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.