HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The annual
drawdown of lakes Hamilton and Catherine will be 5 feet this year. Both lakes
will be slowly lowered from Nov. 5 through Nov. 13.
Entergy Arkansas, Inc. will gradually make these adjustments at a rate of
approximately 4-6 inches per day. The water released at the dams will be used to
generate emission-free, low-cost hydroelectric power. Entergy Arkansas will
return the lakes to their normal summertime levels in early March 2012.
In addition to facilitating shoreline
maintenance and inspection, the annual drawdown is part of a plan to help
control nuisance aquatic vegetation. Entergy Arkansas coordinates the annual
winter drawdown with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Fisheries,
vegetation, facility management and downstream water needs are the key factors
considered in deciding the drawdown''s depth and timing.
The annual aquatic vegetation
inspection has identified a new non-native aquatic vegetation on Lake Hamilton
called Alligatorweed. Originating in South America, it surfaced on Lake Hamilton
approximately four years ago, but only recently started being a problem for some
lakefront property owners.
Alligatorweed is mainly found in
shallow water and on shore and can spread through fragmentation. It is a
vine-like plant whose leaves and ends of stems are generally on top of the
water, forming dense interwoven mats. The lower portions of the stems are
underwater, where they root extensively in the lake bed.
Entergy’s aquatic vegetation
management plan, which calls for the use of drawdowns of varying and alternating
depths, has been successful in combating past infestations of nuisance aquatic
vegetation such as naid and water milfoil. Research indicates that control of
Alligatorweed is difficult, and the use of drawdowns is not as effective.
Management practices in Arkansas mainly consist of mechanical control and the
repeated use of specific aquatic herbicides. The disadvantage of mechanically
removing the plant is that it increases the risk of spreading it through
Although Entergy does not endorse the
use of aquatic herbicide to control nuisance vegetation, it is recognized as one
of the options available. There are many laws and liabilities associated with
the use of chemicals in public waters. Labels and instructions must be carefully
followed. Extreme caution is urged when using herbicides in public waters. We
Entergy management recommends that anyone experiencing nuisance aquatic
vegetation along their shoreline should contact the Arkansas State Plant Board
to obtain a list of licensed aquatic applicators who can properly apply an
aquatic herbicide on the nuisance vegetation.
"Remember, not all aquatic plants are
considered nuisance vegetation," said Bobby Pharr, process superintendent of
Entergy Arkansas hydro operations. "Aquatic vegetation, of which there are many
types in lakes Hamilton and Catherine, is important to the ecosystem of a lake,
and native vegetation should not be removed unless it is identified by the
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as a nuisance-type aquatic vegetation."
Boaters should use caution while on
the lakes during the drawdown period because additional shallow areas will
exist, and winter rains can increase the amount of debris washed into the lakes.
Owners of boats and floating docks should also take precautions to ensure boats
and docks are able to adjust to the drawdown. Failure to do so may cause damage
to docks and boats. Some docks will be able to rest on the lakebed with little
or no problem. If the shoreline is steep or rocky in a particular area, dock
owners may need to temporarily move docks to deeper water. If relocating a dock,
be sure it does not restrict navigation or become a boating hazard.
Entergy Arkansas will not require a
permit for the temporary relocation of docks due to the drawdown, but the dock
must be returned to its permitted location once the lake returns to its
summertime level. Entergy Arkansas also recommends using a licensed electrician
to make any alterations to wiring in conjunction with the drawdown.
Lake Catherine is formed by Remmel
Dam and Lake Hamilton is formed by Carpenter Dam. Both were built more that 60
years ago for hydroelectric generation. Lakes Hamilton and Catherine are part of
Project 271, a hydroelectric project licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission. The license grants Entergy Arkansas authority to manage these
reservoirs and related shorelines, and operate Remmel and Carpenter dams. The
license also requires Entergy Arkansas to control activities affecting the
lakes'' environmental, safety and recreational values.
Permits must be obtained from Entergy
Arkansas for any construction on the lake or shoreline including personal water
craft ramps, boat docks, piers, walkways, swim docks, landings, embankments,
bulkheads, seawalls, rip-rap, dredging and filling operations.
Changes in ownership, relocation,
replacement, enlargement or significant alteration of existing facilities also
require a new permit from Entergy Arkansas. The company''s guidelines are revised
periodically, so anyone planning to build on Entergy Arkansas’ shoreline
property should be sure to obtain the latest revision before proceeding.
Lakefront property owners needing
further information on the drawdown schedule or shoreline permitting guidelines
and applications for lakes Hamilton or Catherine can call Entergy Arkansas''
hydro operations office at 501-844-2148 or visit the hydro operations website at
www.entergy.com/hydro. Visitors to the website may also subscribe to receive
lake and flow information by email.
Entergy Corporation is an integrated
energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail
distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with
approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, and it is the
second-largest nuclear generator in the United States. Entergy delivers
electricity to 2.6 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi
and Texas and has annual revenues of more than $10 billion and approximately
Entergy Arkansas hydro operations'' online address is