The Corps is Refusing to Listen

Try as we may nothing seems to deter the Corps from their appointed task of screwing up Lake Thurmond again. The lake is already well below 328' and continuing to drop rapidly. Apparently they plan to continue to 326' which is the old rule curve used since the dam was installed. That level over winter leads to disaster if we come out of the winter in a drought. The Corps knows that but for some reason refuses to do anything about it.

The Corps says that we need to drop Lake Thurmond 4' every winter to prepare for heavy rains in the winter and spring. But have you ever asked yourself why all the other lakes in the region do just fine over the winter without dropping the level 4'? And hasn't the addition of Lakes Hartwell and Russell to the system changed the magnitude of drop needed to catch run off from the mountains?

The other reason given by the Corps for this drop is repairs to the dam. However reason says they could redesign the equipment being used for the repairs to allow for 2' less drop in lake level. The question of expense to do so is a non event since the drop of 4' costs way more in economic losses to the lake communities than the cost of simple redesign of repair equipment.

Be that as it may, we still have a disconnect in our communication with the Corps. The best way to establish a connection that will last is for enough numbers to come together to get the attention of the Corps and our politicians the same way the tea parties are drawing attention to the disatisfaction of the nations' voters. If you haven't already done so, please send emails to the Corps and your congressman to express our desire for reason in managing Lake Thurmond.