SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. (WFXR) – A four-month ban on dredging within Smith Mountain Project lake boundaries will begin this week.
Dredging by property owners at Smith Mountain and Leesville lakes is typically done to remove sediment and debris from the bottom of the lake to increase the depth of the water.
To protect fish habitat during the spawning season, dredging within the lakes’ boundaries is prohibited annually between Feb. 15 and June 15.
“The four-month pause in dredging helps protect critical fish spawning. Fish depend on undisturbed shallow-water environments for nesting sites. The temporary dredging ban helps keep the fish population healthy and stable over time.”
Neil Holthouser, Appalacian Power’s Shoreline Management Group
Officials say that even though dredging is prohibited during that time, now is a good time to plan for future dredging.
Appalachian’s shoreline management staff is available to help with the necessary permitting process.
When considering dredging at Smith Mountain or Leesville lakes, shoreline property owners and contractors should remember the following key requirements:
- Only accumulated sediment may be dredged; the original lake bottom cannot be disturbed.
Dredging or excavation of all designated wetlands areas is prohibited. - Dredging or excavation involving more than 25 cubic yards of sediment requires the filing of a
joint application with Appalachian and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). - Dredging or excavation involving less than 25 cubic yards of sediment may be allowed under the
USACE Nationwide Permit 19, provided certain conditions are met. Property owners are advised
to consult with the USACE prior to any planned dredging activity. - Appalachian requires that property owners who are considering dredging less than 25 cubic
yards of sediment contact Appalachian a minimum of 10 working days prior to the planned
dredging so that Appalachian can determine if the project meets the requirements of the
Shoreline Management Plan.
For additional information or to contact Appalachian’s shoreline management staff, click here, call 540-344-1409 or visit the Smith Mountain Project’s website to find the Shoreline Management Plan. Dredging information begins on page 71.
