Weiss Lake Re-licensing

In 2000 Alabama Power notified the residents of the Weiss Lake area that they would begin gathering input on ideas they wanted to see implemented in the future operations of Weiss Lake Dam.  This information was being solicited as part of the requirements to renew the license for the Weiss Lake Dam.

Jerry Culbertson, Vice President of Weiss Lake Improvement association at that time brought forward the idea of having the winter pool level changed from 558msl (mean sea level) to 561msl.  After attending several meetings with Alabama Power it was apparent that this Re-licensing Format might be a vehicle to achieve this goal, and that Weiss Lake Improvement Association should play a major part in the process.

The Association became a part of the Recreational IAG group of the Re-licensing Committee with David Moore, President of Weiss Lake Improvement Association, leading the way and attending IAG Group meetings.  We the Association and the people of Weiss Lake had a voice in how our lake would be managed in the future.

During the 5 year process Weiss Lake Improvement Association remained an active member of the IAG Group with different members traveling many miles to attend meetings and have our voices heard.  There were several goals that Weiss Lake Improvement Association hoped to achieve in full of at least in part during this process: 

1. Have the winter pool changed from 558 msl to 561 msl.
2. Have full summer pool held until October instead of September.
3. Have a floating dock built at the Cobia Landing for safety purposes as well as boater convenience.
4. Bring to the attention of Alabama Power the sedimentation build-up in the mouth of some lagoons.

How well did we do?  WE DID GREAT!

After many discussions an agreement was reached.  Alabama Power would change the operating plan to reflect a 3 foot drop instead of a 6 foot drop at winter pool and full summer pool would be maintained until October instead of September.  These changes will be implemented at the time the new license is issued, if the Corp of Engineers and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission agree to the proposal.  implementation should begin in 2008.

The floating dock at the Cobia Landing has already been built and improvements have been made at the Causeway Landing.

Alabama Power agreed to monitor sedimentation levels at a predetermined location on the Chatooga River.  Alabama Power will not be held responsible for the sedimentation but we keep Weiss Lake Improvement Association informed of their findings and work with us if problems develop.

Weiss Lake Improvements Association’s involvement and successes during the 50 year re-licensing agreement discussions have achieved the goals that were established over five years ago.

Our thanks go out to Alabama Power for their cooperation, understanding, and the highly professional manner in which they handled all of the meetings and at times heated debates.