain Lake State Park in what is known as the S-Curve, a high traffic area on the reservoir.
Since the boater left the scene, Appalachian Power has no additional information on the accidental or intentional damage to the marker. However, the company’s call center was contacted by others who noticed the missing sign. The incident probably occurred last night.
Appalachian Power workers today removed the debris as well as the broken piling below the water surface. Contractors will not be able to replace the structure and marker until Tuesday.
On Saturday night, another boater destroyed a second navigation marker that was replaced Thursday.
Persons who see damage to navigation markers on the reservoir should call and report it to Appalachian Power at 800-956-4237.
Smith Mountain Lakeside residents reminded of call-in reporting number for floating debris
Rocky Mount, Va., March 15, 2011 – Recent heavy rains in Southwestern Virginia have washed natural and man-made debris into the two reservoirs of the Smith Mountain Hydroelectric Project and Appalachian Power is reminding area property owners of a relatively new centralized process for reporting areas of debris.
The Appalachian Power CSC is available to callers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The number is the company’s Customer Solutions Center (CSC) used by Appalachian Power’s electricity customers.
An Appalachian CSC representative will take pertinent information from callers and forward it to the company’s Hydro Generation Department where it will be tracked and handled in accordance with new operating license requirements and relevant management plans.
“The two lakes encompass more than 24,000 surface acres of water and about 600 miles of shoreline with many small coves,” said Teresa Rogers, Appalachian process supervisor. “This phone-in process allows us to more easily track where debris has accumulated.”
Not all debris will be removed by Appalachian. “Our priority is debris in the main channel that presents a boating hazard. Debris along the shoreline and in the back of coves outside of the main channel will be removed if it appears it could become a hazard to boating,” Rogers said.
Boaters and others using lakes for recreational activities should be aware of floating debris, particularly after heavy local rains or upstream flooding and use safe boating practices and appropriate speed when on the water.