With water levels at Smith Mountain Lake still at historic lows, Appalachian Power has provided an update on how ongoing drought conditions are affecting the Smith Mountain Project.
During a June 16 meeting with the Franklin County Board of Supervisors, Appalachian Power representatives reported that Smith Mountain Lake remains around 790 feet, about five feet below normal. Kyle Draper, communications manager for Bedford Water, previously told 10 News that it has been nearly 20 years since the lake was this low.
Because of these conditions, Appalachian Power activated “drought trigger points” under its Water Management Plan this spring. The company has reduced the amount of water released downstream from Leesville Dam, but says it remains within approved limits and continues to meet environmental and regulatory requirements…