We are witnessing a new example of the Corps' total disrespect for the recreational infrastructure of the Savannah River Basin. Everyone knows that before the Corps can use release rates below normal they feel compelled to get the approval of all downstream stakeholders. Hence in drought conditions the corps seeks approval from all the various stakeholders that might be impacted by low river flows before making such changes.
Now the shoe is on the other foot. The Corps apparently is concerned about projections for heavier than normal rains this fall and winter. As a result they are using ridiculous release rates in excess of 5,000cfs in the middle of drought conditions. Why are they not now seeking the approval of all stakeholders that might be impacted by low lake levels. For example as a lake stakeholder I would like to know what the maximum safe release rate is and would it not be possible to hold off on dropping levels now by using higher release rates earlier in a heavy rain event.
The main concern from the standpoint of lake stakeholders is what if the projections for heavier than normal rains is incorrect. What if drought conditions persist. Insanity is doing the same thing that has caused destructive lake levels repeatedly in the past and expecting different results.
The evidence for accuracy of weather forecasts beyond two weeks is non-existent, yet the Corps bases its management of the Lake on Forecasts of 6 months out, and even longer. Would it be rude for me to remind the Colonel that people joke about the weather as a example of things you can't predict. "That's about as predictable as the weather, ha,ha,ha."
ReplyDeleteIronically, the Corps accepts weather forecasts as the gospel truth as it ignores strong evidence that current practices need to change. They insist on proof positive, usually some sort of long-term study, to change any part of their outdated regulations..