Claytor Lake, Virginia Drawdown

Discontinuation of drawdown at the Claytor Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project P-739-022) has been proposed as part of Appalachian Power Companys relicense application and Virginia DEQs Water Protection Permit No. 09-0892 . As stakeholders in Claytor Lake, we are petitioning for the continuation of some manner of drawdown. As the relicensing Recreation Study confirmed (The Louis Berger Group, Inc, 2008), drawdown is used extensively for debris and trash removal, erosion control, and shoreline structure maintenance. These activities contribute to the protection of water quality, scenic quality, aquatic habitat, recreational safety, access and enjoyment, and adjacent properties at Claytor Lake. Discontinuing drawdown will prevent many property owners from accomplishing these activities.

We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens and stakeholders who believe drawdown is a beneficial part of a comprehensive resource management plan at Claytor Lake. We, therefore, request that Appalachian Power Company be required as a condition of its operation of the Claytor Hydroelectric Project to investigate and implement alternatives and mitigations that allow for the continuation of drawdown and the protection and promotion of resources at Claytor Lake, including fish, wildlife and the state-threatened pistolgrip mussel.