Mobile District has received a request from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA-EPD) that a reduction be made in releases from Buford Dam/Lake Lanier to meet the water quality requirement on the Chattahoochee River at Atlanta, Georgia, as a temporary drought contingency measure.  A copy of the GA-EPD request by letter dated 11 February 2008 is attached for your reference and review.  The current minimum flow requirement for assimilation of return flow at Atlanta (750 cfs) is incorporated in the
current Buford Dam Reservoir Regulation Manual, as measured on theChattahoochee River above the confluence with Peachtree Creek.  GA-EPD requests that a reduction in the water quality required flow to 550 cfs be considered.  This request would therefore require a temporary deviation from current water management operations.

GA-EPD's request represents a proposed temporary drought contingency measure in response to drought conditions experienced this past year and forecasts for continued drought conditions in 2008.  The proposed reduction in flows is based on water quality criteria at Atlanta and seeks to conserve storage in
Lake Lanier (Buford Dam) by reducing the amount of release necessary to meet State water quality standards during cooler months.

The Corps of Engineers is given discretion to manage its reservoirs by the Flood Control Act of 1944.  The procedures for water management actions at Corps projects is set out in Engineer Regulation 1110-2-240 (33 C.F.R. Part 222.5), which states as follows in regard to droughts:

"Continuous examination should be made of regulations schedules, possible need for storage reallocation (within existing authority and constraints) and to identify needed changes in normal regulation.  Emphasis should be placed on evaluating conditions that could require deviation from
normal release schedules as part of drought contingency plans (ER1110-2-1941)."

Engineering Regulation 1110-2-1941 requires water managers to re-examine procedures and reservoirs to determine whether improvement can be made during low water periods within current authorities.

This notice is requesting written comments from Federal, State and local agencies, Tribes, affected industries, organizations, other stakeholders and the public regarding potential affects of the proposed reduction in flows for the purpose of conducting environmental evaluation and obtaining stakeholder
input which will assist in a determination on the request for a temporary deviation from the Reservoir Regulation Manual.  Information provided in response to this notice will be considered by the Mobile District and South Atlantic Division in determining whether or not to implement a temporary deviation and to what extent.  Please communicate this information to any other interested parties.

The decision on the proposed temporary deviation or variance in water management operations will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact, including cumulative impacts, of the proposed activity on the public interest.  Written comments are requested on specific impacts to other users and operations that occur within the basin. That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefit which reasonably may be expected to accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments.  All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered, including the cumulative effects thereof; among those are conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural values, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain values, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food production, and in general, the needs and welfare of the people.  Potential consequences of this proposed temporary deviation include impacts on pool elevations at West Point and Walter F. George, on
river stages at various water intakes below Buford Dam, and on in-stream water quality criteria.  In addition, the proposed flow reduction may impact individual discharge permit holders downstream of Buford Dam.  The reduced flow may also impact the trout hatchery downstream of Buford Dam and/or the
fishery associated with that facility.  There may be additional consequences or impacts for which we solicit your input.
 
Written comments should be directed the District Engineer, U.S. Army Engineer District, Mobile, Post Office Box 2288, Mobile, Alabama  36628-0001, Attention:  Planning and Environmental Division, Inland Environment Team in time to be received not later than 28 February 2008.  In order to expedite receipt of comments, electronic copies of comments may be forwarded to the following email address: cesam-pd-ea@usace.army.mil

Electronic comments may also be provided on the Mobile District web site at the following location: http://www.sam.usace.army.mil

Please provide all comments not later than close of business, Thursday, 28 February 2008.