2008-05-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

3 Ms. Barbara Hutchinson, Airport Manager, said that while the Airport wants to expand its runway, the FAA will only approve a 800’ extension and the proposal is not under design and is not funded. She said the Airport will need 2.3 million cubic yards of fill. She said dewatering cannot occur at the Airport or within a certain number of feet of the runway. She said the project would have to be bid out and she does not think the material from dredging the Reservoir can be the source. Mr. Mike Gaffney, Chairman of the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority, discussed the phasing of the water supply plan. He said the DEQ permit received is valid for 15 years. He said stream flow requirements must be met in all phases, and 10 mgd will have to be released into the Moormon’s. Mr. Gaffney reviewed phasing scenarios. He said the City’s water rates are recommended to increase 1.2% and the County’s 2.5%. He said that the cost to replace the Ragged Mountain dam at its current height is estimated at $24 million, to raise it to 30’ is $30 million, and to raise it to 45’ is $37 million. Mr. Liz Palmer said she has been involved in the water supply issue for 11 years as a citizen and for two years as a member of the Albemarle County Service Authority. She said that residents, businesses and environmentalists are satisfied with the approved water supply plan. She said dredging was not feasible as a component of the water supply plan. She said we should ask whether dredging would be done for the water supply, for recreational purposes, or for aesthetics. She said the answer to that question dramatically affects the cost. She suggested that a committee be formed through the Rivanna River Basin Commission to develop a dredging plan. Mr. Schuyler discussed how the plan improves the flow in the Mormon’s River. He showed a visual simulation of the affect raising the Ragged Mountain dam has, noting that there is minimal impact to increase the dam from 30’ to 45’. He said the plan is to protect 7,500 linear feet at the Buck Mountain stream and add new forest. He said the seven miles of trails were built at Ragged Mountain with the understanding that the primary use of the site was for water supply. He said about half of those trails will be lost, but new trails will be rebuilt for a total of 9.5 miles. He said over 600 acres of forest will be protected at the reservoir site. Mr. Taliaferro thanked everyone for the work they had done on the presentations. He said the process has been helpful, and he is still open to hearing comments. Mr. Huja agreed with Mr. Taliaferro and said it was nice to hear all the information in one place at one time. Dr. Brown said he was the only member now on Council when the water supply plan was considered. He said he appreciates the recap. He said the community went through a lot and it was a very open process. He said he believes we came up with a good plan. He said there are a lot of aspects to dredging, but he does not see it in the context of the water plan, but more in maintaining the reservoir as a recreational facility. Ms. Edwards said she appreciates the opportunity go get people together to hear the same information at one time. She said we need to make a consistent plan that includes health, safety and sanitation. Mr. Norris said he would like to follow up on Mr. Lynch’s comments about the conservation rates and population projections. He said a strong case can be made for dredging to preserve the health of the South Fork Reservoir, and he would like to give close examination to that. The meeting was adjourned. ______________________________ _____________________________ President Clerk