Orange County NC Website
• <br /> . . t <br /> L . Mr. Ken R. Thompson Page -4- May 15, 1985 . <br /> • <br /> These flows are very conservative with respect to instream flow . <br /> requirements. And with these flows we can expect that adverse impacts ' <br /> will occur downstream. However, the model indicates that these <br /> r releases will have no significant effect on the yield. <br /> For considering instream flow- goals for proposing an operating <br /> plan for next year, our field analysis indicates that a minimum <br /> _ ._ release of about 5. 4 cfs is required from Lake Ben Johnson before <br /> serious dewatering of the stream occurs. To adequately protect <br /> instream flow needs, a flow of 5.4 cfs or more is needed. A release <br /> schedule, using 5. 4 cfs as a possible target when Lake Orange storage <br /> is in the 100-60 percent range, could be developed. . <br /> . . . <br /> -:-" S <br /> Adequately determining and recording flows at key points is very <br /> important to the successful operation of a water resources management <br /> v . . <br /> plan. At this stage, we would recommend proceeding with the <br /> installation of the continuous recording gage below Lake Ben Johnson. <br /> USGS tells us that all they need is your approval to proceed with the <br /> installation. <br /> ,s- <br /> t . . <br /> ,.' . <br /> The staff gage at the dam should be sufficient to monitor outflow <br /> from the low level release, given the frequency at which the outflow <br /> '-' <br /> . . is changed and the possibilities of alteration to the stream section. <br /> The operator should, however, read and note the staff gage reading <br /> ik. <br /> ,fh <br /> both before and after adjustments to the valve setting and <br /> periodically check for obstructions in the section immediately' <br /> downstream of the staff gage. Consideration should also be given to <br /> ( setting up means to monitor lake levels at all three lakes. <br /> I believe the public is depending on us to work together to <br /> r I <br /> resolve this problem. These steps should bring us closer to that <br /> t. goal.goal. With the proposed modified plan in place, the water supply <br /> W . <br /> situation in northern Orange County should be vastly improved. Next <br /> 0.: . <br /> .41,2 year, with the water supply requirements on the Eno, hopefully, <br /> Ole somewhat reduced, there should be significant improvements in <br /> downstream flow conditions. However, these are only very short-range • <br /> It measures. The most prudent actions to avoid serious problems in the <br /> future is to either increase storage, obtain an agreement to purchase <br /> water from outside sources, or reduce water supply requirements, or <br /> 1 ' consider a combination of these approaches. <br /> P. . <br /> The long-range water resources plan should take into account the <br /> inclusive range of available alternatives. The scope of the plan <br /> should not be restricted to methods which have appeared to work <br /> satisfactorily elsewhere or to already established procedures. ' New . <br /> ', . methods and concepts should be taken into account when planning <br /> - effective water management schemes. In the case of the Eno, there is <br /> a need to recognize more fully the interrelations that prevail in a <br /> 70 river basin and plan accordingly. The need of surrounding areas and <br /> N communities, both upstream and downstream, must be taken into account <br /> more than they have been in planning a truly effective and balanced <br /> 0 long-term water development scheme. <br /> I <br /> . . ! <br /> 1,i • • <br />