ROANOKE, Va. – Appalachian Power Company (APCo) has ramped up debris removal at the Smith Mountain Project ahead of peak summer boating months.
APCo is required by the Debris Management Plan to remove regular debris from April through October, as well as the elimination of recreational hazards created by floating debris from high-flow events throughout the year.
However, APCo understands the importance of keeping Smith Mountain and Leesville lakes clear of natural debris to help ensure public safety, especially heading into the summer boating months.
Currently, APCo employs two full-time crews and a contract crew to patrol more than 600 miles of shoreline on both lakes. The crews primarily use a combination of two excavators and a barge, along with a newly purchased debris skimmer, to remove natural and man-made debris, including tree limbs, trunks, and other large vegetation.
Following high-flow events, APCo evaluates the need for additional crews to help with debris removal. A high-flow event happens when a trigger occurs on the three main rivers (Roanoke, Blackwater and Pigg) that feed into the Smith Mountain Project. A trigger occurs when a river exceeds a predetermined height at a U.S. Geological Survey gauging station.
Cortland Frederick, senior reservoir equipment operator, noted that the amount of debris crews collect depends heavily on how much rainfall the lakes get. “Depending on how much rain we get and where it hits on the three main tributaries determines how much debris loading we get. But regardless, our crews work safe and they work hard, and we’re ready to respond.”
As of May 2025, lake crews have removed over 1,800 tons of debris from the lakes.
Boaters who encounter debris are encouraged to slow down and secure any navigational hazards to the shore or a channel marker if it is safe to do so. They can report debris at smithmountainproject.com, and crews will respond as quickly as possible. Examples of what can and cannot be removed by our lake crews can also be found on the company’s website.