Build retaining ponds upriver to capture flood waters and use them for irrigation? That would be a start on some of the many water concerns. Tim Carroll sent the appended to a long list of people Sunday. -jsq

All,

Important news concerning storm water/flood water management in our area. As noted below in Larry’s email, much work has been done to find solutions. I made this presentation to both the local and state Chamber Governmental Affairs Council’s soliciting their support. There have also been numerous contacts with state and federal representatives concerning this issue.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Happy Independence Day,

Tim Carroll

From: Larry Hanson
Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2011 4:10 PM
To: Tim Carroll
Subject: FW: Suwannee-Satilla Regional Water Plan Comments

Mayor and Council;

Any and all Georgians have the opportunity to comment on the proposed state water plan and specifically the Suwannee-Satilla Regional Water Plan that covers our region. As you know, I made a presentation to the regional water council late last year in Douglas regarding regional stormwater and the need to address this issue as part of the state water plan. The presentation was

well received by the Council and they indicated they support the need for more study. The concept is to build strategically located regional reservoirs to capture stormwater run-off to protect communities like ours from flood events and utilize this stormwater for documented agricultural needs and to address drought and low flow issues in our region’s water sources. It is a perfect marriage to solve one problem while eliminating another.

With the water plan now up for adoption, comments can be provided to EPD for consideration and review. I provided the attached comments yesterday on behalf of the city. We are keenly aware that we are at the bottom end of the drainage basin and that 99% of the stormwater that enters our city comes from outside our city as far north as Ashburn, Tift Co., Cook Co, etc. Therefore flood events are beyond our control, authority, ability and capability to prevent. The issue must be addressed regionally. We have adopted a stormwater master plan to address what we are capable of locally, but it will take regional cooperation and state support to truly solve the issue. The comments are an attempt to keep this issue at the forefront and to demonstrate to all that the city continues to pursue all options to assist in resolving the drainage issues we inherit from major rain events upstream. We want to continue to do all possible to prevent another flood event that occurs because of the region’s stormwater.

It is my understanding that Representative Carter has some of the Governor’s staff coming to visit our community soon and I have asked that the city be given the opportunity to make a presentation to them as well on this issue. The state now has funds for regional reservoirs, although we are all aware the intent is to address the water issues in metro Atlanta. We want to be sure this region and this issue receives equal and due consideration for projects. I believe our recommendations are solid and represent good public policy, sound science and a unique opportunity to solve two major issues with one solution.

I just wanted all of you to know we continue to pro-actively work this issue.

Thanks, Larry

Attached was the appended document. -jsq

The City of Valdosta would first like to commend the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Suwannee-Satilla Council, and all others involved for their efforts throughout the regional water planning process.  Each plan is specific to its region’s water supply and needs, while also encompassing the intent of the Georgia Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Plan.  Through the available data, reasonable recommendations have been identified for water supply, wastewater, conservation and stormwater.  The recommendations reflect specifically our water sources, the agricultural, industrial, and municipal users, and recognizes the implementation needs of technical support, guidance, and funding.     

While a tremendous amount of data is available for the Suwannee-Satilla, there are areas that need attention and continued studies, including the regional management of stormwater.  In early 2009, 46 counties in South Georgia were declared disaster areas as the result of flooding.  The City of Valdosta was greatly impacted by this event as a result of being located on the downstream end of where the Withlacoochee River and Little River sub-watersheds join together.  Valdosta contributes only approximately 1% to the total 1,450 square miles that drain into these watersheds, so without regional coordination our local efforts cannot solve the massive stormwater issue we inherit, and certainly we cannot prevent another event of the 2009 magnitude without state assistance, funding and regional support. 

Based on the EPD website, there are 105 cities and 39 counties that are permitted by the State through the Phase I or II programs.  These federal regulations have helped to implement stormwater measures across the state; however, every community is impacted by stormwater and a large number of communities in Georgia are not taking appropriate measures to address the long-term impacts.  By implementing a regional approach, this would help to streamline stormwater management through consistent control measures, regulations, and provide a more cost-effective approach.  Through the proper evaluation, a series of storage areas could be identified to control stormwater flows, while providing additional benefits such as water quality, water quantity, and additional water supply.  To implement such measures, the coordination between local, state and federal organizations is critical. 

In addition, a regional task force or sub-committee should be formed, to continue the work of the Suwannee-Satilla Council, while representing all stakeholders and providing a formal planning mechanism to address the regional stormwater issues. Such a planning effort presents a unique opportunity to address multiple concerns as identified in the proposed regional water plan. For example, by seeking the opportunity to merge regional needs associated to agriculture, drought, and low flow with a regional challenge such as stormwater, the two issues can be addressed simultaneously and provide environmentally responsible solutions that best utilize our precious resources.    

The Suwannee-Satilla plan specifically recognizes the drought and low flow conditions experienced throughout the state and particularly in this area where agriculture is so important to the economy. Dramatic decreases in the average water depth of rivers has occurred based upon measurements from 1965 and 2000 as compared to present measurements.   According to Brian McCallum, Assistant Director of the U.S. Geological Survey, the river data measured on June 17, 2011, shows all the waterways in South Georgia are at record lows and becoming more severe. In areas of South Georgia the normal rainfall should be 25 inches; however is currently at 16 inches. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) completed a recent survey and determined that  as of June 12th, 42% of the state’s corn crop was poor or very poor,  46% of the state’s cotton crop was poor or very poor,  and 73% of the state’s pastures and ranges were poor or very poor.  As a result, Governor Deal has requested the USDA to declare 22 counties agricultural disaster areas.  

By considering a number of practices, including the use of regional reservoirs, stormwater can be captured, stored, and utilized to address surface water gaps. While the benefits can include irrigation purposes, drought relief, and low flow conditions in streams, it is important to carefully evaluate the placement of such reservoirs so that environmentally sensitive areas are not lost and other negative adverse impacts are created. It is our position that addressing the regional needs collectively is sound science, public policy, and efficient use of resources.  We commend the efforts put forth through the 2011 Water Reservoir Act and believe the associated funding for reservoirs should look beyond the needs of metro Atlanta and that projects in south Georgia should have equal priority and commitment.  

The City of Valdosta is committed to seeking viable solutions so that our water resources are protected and managed, while providing the highest quality service to our community for generations.

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