The State of Georgia is still waiting for the Corp of Engineers to decide whether it will lower the flow of water out of Lake Lanier. Governor Perdue has threatened legal action if the corps does not comply with the state's request. Today Georgia environmental protection division director Carol Couch warned of dire consequences.
“Rejecting our request amounts to the United States Corps. Of Engineers abandoning the people of the state of Georgia,” Couch told reporters.
The EPD is starting to plan for a pending emergency, because Lake Lanier could run out of water in 81 days if there’s no substantial rain says Couch.
“We may have to assure that hospitals ship their patients elsewhere” she said ”This is a potential disaster in the making.”
The Corps Of Engineers says it may draw water from below the minimum level required for Lake Lanier, but that has never been done before and could be costly. Next week Couch will make recommendations to Governor Sonny Perdue on which businesses should get water use restrictions.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Drought disaster pending says EPD chief
