8/29/2007

Winter drawdown scheduled for Hamilton and Catherine

HOT SPRINGS – Entergy will draw down lakes Hamilton and Catherine to 5 feet below their summertime levels. In addition, Lake Catherine will be temporarily drawn down 8 feet for a four-week period in November and December for maintenance on Carpenter Dam’s spillway. Entergy operates these lakes and associated lands.

Entergy will gradually lower both lakes to the 5-foot mark Nov. 3-9, and will temporarily lower Lake Catherine an additional 3 feet beginning Nov. 18. The scheduled maintenance of the Carpenter Dam spillway is expected to be completed in time to raise Lake Catherine back to the 5-foot winter drawdown stage beginning Dec. 10. Entergy will return the lakes to their normal summertime levels in early March 2008.

Entergy will gradually make these level adjustments at a rate of approximately 6 to 12 inches per day. The water released at the dams will be used to generate emission-free, low-cost hydroelectric power.

In addition to facilitating shoreline maintenance and inspection, the annual drawdown is part of a plan to help control nuisance aquatic vegetation which, in past summers, clogged much of the upper portion of Lake Hamilton. 

Entergy coordinates the upcoming winter’s drawdown annually with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Fisheries, vegetation and facility management, and downstream water needs are the key factors considered in deciding the drawdown’s depth and timing. This summer’s annual aquatic vegetation inspection indicated Entergy’s aquatic vegetation management plan has again been effective in combating the excessive growth of water milfoil and naiad in Lake Hamilton.

The 2006-2007 drawdown was 3 feet for both lakes. Due to the recent success with vegetation control and to allow for long-range planning, Entergy will tentatively plan future drawdown seasons to continue on an alternating pattern of 3- and 5-foot drawdowns. Alternating the drawdown depths will help prevent any one vegetation species from adapting to a particular depth. Annual inspections will continue to verify this plan is working, and adjustments to the long-range plan will be made as needed to do what is best for overall lake management.                     

Boaters should use caution while on the lakes during the drawdown period because additional shallow areas will exist and winter rains can increase the amount of debris washed into the lakes. Owners of boats and floating docks should also take precautions to ensure boats and docks are able to adjust to the drawdown. Failure to do so may cause damage to docks and boats. Some docks will be able to rest on the lakebed with little or no problem. If the shoreline is steep or rocky in a particular area, dock owners may need to temporarily move docks to deeper water. If relocating a dock, be sure it does not restrict navigation or become a boating hazard.

Entergy will not require a permit for the temporary relocation of docks due to the drawdown, but the dock must be returned to its permitted location once the lake returns to its summertime level. Entergy also recommends using a licensed electrician to make any alterations to wiring in conjunction with the drawdown.

Lake Catherine is formed by Remmel Dam and Lake Hamilton is formed by Carpenter Dam. Both were built more that 60 years ago for hydroelectric generation. Lakes Hamilton and Catherine are part of Project 271, a hydroelectric project licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The license grants Entergy authority to operate these reservoirs and related shorelines, and Remmel and Carpenter dams. The license also requires Entergy to control activities affecting the lakes’ environmental, safety and recreational values.

 Permits must be obtained from Entergy for any construction on the lake or shoreline including boat docks, piers, walkways, swim docks, landings, embankments, bulkheads, seawalls, rip-rap and dredging, and filling operations. Changes in ownership, relocation, replacement, enlargement or significant alteration of existing facilities also require a new permit from Entergy. Entergy’s guidelines are revised periodically so be sure to obtain the latest revision if planning on building on Entergy’s shoreline property.

Lakefront property owners needing further information on the drawdown schedule or shoreline permitting guidelines and applications for lakes Hamilton or Catherine can call Entergy’s hydro operations office at (501) 844-2148 or visit the hydro operations Web site at www.Entergy.com/hydro.