Minutes - 19851218 - Laserfiche WebLink

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0©039 The two priorities at Lake Ben Johnson include: 1. Raise the present lake level by 2 feet by installing flashboards. 2. Remove accumulated sediments upstream of the bypass sluice gate to assure proper operation of the sluice gate and allow for normal operation of Lake Ben Johnson at less than full pool elevations. Don Cordell pointed out that if all modifications could be done, the MGD would double. He encouraged the County to identify future sources of water supply. Mayor Frank Sheffield responded that the Town has agreed to raise the level of Lake Ben Johnson by two feet at an estimated cost of $75,000. A11 modifications outlined in the report would cost approximately $120,000. If the County matches funds by using the State grant money, the modifications could be completed in a shorter period of time. Chair Willhoit stated that the County will receive $98,000 over a two- year period and the money will be used first for the improvements on Lake Orange and then improvements on the capacity of Lake Ben Johnson and Corpor- ation Lake. He questioned the funding source for matching and Mayor Sheffield indicated his hope that Chapel Hill and Carrboro will contribute a portion of what they receive from the.3tate grant to make the improvements at Lake Ben Johnson since these improvements would benefit Chapel Hill and Carrboro as well as Hillsborough because OWASA draws from that supp7}r. Chair Willhoit concurred with Sheffield's suggestion. He noted that a cooperative effort needs to be worked out whereby OWASA's water demands can be met without jeopardizing the availability of water for everyone. In answer to a questlan from Remus Smith, Ken Thompson indicated bids would be received in February or March for the Efland Sewer and that some of the funds Prom the State grant may be used for that system. Frank Sheffield reiterated his proposal for matching the $60,000 with $50,000 from the County. He suggested a joint management effort for the three reservoirs to maximize the use of each one. In answer to an inquiry from Don Cox about management, Don Cordell indicated management would include controlling the releases from Lake Orange and the levels at Lake Ben Johnson and Corporation Lake at something less than full. One individual who understands the concept would be advisable. Don Willhoit pointed out that for the entire proposal to result in the maximum yield, some changes would be needed at Orange Alamance Water Authority; such as a bypass so the water does not spill over. Ken Thompson reviewed the list of proposed policies that will first be considered by the Board of Commissioners and then by those who have stored water facilities. (A list of these policies is in the permanent agenda file.) When these policies are approved by the Board, an ordinance will be drafted outlining the specific allocation amounts and a method for monitoring the instream flow. NO COMMENTS WERE MADE ON THE PROPOSAL Ken Thompson pointed out that the authority for the ordinance comes from the State Stored Water Act which sets such rules to prevent a water shortage and would be implemented by the County and binding by all parties involved.