LGA focuses on Water Woes

It is a fact that some areas of the southeastern United States are experiencing historical drought conditions and there is controversy as locations compete for this scarce resource. As water levels go down in surrounding NC communities outside of the area lakes there is pressure on Kerr Lake and Lake Gaston to make up the short supply.  It brings back the memories of the fiercely contested Virginia Beach pipeline. 

This time the fight is with NC.  The state is in its worst drought situation that it has faced for hundreds of years.  To help alleviate the drought problem there is an effort afoot to extend a pipeline and water rights to Raleigh and perhaps to Durham.

At the Lake Gaston Association (LGA) monthly meeting, held at the Lake Gaston Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 5, Past President Larry Jolly introduced guest speaker Gene Addesso of the Roanoke River Basin Association (RRBA), who told of mounting pressure and the RRBA initiative against inter basin transfer of water from Kerr and Gaston Lakes.

Addesso explained that the RRBA has opposed interbasin transfer virtually since the inception of the RRBA, but that the Virginia Beach pipeline was a battle long fought and lost. He pointed out that although interbasin transfer was against the principles of the Riparian Rights system, political and economic power seems to weight heavily in water disputes.

 Simply put riparian rights are the qualified privilege of a landowner to use the water adjacent to or flowing through his property. It has its origins in English common law. It is currently recognized in the United Kingdom and the eastern United States.  These rights cannot be sold or transferred other than with the adjoining land, and water cannot be transferred out of the watershed.

Addesso noted that currently Virginia Beach, Creedmoor (Oxford), and Roxboro already have permits for usage and these as well as the possible Raleigh/Durham permit would transfer water permanently out of the watershed.

Currently, according to Addesso, Raleigh and perhaps Durham represent a potential threat to Kerr Lake and Lake Gaston water supplies. He stated that, in those areas, drought conditions and unconstrained growth have created a demand which has greatly outstripped the supply. He noted that media sources and studies have suggested a pipeline to Kerr Lake. 

The City of Raleigh has or is in the process of asking the Corps of Engineers for the inclusion of a water supply allocation and a pipeline to Kerr Lake.

Kerr and Lake Gaston were developed first for flood control and then for power generation and finally for recreation Addesso explained to the group. He noted that the most critical commodity of this century is water. It was explained that there are many regions in Virginia and North Carolina that are having water shortage problems and the RRBA seems to be where they would like to put their straw in.  

Although the Triad and Triangle areas of NC are the most high profile places where basin water could be used, there are several other areas.  They include water from the Dan River (part of the same RRBA) going to Milton for Roxboro, Person County and Yanceville. 

Addesso said that the RRBA is involved in supporting a win-win solution for the basin as a whole, and that the RRBA as a group believes interested stakeholders should follow suit. 

One of the key functions of the RRBA is to stay aware of these threats, and where appropriate make their opposition known. They also stand ready to rally their constituents and fight serious threats in any way they can according to Addesso.

 LGA Committee reports:

Planning and Development - Jack Saunders reported set-backs and set asides for commercial interests are being be discussed in an effort to develop consistency between counties.

Lake Environment/Aquatic Weed - Vernon Wilson/Bill Lindemuth reported the weed application contract for 2008 has not yet been signed. Grass carp tagging found that of 29 carp tagged only 8 operating tags were found. 2008 stocking of grass carp will be minimal, due to the large numbers in the Lake. There will be only 50 to 100 carp released for 2008.

Membership – David Duxbury reminded everyone that new members are always welcome. A membership drive is going on. Membership application can be found in this issue.  

Government Relations – Larry Jolly reported the Government Relations Committee is preparing for county forums where all candidates running for election this year will be available. The public will be invited and this is your opportunity to meet the candidates and ask questions. Follow the Observer for additional information.

Editors’ note:  The LGA is a citizens’ organization that actively advocates and promotes the interests of individuals, families and businesses who own property in the two states and five counties of Lake Gaston. For further information call Moira Underwood, (252) 586-6577 or toll free at 888-586-6577 or visit the website at www.LakeGastonAssoc.com. Email inquiries can be made to Info@lakegastonassoc.com.