For more information, contact the Buford Dam Project Management Office of the US Army Corps of Engineers at 770-945-9531.
During the mid-June annual meeting of the Lake Lanier Association, audience members posed a number of questions to Brig. Gen. Joseph Schroedel, commander of the South Atlantic Division of the US Army Corps of Engineers and keynote speaker for the evening.Some of these questions were answered at the meeting. Others were noted for follow up by the staff of the Buford Dam Project Management Office. In cooperation with the Lake Lanier Association and Corps, Lakeside on Lanier is publishing these frequently asked questions.
Q. What can be done regarding silt removal (particularly in small inlets)?
A. The Lanier Project Office can issue permits to authorize dredging under a Regional Permit Authority. There is a maximum limit of 5,000 cubic yards allowed for silt removal only. The removal of hard pan, the original lake bottom, can only be authorized by an Individual Permit (IP), which is not issued to private adjacent land owners. The Corps does not have funds for dredging within the Lanier project budget.
For additional information: Chris Lovelady
Q. What is the status of height (clearance) markers on bridge underpasses (from water to bridge)?
A. Bridge clearances can be computed by taking the elevation of the lowest bridge span and subtracting the current lake level. The only bridge on Lake Lanier with a staff gauge is the Lanier Islands Bridge. All other bridges are owned by Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT). The State should be contacted regarding staff gauges on its bridges. Clearance issues are generally only problematic during flood stages. However, sailboats with tall masts are generally limited to use on the main or southern area of the lake. Bridge elevations can be found at http://lanier.sam.usace.army.mil/BoatRampElevations.htm At the bottom of the spreadsheet, you can click on the boat ramp tab to switch it to bridge elevations.
For additional information: Mark Williams
Q. Who is responsible for paving/potholes on the road that crosses Buford Dam?
A. The Corps owns the road across the dam and is responsible for its operation and maintenance. It was last paved in 1997 and is currently is in good shape. The road was personally inspected following the Lake Lanier Association meeting and it is free of potholes. For additional information: Pat Taylor
Q. What is the Corps’ role in water quality?
A. The Corps is concerned about water quality issues within Lake Lanier and its watershed. However, the responsibility for water quality falls upon local communities and, in particular, the State of Georgia. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has the principle role for enforcing water quality issues. The Corps calls upon the State to address water quality issues that surface within our immediate watershed. The Corps does, however, monitor water quality at the intake structure, the river immediately below the dam, and handles testing at all Corps-operated beaches. For additional information: Chris Lovelady
Q. What can or is being done to increase the size of the Lake Lanier watershed?
A. The Corps cannot change the size of the watershed. The watershed was formed by nature and will remain in its natural condition barring some unforeseen catastrophic natural event. For additional information: Chris Lovelady
Q. What authorities can we use or pursue to capture funds that might be used to mark underwater hazards?
A. The Corps is funded by Congress and cannot act unless Congress authorizes and appropriates funds for use at Lake Lanier. The Lanier project budget includes funds for Flood Damage Reduction, Hydropower, Recreation and Environmental Stewardship. The Corps marks navigation hazards using limited Recreation dollars. For additional information: Mark Williams
Q. What is being done to protect the security of the dam and associated infrastructure?
A. Much has been done to improve the security of the dam and its associated infrastructure. The security system has multiple layers of protection to include: barrier rails, fencing, crash gates, motion detectors, cameras, 24 hr monitoring, and alarm systems. While damage to certain infrastructure is possible, damage to the dam is not. For additional information: Mark Williams
Q. What is the Corps doing with all of their land? Why is it needed?
A. The land is public property necessary to provide flood storage, provide for wildlife habitat, to filter pollutants, provide for scenic surroundings, and enhance recreation. Of the 58,000 acres of property approximately 18,000 acres form a narrow belt of green space along the 700 miles of boundary. Without this green space the lake would not be as scenic or healthy as it is. For additional information: Chris Lovelady
Q. Is it true that community dock developers don’t have to own the adjacent land before they get a shoreline use permit?
A. No, applicants requesting shoreline use permits must own property adjacent to Corps lands zoned “limited development”. However, it is common that the property owners will make application prior to approaching a community dock developer. For additional information: Chris Lovelady
Q. How can we improve knowledge and understanding of Georgia state boating laws and publicize them to a larger audience?
A. By requesting an education program through the GA, DNR. The Corps augments the State’s efforts by providing meeting space for groups that provide boating education, such as the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Boat Squadron. For additional information: Mark Williams
Q. What is the status of the proposals (from Metro Atlanta YMCA and Forsyth County) for the leasing/development of Bethel Park?
A. The decision to lease Bethel Park will be made once a complete Environmental Assessment is done. Although the Corps must study several alternatives, the agency can do one of three things: Lease to the County, Lease to the YMCA or Retain the park within its own inventory. For additional information: Michael Lapina
Q. How can we go about getting a tax deduction for protecting the shoreline by placing rip-rap that helps slow erosion?
A. Please consult with a tax attorney or CPA. However, the work can be considered a donation for the improvement of public property. For additional information: Chris Lovelady
Q. What does the Corps do about abandoned boat docks, ssunken vessels, etc.?
A. Remove them at considerable public expense, but only after the Corps has exhausted an effort to identify the owner, impounded the property (may be impounded in place), held possession for the required regulatory time, and sought court action as necessary. The Corps should never be responsible for removing something that has been permitted or licensed. Yet property is frequently abandoned. For additional information: Chris Lovelady .