|
I proposed a more ecologically- and economically-responsible framework for addressing the long-term water
supply needs of our community through increased emphasis on conservation and efficiency, maintenance of our existing resources
and upgrades of aging infrastructure. - Increase conservation and efficiency with respect to water usage.
- Reduce the storage needed at Ragged Mountain
by dredging the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir, if it can be shown to be done in a cost effective way with a feasible disposal
site for the sediment.
- Reduce the storage needed at Ragged Mountain by enlarging the diameter of the new pipeline connecting the
reservoirs which he says will allow Ragged Mountain to be filled more quickly by water taken from South Fork.
- Repair and enlarge the existing
dam at Ragged Mountain by raising the pool elevation only by 13 feet instead of the 45 feet proposed.
Before moving forward with construction on the Ragged Mountain Dam, we need to examine the assumptions that were made
about water use and account for efficiencies we are already realizing with new technology, as well as projections of broader
implementation of conservation programs. Changes to the 50-year water supply demand will not only allow us to be better stewards
of our natural resources, but could also save millions of taxpayer dollars if we can avoid unnecessary construction costs.
|
