Drawdown of Claytor Lake approved for shoreline work

ROANOKE – The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved a temporary lowering of water levels at Appalachian Power’s Claytor Hydroelectric Project in southwest Virginia. Appalachian, in cooperation with the Friends of Claytor Lake and Pulaski County, requested the drawdown to provide lakeside property owners an opportunity to perform shoreline construction and
maintenance activities.

The drawdown will begin Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 1:30 p.m. The Claytor reservoir will be lowered approximately 1.6 feet per day until it reaches an elevation of 1841 feet—or five feet below the normal full pond level of 1846. Appalachian Power expects to reach the drawdown elevation the morning of Saturday, Nov. 6. Refilling of the reservoir is expected to begin the evening of Sunday, Nov. 14. The lake should return to full pond by Friday, Nov. 19, at 10 p.m., or sooner depending on inflow.

FERC requires the drawdown plan include mitigation of negative effects on mussels living in the lake. Shoreline workers and volunteers are asked to gently toss stranded mussels into the water and document their work. Vegetation removal from within the Project boundary is not allowed unless prior approval has been obtained from Appalachian. Other shoreline construction of stabilization projects could require approval from Appalachian, Pulaski County or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Information about shoreline permits or the application process can be obtained by calling (540) 489-2556 or by visiting the Claytor Project website at http://www.claytorhydro.com/shoreline.aspx.

The planned drawdown and expected lake levels and times are subject to change based on weather or other significant factors. Lower water levels may affect public and private boat ramps and other access points along the shoreline. The Claytor Project was completed in 1939 and is operated by Appalachian Power on the New River in Pulaski County. The total installed electric generating capacity of the plant is 75 megawatts.