Things looking up for higher levels
by Steve Bell
Lake Columnist

At  its fall meeting in Irmo last year, SCE&G's Jim Landreth told the Lake Murray Asn. he would bring the lake up as quickly as possible and keep it up for the winter. He kept his promise, and the lake community is grateful. And this is exactly what the Lake Murray Asn would like to see every fall and winter.  LMA which was formed in 1994 in part to promote higher levels is thrilled  that  SCE&G is experimenting with a new operational scheme which could result in reduced fluctuations.. The 1500 member Association provides a voice for all recreational users of the lake. There are approximately 10,000 homeowners, 40, 000 registered boaters in the four surrounding counties, and literally ten of thousands of tourist that visit the lake each year. The Association promotes the protection and enhancement of the environmental and recreational resources of this public waterway.

According to LMA President Rich Kidder, SCE&G has increased its generating capacity which in turn has changed the Saluda operation from a "peaking" facility to a "reserve" facility. This means the Saluda plant will be in "stand by" mode most of the time, available to replace lost resources when needed.. A trouble free operation could mean  less usage ,  thus higher levels  year round.

Typically, on a hot summer day especially in August ,loads can peak beyond SCE&G's normal generating capacity. When this happens, Saluda hydro comes on line to "cover" the demand until loads drop as temperatures fall. If  peaking conditions occur day after day,  lake levels can  plunge. This can turn coves into mud flats, leave boats hanging from docks, or beached until the water returns the following year. 

And as waters recede,  shoal markers become useless as new obstacles surface. Some boaters are reluctant to venture out and call it quits for the season.  And as the lake becomes more and more popular,  the potential for accidents increase as new boaters seek adventure in unfamiliar waters.  Jason Lusk, manager of Lighthouse Marina, believes that higher fall and winter levels would change  Lake Murray from "part time to full time".  And this would  boost the lake's economy according to Alan Giddens, owner of Captains Choice Marine. Giddens says "there's no doubt" that  fall boat sales would increase if levels were higher.  Karen Butler owner of  the Buffalo Creek Grill at Hollands landing believes that  higher winter levels would definitely help her business by bringing in more water based customers. Restaurants on the lake typically struggle during the winter months.

The Lake Murray Asn. has pondered the issue for years. A survey by LMA  indicated that 90% of lake users polled wanted higher levels. The late Gene Anderson,  a founding member of LMA with an engineering and computer background, designed a model which he believed  proved that operating at higher levels would be more efficient from a generating standpoint.  But SCE&G found the model to be "an unworkable solution" says Joy Downs executive director of the Association..
 
In 1999, as a precaution for  Y2K, SCE&G kept lake levels up to 354' msl throughout the winter. Operating at higher levels that year "did not seem to cause any problems",  said  Bob Keener a member of LMA's executive board. Recently Keener asked  SCE&G if it had incurred any problems  keeping the lake at 354 during this winter. The answer was negative.  So things are looking up for higher water and while SCE&G is studying the issue, LMA members are crossing their fingers hoping ten years of "nagging" may finally pay off. A change is in the forecast. Whether it happens now  or later is up to SCE&G.  Federal officials will likely require changes in the upcoming relicensing of the project. 


Steve Bell is President of Lake Watch on Lake Murray,
Lake Watch needs volunteers       
email Steve at bellsteve9339@bellsouth.net

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Resetting Priorities for Public Water 

by Steve Bell
Lake Columnist

The relicensing meeting held this past Saturday at Saluda Shoals park was well attended by a diverse group of lake and river users who made no beans about their intentions to challenge SCE&G on its management and use of this public waterway to generate electricity. The meeting was sponsored by American Rivers and the Coastal Conservation League with the purpose of  building  a coalition of interest groups to push for changes which will enhance and protect the environmental and recreational resources at the Saluda River Hydro Project. Randy Mahan, SCE&G VP for Environmental Affairs announced at the meeting that the utility would officially file a notice of intent with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), in April, indicating its decision to  apply for a new license.

Gerritt Jobsis,  rivers coordinator for the Coastal Conservation League and American Rivers has emerged as the leader of the coalition. Jobsis is a former FERC coordinator for SC Department of Natural Resources and has extensive experience with FERC controlled waterways. In his presentation entitled “Resetting Priorities for Public Waters” Mr. Jobsis

indicated that priorities have changed since the project was built over 70 years ago. The public benefits of the project then was electric generation. But now the Saluda hydro plant serves mostly as a backup when other facilities have problems or fail. Jobsis indicated  that relicensing will require that studies be done to determine “new” priorities and that Federal law now requires that environmental and recreational resources be given equal consideration with power production when developing that license plan. Jobsis’s presentation included a review of “stakeholder” concerns including improving lake levels, protecting more shoreline for wildlife and fish habitat and public recreation, providing weekend recreational flows downstream for kayaking and canoeing, and improving water quality and access for trout fishing.

Squeak Smith and Vickie Taylor,members of the Catawba Wateree Relicensing Coalition, spoke  about  lessons learned so far from their involvement in Duke Power relicensing projects on the Catawba River. Mr. Smith reminded the groups that a license is similar to a lease, and that the power company in effect is asking federal officials permission to lease the waters of Lake Murray and the Saluda River for its private use for 30 years. He indicated that a value should be placed on the company’s use of public waters as free energy source for that period and payment for that value should be in the form of changes incorporated into the new license which improve recreation and better protect the environment.

Patrick Moore, the Coastal Conservation League representative that coordinated the event,  delivered a very informative presentation on SC DHEC’s unique and important role in the relicensing process. It seems that DHEC carries a big stick in the form issuing a water quality certification for the new license. According to Moore, the current definition of pollution is so broad that “sneezing” in public could be interpreted as  pollution. The point being that water quality goes far beyond its chemical make up, and DHEC can require that the new license include conditions that protect fish and wildlife and enhance recreational uses both upstream and downstream. DHEC conditions are final and cannot be overturned by FERC officials.

A panel of interest groups including  Malcolm Leaphart-Trouts Unlimited, Joy Downs- Lake Murray Asn.,  Karen Kustafick-Palmetto Paddlers, and Archie Traewick- Jake’s Marina discussed their concerns and interest. It appeared that there were more common interest than conflicting interest. Joy Downs, Lake Murray Asn’s Executive Director indicated that her organization believes that a consensus on a new plan for the project is “obtainable if everyone, including SCE&G, seriously works together”  Ms Downs sentiments were shared by Jeff Duncan,National Park Service , who believes that establishing a communications protocol is the best way to ensure that serious negotiations will prevail in the process.

Approximately forty five representatives of various interest groups met on a beautiful warm Saturday to form a coalition to meet the challenges of preparing a plan for the future of the Lake Murray and the Lower Saluda River.  SCE&G sent an entourage of officials including,  Randy Mahan,  the company’s expert on dam relicensing. Bob Keener, past President the Lake Murray Asn. stated that it was encouraging to see members of the various groups interacting with SCE&G during various breaks and at lunch time. Keener said there’s an obvious “cooperative atmosphere of groups collectively moving in a positive direction. which should lead to good results.”

Steve Bell is President of Lake Watch on Lake Murray,  
email Steve at bellsteve9339@bellsouth.net

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Re-licensing - A time to get involved

Steve Bell, Lake columnist

An important meeting will take place at Saluda Shoals Park on March 12.  This meeting will represent the kick-off campaign for public involvement in the upcoming relicensing of the Saluda Hydro Project. American Rivers, a national heavy weight in the relicensing of hydro dams is co-sponsoring the workshop with the Coastal Conservation League, with the goal of building a coalition of interest groups call “stakeholders”, and  developing a strategy and plan for how Lake Murray and the Saluda River should  be  managed for the next 30 years. The workshop runs from 9:30 until 3:00 pm and includes lunch for those who pre-register. Speakers will include representatives from SC DHEC, US Fish and Wildlife Service, SC DNR, SCE&G, American Rivers, Coastal Conservation League, and the National Park Service.  

Why relicensing? According to Gerrit Jobsis, rivers coordinator for the Coastal Conservation League, “The public owns the nations rivers, and a hydro electric dam owner’s use of a river’s waters as a free energy source is a privilege not a right. That’s why dam owners are required to be licensed.” This year, SCE&G will apply for a new license which must include a plan to manage the public resources within the project boundaries. Federal law requires that environmental and recreational resources be given equal consideration with power production when developing that license plan.

The Lake Murray Asn. wants changes which limit lake draw downs and protect the fish and wildlife resources on the shoreline. Trout Unlimited wants releases which will protect trout habitat and enhance fishing opportunities., Carolina Paddlers wants “recreational” releases to enhance canoeing and kayaking downstream. and National Park officials want more natural flows which will protect the sensitive ecosystem in the Congaree National Park.

The meeting on March 12 will bring those issues and others to the table for discussion. The goal is to work out differences, come to a consensus, then develop a plan which will be reasonable and hopefully acceptable to SCE&G. If not, further negotiations with the utility will be required in an attempt to come up with a plan that is agreeable to all.

The key of course is for all parties including SCE&G to seriously work together to formulate a final plan which will protect and enhance the recreational and environmental resources of the lake and lower Saluda and at the same time not unduly restrict SCE&G’s ability to provide its customer base with the benefits of the hydro generating facility. If we fail to agree, Federal officials in Washington will decide the fate of the lake, the river and the generating  facility.

As boaters, fisherman, paddlers, homeowners and naturalist, these resources are ours to lose. So get involved. Contact Patrick Moore , Coastal Conservation League, to register. Ph.  803-771-7114 ext. 23 or email PatrickM@scccl.org

Steve Bell is President of Lake Watch on Lake Murray,  
email Steve at bellsteve9339@bellsouth.net

Forecasting the future of Lake Murray
Ron Aiken 04.AUG.05

In an exclusive two-part interview, Lexington Chronicle News Editor Ron Aiken sat down with S.C. Electric and Gas president Neville Lorick to discuss completing the Lake Murray backup dam and the company’s critical dam relicensing.

Lorick, a Lexington High School and University of South Carolina graduate, has been president of SCE&G for four years. To learn more about relicensing on the Web, visit www.saludahydrorelicense.com.
 

Q: What has backup dam meant to SCE&G and its customers? Of what are you most proud?...

A: The planning for this goes back 20 years, and I’m extremely proud of how our folks and the community dealt with it. It’s just a massive project.

When I first started on this, the focus has always been on safety and we had only five lost-time accidents.

It’s about the safety of the dam, the residents and our employees. I’m also proud that when we went out to talk to the public and address concerns, we committed to communicate openly and honestly and I believe we did that and earned the trust of the community.
 

Q: What do you feel is most important about relicensing the dam?

A: For us, the lake is a significant portion of our generational portfolio. For others, it’s a commercial or residential interest or, if you’re downstream, it’s a slightly different interest. But the most important issue from our perspective is for people to become educated about the process. The more they understand, the better off they are. I encourage people to come to the relicensing events.

Doing so helps people see the global impact the lake has on our area -- it’s a huge issue for us.



Q: With the certain growth of recreation and development on the shoreline over the next five years, how does SCE&G plan to monitor its impacts?

A: We have a water-quality program and will continue to have one. It’s very significant for us as far as management and DHEC compliance. But we go beyond that and require any potential commercial construction interests do a ‘before’ and ‘after’ water quality analysis to make sure there’s no adverse impact. We also interface with all the regional planners whenever they have issues to make sure their concerns are heard. I see us continuing to enhance that process.

The degree of new development will depend on how we handle our shoreline management program. As a property owner, we’ll have a say-so there, but there are a lot of other property owners there besides SCE&G, so it isn’t all up to us.

People are drawn to water, and there’s so much new construction and new homes. All we can control is our property, and more development certainly will come.

Part of our licensing requirement is to make the lake as open as possible for everyone. It’s not ours to restrict; it’s ours to open the lake up. It’s a community lake. There are multiple interests, though there is a concern that you can overpopulate the lake.



Q: Assessing wood stork habitat was scheduled to begin in March 2005. Have those efforts begun and where do they stand now?


A: We did start the research project in March, and it is supposed to conclude in October. We’ll take that survey and decide what needs to go forward, and those surveys will continue until 2009. But to date, we have not seen any wood stork issues at all.



Q: There are 134 archaeological sites and 81 previously recorded structures within one-third of a mile of the lake borders. You have contracted an Historic Properties Management Plan for the lake that will include conducting a cultural resource reconnaissance survey in preparation for a later, more intensive survey.

It is the expressed desire of SCE&G to keep the results of this from the public. Can you explain for people why such important historical information be kept from them?


A: The main reason is that we need to protect our history. Archeological sites all across the state have been compromised in the past through unscrupulous people taking artifacts from them and selling them without regard to the history. When you look at it from that viewpoint, it’s the right thing to do not to communicate that information.

Exposing the possibility of site contamination isn’t fair to the rest of us and our children.

The sites, and there are many not just on our property but all over this area, need to be identified, protected and managed for the benefit of everyone.



Q: What do you think the ideal lake level is for recreational and commercial uses now, and could that change in the future?


A: If those were the only two interests, it would probably be the higher the better within legal limitations. But there are a number of things that have to be balanced, from DNR’s concerns over weed growth to generational issues to downstream dissolved oxygen issues ? there are a number of things to consider. This was built as a hydro lake, not just a recreational lake, so there are several concerns that must be taken into consideration at any given time to adjusting the levels appropriately. The lake level has to vary, much as some people would enjoy it staying level and as high as possible.


Q: With phosphorous discharge posing perhaps the most serious threat to water quality and striped bass and trout habitat, can you bring people
up-to-date on SCE&G’s efforts to identify and eliminate those threats?


A: When you look at the Saluda River, there’s another lake upstream that catches much of the influx coming there, so it’s not much of a concern. What our problem
here is that there are a couple of tributaries coming into the lake that do have a high phosphorous load, and we have noted that. Our scientists and consultants are concerned about that. What happens is the phosphorous comes in the late summer and early fall. The phosohorous has been linked to decreasing the dissolved oxygen in the lake, which affects trout and bass habitats. So that phosphorous flows downstream, decreases the dissolved oxygen when it hits the lake resovoir then does the same thing in the lower Saluda. We already have a natural event doing that, so this just compounds the issue. It has been documented that those tributaries are there, but they are beyond our boundaries. We provide the information we can to DHEC, but that’s all we can do. I know they’re looking at that issue, but we don’t police. We report the issues as we see them.



Q: Dissolved oxygen levels in the the Saluda River tailwater have been improved after DHEC reported in 1995 and 1998 that levels were ‘not supporting’ and ‘partially supporting’ aquatic life. Can you talk about how SCE&G plans to monitor possible changes in those levels over the next few decades?


A: We have five intake towers, four of which take water off the bottom. At 250 feet or so, that’s where your dissolved oxygen is most depleted and when they pour water downstream, that water is going to have less dissolved oxygen. The fifth turbine, the largest, takes water from a higher level, so it has more oxygenated water. But when you’re higher up, you’re dealing with the thermocline and fish habitats. You have to balance the issues here as well. So we came up with the thought process of how we can improve the oxygen in the water, and we used a controlled method for allowing more air to come in to the turbines, and that has worked. We also recently installed hub valves, which add more oxygen to the
process. It has yet to be determined how much impact that has because we’re still studying it, but we have seen an increase, and that’s a positive sign. Now we could run the number five unit, but then you have the problem with the blue-back herring, which loves the depth at which number five operates -- we’ve had fish
kills in the past because of that. That made us aware of it in the first place. When they’re around the tower, we can’t run it, which is another thing we have to monitor. All of these issues come together, but overall we’ve seen an increase in the dissolved oxygen and I feel very positive about it.


Q: What do you believe is most important for SCE&G customers to know about the company’s dedication to ensuring Lake Murray will remain clean and safe for
decades to come?


A: That old saying about putting your money where your mouth is ? we’ve put $275 million into that dam out there at no cost to our ratepayers. That’s a large expenditure and we want that facility to be there for a long time. At the same time, we recognize how important the lake is to Columbia. It’s the jewel of the Midlands. We look at it from that viewpoint. It’s good for us, for our customers and for recreational. It’s good economics. People just need to be involved with all the issues that surround the lake ? commercial, residential, economic, environmental ?
and we have to manage it properly. We’ll continue to communicate openly and honestly and lay it out on the table.

Protecting Wildlife

A look at some efforts on Lake Murray

Facts about Lake Murray Wildlife at Lake Murray could see gains soon.

Ideas on improving conditions in the water and ashore are under discussion as federal officials conduct a once-in-a-generation review of how SCE&G runs the lake.

So far, fish and animals are coping with suburbia’s increasing grip on the lake, state natural resources officials say.

But wildlife could benefit further from a focus during the next three years on how much development along the waterfront is enough.

Present plans call for 75 percent of the shoreline to be developed. Right now, 60 percent of it is.

Federal and state officials along with some homeowner, outdoorsman and environmental groups want to cap it at 67 percent, keeping 60 miles of the 649.5-mile shoreline natural.

The talks also include a look at increased protection of wildlife habitat, no matter how much development is allowed.

Those proposals would help wildlife flourish in the future.

But some efforts already are under way to assure that. Following is a look at a few of them

Fun facts

Fish: State officials put striped bass in Lake Murray and trout in the lower Saluda River annually. Both species are not native to the waterways but conditions there are ideal for them to thrive.

Fish that anglers often land besides striped bass include crappie, blue gill and shellcracker.

Grass carp are the only fish off-limits to anglers. It was put into the lake 2½ years ago to eat hydrilla and other underwater weeds.

The search for storks

Birds: Storks are the second rare type of birds spotted at the lake. Bald eagles also nest around the shoreline.

One of the newest efforts under way is a five-year investigation to determine whether a sanctuary for wood storks — a federally endangered species — is warranted.

It’s intended to verify whether the birds have made a new home for themselves on the western edge of the lake after being spotted there by residents.South Carolina Electric & Gas Co., the lake’s operator, is cooperating with the search after initial skepticism about the birds’ arrival.

At issue is whether storks use the lake as a feeding area sometimes or settle there.

“The roosting report was iffy,” said Ed EuDaly, a federal biologist based in the Lowcountry. “If they are using the lake to any extent, we’ll have a good idea by the end of the study.”

The study, launched in spring, will continue until 2009.

At issue is whether storks use the lake as a feeding area sometimes or settle there.

“The roosting report was iffy,” said Ed EuDaly, a federal biologist based in the Lowcountry. “If they are using the lake to any extent, we’ll have a good idea by the end of the study.”

The study, launched in spring, will continue until 2009.

If it’s determined storks are making the area a new summertime home, then the question shifts to what type of restrictions on development and outdoor activities will be set for the area.

A small colony of ospreys is nesting at the lake with assistance from lakeside residents enthralled with their style of flight.

Many of the birds are making their homes at 13 platforms put up by the Lake Murray Association scattered around the 47,500-acre lake. Others are nesting in trees.

It’s one of the farthest inland migrations by the birds from congested oceanfront.

The manmade nest are working so well that two more will be put in soon in Ballentine and Gilbert, association executive director Joy Downs said. The group also is weighing requests for more.

Biologists estimate the lake is big enough to support 100 osprey families.

Life is better for fish in the lower Saluda River downstream from the lake’s dam.

SCE&G is adding new equipment to assure oxygen levels remain high enough in the 10-mile stretch of the river so fish aren’t endangered. The Midlands-based utility also is changing the way it produces power from the dam to meet tougher state standards for river conditions that will increase protection for fish.There have been no major fish kills in the river for a decade, but state officials wanted more of a cushion against that possibility.

Gerrit Jobsis, Southeast conservation director for American Rivers, said the 1-year-old effort already has produced “noticeable improvement” in water quality in the 10-mile stretch of the river.Further fine-tuning is necessary, but the preliminary outcome is encouraging, he said.One question unsettled is whether SCE&G will be forced to inject oxygen into the water it releases through the dam into the river, an expensive step.The changes so far “will get them there most of the time, but I don’t know if it will get them there all the time,” Jobsis said.