Droughts Conditions Developing along the Yadkin River

People who like to spend time fishing, boating and playing on the lakes along the Yadkin River have enjoyed consistently high water levels throughout the summer recreation season.  But now comes news that the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin is beginning to experience drought conditions. 

The NC Drought Monitor has classified more than 10% of the region as “Moderate Drought.” The National Weather Service has indicated that, based on low stream flows in the Upper Yadkin, drought conditions could worsen. 

We are closely monitoring the developing drought conditions and taking steps to minimize the impact of a drought before it even arrives.

To protect the water supply and downstream environment, Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (APGI) will reduce the amount of water it sends downstream (targeting a weekly average release of 1,000 CFS) and begin working with the Yadkin Drought Management Team to identify how to minimize the impact of drought conditions.  The team – comprised of state and federal agencies, hydropower operators, local homeowners, business interests and others – will meet on September 30 to discuss drought conditions, including factors such as actual and forecasted stream flow, precipitation, and ground water levels.

Stay tuned for further information about drought conditions, or visit the NC Drought Monitor for the latest news and updates. 

The Virtues of the Low Inflow Protocol

It troubles me when folks spread information that is flat out wrong — and it seems to happen more often than not when our opponents talk about the relicensing of the Yadkin Project. I’m not sure if it is an intentional ploy to misrepresent the facts, or simply a lack of understanding, but I want to set the record straight regarding one aspect of our relicensing agreement.

MMI Marketing, the PR firm that's been hired to push Stanly County's agenda, sent out a news release last week attacking the comprehensive drought management plan (known as the Low Inflow Protocol) that is part of the relicensing agreement. The drought management plan has been widely praised by homeowners, recreational users and state agencies as an important tool to help protect lake water levels, supplies and flows in the Yadkin River.

Yet MMI says the plan “poses a significant challenge” and cannot be modified in response to changing conditions. That’s simply not true.

For starters, the Low Inflow Protocol already addresses changing drought conditions. It requires APGI to adopt increasingly stringent measures as drought conditions worsen, ensuring that appropriate steps are taken to protect the water supply and keep more water in the reservoirs. Even during the earliest stages of drought, APGI is required to work with the state to reduce power generation and send less water downstream.

Another important point: The Low Inflow Protocol will be automatically reviewed every five years and can be modified if necessary. Nothing related to the Low Inflow Protocol is set in stone for 50 years — and to claim otherwise is simply untrue.

The Low Inflow Protocol for the Yadkin Project was carefully crafted with the assistance of the state's leading experts in water management and other stakeholders who depend on the water in the Yadkin River. As a result of this plan, North Carolina’s water supply will be better protected during drought conditions.