The U-S Army Corp of Engineers today rolled out a plan allowing Georgia to keep more water from Lake Lanier. The move came after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service signed off on a decision saying endangered mussels in Florida can live with less water from the reservoir supplying much of Metro Atlanta’s water.
The Corp immediately reduced the lake’s downstream flow from 5,000 to 4,750 cubic feet per second. At a news conference this afternoon, GPB asked Governor Sonny Perdue if that would be enough, especially if the prayed-for rains don’t come.
The Corp immediately reduced the lake’s downstream flow from 5,000 to 4,750 cubic feet per second. At a news conference this afternoon, GPB asked Governor Sonny Perdue if that would be enough, especially if the prayed-for rains don’t come.
“I don’t want to be flippant about that, but if we don’t get the rains that we need, none of this is enough,” Perdue said. “I frankly ask Georgians to continue to pray because that is, essentially, the ultimate solution.”
Today, the Corps and state environmental officials said the part of the lake normally tapped for drinking water has about 79 days worth of drinking water left.
Today’s decision could set off a new round of lawsuits. Florida Governor Charlie Christ said, he didn’t want to sue, but would do what’s needed to protect not just the mussels, but also Florida’s seafood industry.
Today’s decision could set off a new round of lawsuits. Florida Governor Charlie Christ said, he didn’t want to sue, but would do what’s needed to protect not just the mussels, but also Florida’s seafood industry.
