previous summits

Senator Michael S. Meyer von Bremen

Georgia State Senate District 12

Provided opening remarks and gave an update on water related legislation introduced or acted upon in the 1999 Georgia General Assembly.

Mr. Robert Kerr

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Georgia's Chief Negotiator in the ACT and ACF Compacts

Provided an update on the status of the allocation formula talks for the Interstate Compacts. Negotiations are continuing on both, but each state has strong reservations over current positions of their compact partners. It is uncertain whether the differences will be resolved before the December 31, 1999 deadline for negotiations ends and whether the partners will agree to extend negotiations.

Mr. Harold Reheis

Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Environmental Protection Division

During the study and compact negotiation process, EPD and Florida modelers have found that their surface and groundwater models for the Dougherty Plain and Flint River indicate that the installed irrigation wells in the region may be outstripping the water resources available. In a severe drought, the models indicate, flow may cease in the lower Flint. Beginning May 1998, EPD has held onto applications for new Floridan ground water withdrawals until they had more information and a plan of action. Mr. Reheis described the EPD plan, including the November 30, 1999 cessation of permitting withdrawals during a 5-year study period. He also described the compromise activities worked out with farmers and proposed legislation for the Flint River Drought Protection Act.

Mr. Woody Hicks

Regional Groundwater Director - United States Geologic Survey

The 1999 Drought has resulted in some monthly record low flows in the Flint River north of Albany, and some record low groundwater levels in selected areas north of Albany. However, although flows have been low, the Flint River and its major tributaries continue to receive ground water discharge through springs south of Albany. Despite heavy irrigation useage, ground water levels have not dropped excessively in the Floridan aquifer in areas south of Albany. The good rains in mid June and July may have been responsible for avoiding more serious drawdown and low flows in 1999.

Dr. Elizabeth R. Blood

Water Research Scientist

J. W. Jones Ecological Research Center

Dr. Blood explained the activities of the Summit Task Force and the stakeholder groups since our last summit in February, 1998. This was followed by presentations by representatives of each stakeholder groups. They detailed activities of their groups to achieve at drought management strategies. Their activities included monitoring habitat of endangered species by the Natural Resources Group, developing an emergency water supply plan by the Health Group, surveying industries for their in-house water use and drought plans by the Industrial group, and negotiating a drought emergency plan and necessary legislation for irrigation ny the Agricultural group.

Dr. James E. Hook

Soil & Water Research Scientist

University of Georgia, NESPAL

Dr. Hook provided a sampling of regional water management organizations that have been utilized in various areas across the country. The commonalities and differences of the groups were examined.