ROANOKE, Va., Oct.13, 2008 – Appalachian Power, a unit of American Electric Power (AEP), has announced that the water level of its Claytor Lake hydroelectric facility in Pulaski County will be lowered five feet below full pond for two weeks beginning early next month to allow shoreline maintenance and cleanup. The lake will begin refilling November 22.

In partnership with Friends of Claytor Lake (FOCL) and other agencies, Appalachian will conduct a “drawdown” of the reservoir to allow area residents and volunteers an opportunity for dock and other property repair or maintenance along the shoreline.

The drawdown will be implemented according to the following schedule:

- November 3:  Begin lowering of the reservoir by about one foot per day

- November 8:  Complete reservoir lowering to elevation 1841 feet above sea level

- November 22: Begin refilling the reservoir to an elevation of 1846 feet; the speed of refilling will be affected by water inflow conditions

Appalachian Power and Friends of Claytor Lake encourage residents, homeowners associations and others to organize cleanup activities during this drawdown period.  Anyone planning to conduct filling or excavation activities should contact the Corps of Engineers to inquire if a Corps permit is required.  A permit from Appalachian is required for installing shoreline stabilization materials.

Persons at the lake during the drawdown period should use caution.  The lower water level could create boating or swimming hazards from submerged obstacles.

Lowering of the reservoir and maintenance of the level at 1841 feet are subject to external factors such as extreme weather or river conditions.  Appalachian Power will notify FOCL and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries of any changes to the schedule prior to those changes being implemented.  Appalachian and FOCL will announce changes to the drawdown schedule as soon as possible after they are known.

Water levels of all Appalachian Power and AEP hydroelectric facilities are posted and regularly updated on the company’s Web site: http://www.aep.com/environmental/recreation/hydro .

 
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