NO NEED FOR PANIC: WATER ALERT… PowerSouth, the operator of the local dams at Gantt Lake and Point A in northern Covington County, is required to issue “high water notifications” because of federal guidelines. I have conferred with PowerSouth this morning and let me vehemently stress that this is NOT a cause for panic. The notification text/press release is below.
It is CRITICAL to understand that the dams in northern Covington County are opened frequently for controlled releases. This is not something limited to flooding situations. PowerSouth “opens the dams” all the time to maintain proper water levels in the lakes. Don’t buy into the fear and hype when you see a viral picture circulating on social media of water gushing out of the dams!
It is also critical to understand that there is NO significant flooding in the forecast for Murder Creek or Burnt Corn Creek in the greater Brewton area!
Here is the press release:
ANDALUSIA, ALA. – Heavy area rainfall has prompted PowerSouth Energy Cooperative to issue a high-water notification under its Emergency Action Plan early this morning.
With the amount of rainfall received over the past several days, and with additional rain projected, PowerSouth has initiated a controlled release at Gantt and Point A Dams, which are subject to government-mandated statutes.
“When water levels at the dams reach a predetermined level, we work with local Emergency Management Agencies to notify the public of potential downstream flooding,” said Baynard Ward, PowerSouth Communication Manager.
PowerSouth’s operators manage its hydroelectric dams in accordance with state and federal statues to maintain the levels of Point A and Gantt Lakes within acceptable operating standards.
“Our operators allow all incoming water flow to pass through the dams, using the gates to manage river flow and maintain lake levels,” Ward said. “Our FERC operating license requires us to maintain the natural flow of the river, so all water that flows into the lakes is released into the Conecuh River at the Point A Dam.”
Safety is PowerSouth’s top priority.
“We will continue to monitor the lake levels and will adjust gates as needed to safely operate the Gantt and Point A Dams,” Ward said. “We advise property owners along the lakefront and downstream to remain vigilant of river and weather conditions. Please take the appropriate precautions against flooding.”