Alabama Power will lower the level of Lay Lake only once in 2001, following an agreement with federal officials. From now on, the drawdown will take place just once a year, compared to the past practice of two drawdowns annually.

Until now, Alabama Power has had to lower the level of Lay Lake below Logan Martin Dam in the spring and fall to measure leakage flows below the dam. The twice-a-year drawdown was required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Company officials, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and some lake users have expressed concerns about the spring drawdown, because of the potential effects on fish spawning in Lay Lake. Because of those concerns, Alabama Power approached the FERC about amending its Logan Martin operating license to eliminate the spring drawdown. In April the FERC agreed.

From now on, the drawdown of Lay Lake will take place sometime in the fall of each year. This fall's drawdown of Lay Lake is scheduled to begin October 8 and be completed on October 25.

"We believe this change will benefit the fisheries. And it should have no effect on the safe and reliable operation of Logan Martin Dam," said Willard Bowers, general manager of environmental affairs for Alabama Power. "We want to thank the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for its support of the amendment before the FERC."

"We appreciate Alabama Power for requesting that the FERC make this amendment," said Riley Boykin Smith, Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. "The concerns of our agencies and the lake users were presented effectively to eliminate the spring drawdown."

Alabama Power owns and operates 14 hydroelectric plants in Alabama, providing clean, low-cost electricity. The facilities also provide more than 157,000 acres of water and more than 4,000 miles of shoreline for the public's use and enjoyment.

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SOURCE: Alabama Power Company