The Shadow
ALLEGHANY COUNTY Va. (VR) The United States Army Corps of Engineers along with several other Government entities recently held an informative meeting in the lower level of the Lake Moomaw Visitor Center.
The community was invited to attend and learn more about how the dam operates, and to share any questions or concerns they may have about how it affects Lake Moomaw and the Jackson River. There has been quite a bit of discussion over the past couple of years among citizens of Alleghany and Bath Counties pertaining to the lakes’ water level. The purpose of the lake and the dam’s construction was first proposed shortly after WWII. It was primarily for the augmentation of the downstream water flow of the Jackson River to control pollution levels and to control Flooding. The most popular reason or purpose of the lake to area residents and outdoorsmen is of course recreation. This is where a lot of conflict arises between the government releasing water in timed bursts called “pulses” and the community trying to use the now low-water leveled lake for things they enjoy like boating and fishing.
Every seat in the visitor center was occupied and there was even a group that stood around the back of the room. One thing that became
apparent very quickly is how important the lake is to the heart of this community.
Colonel Avichal with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and project leader at the dam spoke first. He respectfully assured everyone that all their questions would be answered and that every concern would be written down and noted. He said he understood how important the lake and dam are and that everyone’s concerns were valid, because “It belongs to everyone not just the Army Corps of Engineers.”
There were several speakers on hand that gave presentations about everything from how and when pulses are released into the Jackson River and how effective they have been at controlling pollution to the wildlife found both in and around the Lake and its surrounding area.
Speaker Robin Williams spoke about some of the procedures they go through, and the facts considered when deciding whether a pulse release should or could be done. She also provided interesting information about ways the lake has helped the areas below it, including Covington and Falling Springs, over the years. Her information described how effective the lake and dam were in flood control during our area’s worst flooding in 1985 and 1996 when the lake kept flood levels down significantly over what they would have been. Williams was asked questions over concerns that some of the pulses were too large and some landowners along the river are noticing higher than ever river levels and flow rates that are increasing erosion. Williams assured him that the pulses are released very carefully and in a way that never increases the water levels by more than two feet in an hour. She added that they follow strict guidelines over how and when pulses can happen.
Much of the focus during the meeting was steered by concerned citizens, many upset that the pulse schedule from the lake’s waters has not changed considering how dangerously low its level has gotten. Many shared that there are very few places where a boat can be launched anymore and that many of the docks are lying on dry ground.
One citizen shared that he feels the lake does not get the respect that it deserves and that the need to keep Westvaco happy by supplying them the water they need to operate their coolers is being put over the needs of the lake and the animals that call it home. As stated at the beginning of the meeting every question was answered and every concern was addressed.
It was shared that nobody working at the dam has the authority to change the pulse schedule. Everyone was assured that all aspects of the lakes and river’s health are being monitored regularly.
One of the last questions came from a concerned citizen who likes to take his grandchildren to the lake. He asked Elda Stanco Downey, who is the Regional Director for Senator Tim Kaine about why it is so hard to build or get funding for a cell phone tower close to the lake and camping areas. He thinks having phone service is the best thing that can be done for safety.
Right now, anyone boating or camping is at least a ten-minute drive from a usable phone. He also said that there are situations where leaving an injured person and leaving to get help is not possible, and a cell phone would save a life. Downey agreed with the gentleman’s concerns and asked him to write letters to his representatives because Virginia had received $1.5 billion to be used for things like a cell phone tower where it could potentially save a life.
It was a highly informative meeting held in one of the most beautiful areas of the Allegheny Mountains. It’s easy to see why so many in our community feel so strongly about doing anything possible to preserve its excellence.
