Hot, Dry Summer Pushes the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin into Drought Watch

Residents are asked to conserve water

The Yadkin-Pee Dee Drought Management Advisory Group (YPD-DMAG) announced today that because of months of hot temperatures and reduced rainfall, the Yadkin Pee-Dee River Basin has entered a drought watch stage.

Stage 0 of the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) is a drought watch stage alerting the YPD-DMAG members to monitor conditions more closely.  It is the first of five drought stages outlined by the YPD-DMAG.

Water inflow into the Yadkin Basin is down nearly 50 percent from historical averages. Stages of LIP indicators are based on the following triggers:

* Water storage in the four-reservoir Yadkin Hydroelectric Project (operated by Alcoa Power Generating, Inc. (APGI)) and in the two-reservoir Yadkin-Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project (operated by Duke Energy) has declined.

* Stream flows feeding the reservoirs are well below normal.

* U.S. Drought Monitor trigger indicates most of the basin is experiencing moderate drought conditions.

The LIP is the drought management plan developed during the relicensing of the two hydroelectric projects to share responsibility and set priorities to conserve the limited water supply during drought conditions.  The LIP coordinates actions aimed at reducing water use from APGI’s High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Reservoir, Badin Lake and Falls Reservoir as well as Duke Energy’s Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake to effectively buy time for rains to return and replenish the lake system’s usable water storage.

APGI and Duke Energy will monitor inflow and lake level conditions and work together to protect the water supply and other uses of the river system to limit the impact of drought on residents and businesses of the Basin.

APGI requested and received a temporary variance from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to conserve water by reducing required minimum flows out of the Yadkin Project. 

The YPD-DMAG was established during relicensing to monitor drought status and to recommend coordinated actions for the DMAG members. Members include North Carolina and South Carolina resource agencies, federal resource agencies, Duke Energy, APGI, homeowner groups and water suppliers.  The YPD-DMAG meets at least monthly when conditions reach Stage 0 or greater of the LIP. For more information about lake levels and drought conditions, visit www.duke-energy.com/lakes/.asp for information on the Duke Energy lakes or www.alcoa.com/yadkin/en/info_page/reservoir_data.asp for information on the APGI lakes. 

Family friendly events planned at High Rock Lake on Saturday

To celebrate the start of the boating season at High Rock Lake, Alcoa and the High Rock River Rats are hosting a series of family-friendly events on Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Buddle Creek Access Area in Lexington. A lake cleanup effort sponsored by the High Rock River Rats will take place at the same time.  

“We encourage everyone to come out to High Rock Lake on Saturday to enjoy a free hot dog, grab a free life jacket and learn how to stay safe on the lakes,” said Karen Baldwin, a natural resources manager for Alcoa Power Generating Inc. who spearheads the company’s water safety efforts.

“We want to use this kickoff event to remind families about the different ways they can protect themselves when they are swimming or boating.”

Activities will include:

Interactive Games:
Take part in fun, family friendly games and activities that reinforce the importance of water safety.



Boating Safety:
Representatives from NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and local law enforcement agencies will be there to share boating safety tips and show off the boats used to patrol the lakes and rescue those in need.

Free Life Jackets:
Alcoa will give away free life jackets to 100 children under 13 years old. NC law requires children under 13 to always wear a life jacket when on a boat.

Hot Dog Lunch:
Enjoy a hot dog lunch, courtesy of the High Rock River Rats



Lake Cleanup:
The High Rock River Rats and Piedmont Triad Regional Council’s Stormwater SMART program encourage people to join the cleanup effort and help keep High Rock Lake clean.

The Buddle Creek Access Area is located off Holloway Church Road in Lexington. A similar event will be held at Badin Lake in May.

Alcoa Power Generating Inc. has been sponsoring a water safety campaign at the lakes along the Yadkin River for more than 10 years. Providing free life jackets is one of several ways that Alcoa works with law enforcement agencies to promote water safety. The company also provides financial support to local sheriff departments for increased patrols of the lakes and sponsors an advertising campaign to remind people to “Put It On.”

North Carolina consistently ranks near the top of the list when it comes to boating. NC ranked 5th in the nation in boating accidents (139), 6th in boating injuries (90) and 10th in boating deaths (16) last year. Some of those accidents happened at High Rock Lake.

The number one cause of death in boating accidents is drowning, according to US Coast Guard. Statistics show that 77% of boating fatalities were the result of drowning.

Alcoa Hosts Water Safety Event, Life Jacket Giveaway at Badin and High Rock lakes on Saturday, June 7

Alcoa is kicking off the summer with events at Badin and High Rock lakes on Saturday, June 7 to promote water safety. The events will be held at the Flat Swamp / Pebble Beach Swim Area on High Rock Lake and at the Badin Swim Area on Badin Lake from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Alcoa will be providing free life jackets to 100 children at lake. You can enjoy free snow cones, play family-friendly games and meet some popular children’s characters. Representatives from NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and local law enforcement officials will be there to discuss water safety tips and show off the boats used to patrol the lakes and rescue those in need.

“This is a great opportunity for families to learn the simple things they can do to stay safe when they visit the lakes, and pick up a free life jacket if they don’t have one,” said Karen Baldwin, a natural resources manager for APGI who spearheads the company’s water safety efforts. “But staying safe requires much more than simply having a life jacket in your boat. You have to put it on.” 

Representatives from NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and local law enforcement officials will be there to discuss water safety tips and show off the boats used to patrol the lakes and rescue those in need. 


Providing free life jackets is one of several ways that Alcoa works with law enforcement agencies to promote water safety. The company also provides financial support to local sheriff departments for increased patrols of the lakes and sponsors an advertising campaign to remind people to “Put It On.” 

This is the 10th consecutive year that Alcoa Power Generating Inc. has sponsored a water safety campaign at the lakes.

Alcoa committed to trash cleanup at High Rock Lake

A record amount of water flowed into High Rock Lake this summer, bringing large amounts of debris from upstream along with it.

Alcoa pays crews to regularly clean up debris in the water. This year, it is also donating money to volunteer groups like the High Rock River Rats to help fund its cleanup efforts.

To help reduce litter, Alcoa is placing additional trash containers at two of the most popular access areas around the lake: the Dutch Second Access Area in Salisbury and the Southmont Access Area near Lexington.

If you'd like to assist in the cleanup effort, contact Julie Euliss with the High Rock Lake River Rats at (336) 210–6571.

Alcoa providing free life jackets for children at Badin Lake and High Rock Lake

Alcoa is kicking off the summer recreation season this weekend with a series of community events to promote water safety. The company is joining forces with local law enforcement officials to educate swimmers and boaters about water safety on Saturday, May 19 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Alcoa will give away 100 free life jackets to children at the Badin Swim Area on Badin Lake and the Buddle Creek Swim Area on High Rock Lake. Children and their parents can enjoy free snow cones and pick up a free safety whistles as they talk with local law enforcement officials and look at boats used to patrol the lakes and rescue those in need.   

“There are so many families in our community who enjoy swimming, boating and fishing on these lakes. While they are having fun, we want to remind them about the best way to stay safe on the lakes,” said Mark Gross, vice president of hydro operations for Alcoa Power Generating Inc. “We’re excited about putting 200 life jackets in the hands of local children this weekend. Wearing a life jacket is the absolute best way to stay safe on the lakes.” 

Representatives from NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and local law enforcement officials are participating in the events.

“Play It Safe” Campaign Sends Simple Reminder
Throughout the summer, Alcoa will use billboards, newspaper and radio ads, signage around the lake and other avenues to promote the “Play it Safe” message to boaters and swimmers.  This is the eighth year Alcoa Power Generating Inc. has sponsored the “Play it Safe on the Lakes” campaign.

In addition, Alcoa provides $90,000 a year to sheriff departments in Davidson, Montgomery, Rowan and Stanly County for increased patrols of the lakes. 

Alcoa Investments Improving Water Quality at Yadkin Project

Water quality at the Yadkin Project has improved dramatically since we invested more than $5 million in turbine upgrades and other enhancements specifically designed to increase the amount of oxygen in the water.

That's the finding of a report on water quality that APGI released this week. It shows that water discharged from the Narrows Dam contains the highest concentration of dissolved oxygen — a key indicator of water quality — since we began monitoring water quality in 2007. This demonstrates that the Yadkin Project’s water quality is consistently improving, as measured by state standards for dissolved oxygen that will take effect when we receive a new federal license.

Why is this important? It's further evidence that the Yadkin Project deserves the state water quality certificate it was issued in 2009. A water quality certificate is a requirement for receiving a new FERC license.

We have installed new technology at three turbines at Narrows Dam, and water discharged from Narrows would have met the new state standard 100 percent of the time in 2011 — a 115 percent improvement since the majority of the work at Narrows was completed in 2007. We were confident that this technology would significantly improve dissolved oxygen conditions and it has.

In addition, APGI has committed to invest up to $80 million more to continue improving water quality at the Yadkin Project, beginning with a $40 million investment at High Rock Lake. Once we complete those upgrades, the Yadkin Project will fully comply with state water quality standards.

Click here to read the press release.
Click here to view the complete report.

Boaters Beware: Fall and Winter Bring Additional Water Safety Risks

Boaters who take to the water during the fall and winters months face a different set of risks when it comes to water safety. There are fewer boats and law enforcement officers on the water to provide assistance in the event of an emergency, and heavier clothes and colder temperatures can make it much more difficult to swim to safety if you fall in the water without a life jacket. It can be a deadly combination.

“There are fewer people on the lakes in the fall and winter, but the potential dangers for boaters are even greater,” said Marshall Olson, environmental and natural resources manager for Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (APGI). “It’s important for people to pay just as much attention to water safety issues this time of the year as they do during the summer recreation season.”

APGI reminds boaters to Play it Safe on the Lakes by taking the following precautions: 

• Always Wear a Life Jacket: Wearing a life jacket is the most fundamental way to stay safe — and it’s even more important in colder water temperatures. The risk of cold shock and hypothermia can impede your ability to perform even the most basic of tasks.
• Be Prepared: Review the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s “Boating Checklist” to make sure you have the necessary equipment on board and operating correctly. You can view the checklist online at: www.ncwildlife.org.
• Use the Buddy System: Avoid boating alone. If you are alone, make sure someone knows  where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Check Weather Forecasts and Advisories: Be prepared for adverse weather and sudden weather changes. Never go boating during storms.
• Be Aware of Lower Lake Levels: The lakes can experience lower water levels during the winter, exposing tree stumps and other potential hazards. Check the water levels online at www.alcoa.com/yadkin and be on the lookout for hazards.
• Have An Emergency Plan: Make sure you have a working marine radio and a charged mobile phone so you can call for help in an emergency.
• Do Not Overload the Boat: Boats that are weighted down are more likely to tip over.
• Be Careful Near Dams: Stay a safe distance from dams. Do not go past the warning signs and buoys located above and below the dams.
• Stay Dry, Stay Warm: Dress in layers and bring extra clothes. If you get wet, change into dry clothes as quickly as possible.

Lexington Dispatch highlights success of Alcoa's water safety efforts

The Lexington Dispatch published an article Monday by Darrick Ignasiak (Authorities credit safe summer at lake to new water safety devices) highlighting the success of our water safety efforts. There have been no drownings at High Rock Lake this year.

Photo by Lexington Dispatch 

Alcoa Power Generating Inc. provided 250 free life jackets to children earlier this summer and provided additional life jackets to the Davidson County Sheriff's Department to distribute to children riding on boats without life jackets. The efforts are part of our annual "Play It Safe on the Lakes" safety campaign.

"Cpl. Randy Holbrook, supervisor of the Davidson County Sheriff's Office lake patrol, said he's a big proponent of Alcoa's safety measures. In addition to the new equipment, the company has purchased a boat for the sheriff's office and continues to provide funding for deputies to monitor the lake," writes Ignasiak.

Click here to read more.

Play it Safe on the Lakes

I hope everyone enjoys the Memorial Day weekend. If you planning to enjoy the lakes, please remember to "play it safe." 

Alcoa Power Generating teamed up with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and local law enforcement officials in Davidson, Montgomery, Rowan and Stanly counties earlier this week to promote the importance of water safety.

Alcoa and the local law enforcement community have been preaching the benefits of wearing a life jacket for years. This year, Alcoa went a step further and hosted a series of water safety events last weekend at High Rock and Badin Lakes. We distributed more than 200 free life jackets to children.

We will provide local law enforcement officers with additional life jackets to distribute to boaters who are not carrying an adequate number of floatation devices. 

Davidson County Sheriff David Grice, Rowan County Sheriff Kevin Auten and Stanly County Sheriff Rick Burris thanked Alcoa for working with law enforcement agencies to educate the public about water safety. Alcoa provides $90,000 a year to local law enforcement to fund increased patrols of the lakes.

Watch news coverage from WGHP, WFMY, News 14 

Read coverage from the Salisbury Post and Stanly News & Press.

Salisbury Post: Eagles settle in at High Rock

The Salisbury Post ran a story today (Eagles settle in at High Rock, by Karissa Minn) highlighting APGI's efforts to carefully cultivate bald eagle habitats at the Yadkin Project. 

A record number of bald eagle nests were spotted during an aerial survey conducted in March. The survey found seven active nests at the Yadkin Project — three at High Rock Lake, two at Tuckertown and one each at Falls and Badin Lake — the largest number of active nests since APGI began conducting annual surveys in 2001.  

During the past 10 years, 19 different bald eagle nests have been identified along the reservoirs, producing nearly 50 chicks. That is a testament to the type of environment and natural habitat that exists around the Yadkin Project.

Marshall Olson, APGI's environmental and natural resources manager, has made a concerted effort to manage the property around the reservoirs in a responsible way that attracts and protects bald eagles and other wildlife.  

Click here to read the complete Salisbury Post article and see more photos from Jon C. Lakey.

Salisbury Post profiles former Alcoa employee

This morning’s Salisbury Post includes a profile of former Alcoa employee Frank King, Jr.  Frank worked for Alcoa for 44 years, playing a key role in early residential development along High Rock Lake and the creation of Tuckertown Reservoir. He retired in 1978. 

“People used to say that no one knew Alcoa’s reservoirs, especially High Rock Lake, better than Frank King Jr.,” writes reporter Mark Wineka.

From what I hear, that’s certainly true.  

All of us at Alcoa were thrilled to read about Frank and his family.  If you’d like to read the entire article (97-year-old recounts battling malaria for Alcoa) you can find it online at:  www.salisburypost.com/News/032411-wineka-frank-king-man-for-the-ages-qcd

Alcoa to lower High Rock Lake for pier maintenance, excavation

Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (APGI) will lower High Rock Lake to 10 feet below full by February 1, a move that will allow lakefront property owners to perform pier maintenance and excavate reservoir sediments to maintain or create recreational boat access.  Water levels will remain 10 feet below full for three weeks, before APGI begins refilling the reservoir to normal levels.


"We have many property owners around the lake who have obtained excavation permits and are eager to improve access to their piers," said Marshall Olson, Environment and Natural Resources Manager for APGI’s Yadkin Project. "Water levels at High Rock have not dropped low enough to excavate in more than three years, so we are trying to accommodate those property owners who have requested a drawdown.


“This should also provide a boost in business during a relatively slow time of year for area contractors who provide excavation and pier maintenance services.”


High Rock Lake is a shallow reservoir that accumulates sediment that flows downstream from upper portions of the Yadkin River. Because piers require a minimum water depth of 8 feet, the Yadkin Shoreline Management Plan allows for excavation of sediments at High Rock Lake.


Homeowners who wish to excavate around their piers must receive prior written approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the North Carolina Division of Water Quality, and the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources (as necessary) and submit an application to APGI. For more information about excavation regulations, refer to the Shoreline Stewardship Policy of the Shoreline Management Plan at: www.alcoa.com/yadkin/en/info_page/stewardship_alteration.asp.


The exact drawdown schedule may be impacted by heavy rainfall or other unforeseen weather events. For updates about the drawdown, visit the APGI website at www.alcoa.com/yadkin.