Notice of Proposed Early Start of Sixth Lake Reservoir Drawdown

The Hudson River – Black River Regulating District proposes to start the annual drawdown of the Sixth Lake Reservoir (Sixth Lake and Seventh Lake) on, or about September 16, 2013. This date is about three weeks earlier than the date on which the drawdown has typically started in recent years.

The Regulating District welcomes comments concerning the proposed early drawdown, as well as suggestions for alternative timing (start date and duration) of a drawdown.

An early drawdown will only be considered if there is sufficient favorable interest from the residents of Sixth and Seventh Lake.

Please forward any comments to:

Robert Foltan, P.E., Chief Engineer
Hudson River – Black River Regulating District
350 Northern Blvd.
Albany, New York 12204
518-465-3491
hrao@hrbrrd.ny.gov

The early drawdown is intended to provide residents and lake front property owners an opportunity to complete repair or construction work on waterfront structures, beaches, docks, and the shoreline.
Residents and property owners who intend to complete shoreline related work are reminded to obtain all necessary local, state, and federal permits prior to starting any work. No permit from the Regulating District is required.

The rate at which the water elevation in the reservoir will be lowered will remain relatively unchanged from historic operation, only the date on which the drawdown begins will change. Sixth Lake Reservoir will be drawdown to, and consistent with, the long-term historic average elevation by mid-October 2013. Historic average water elevations will be targeted through late November 2013. Reservoir operation and water elevations will be consistent with normal operations after November 25, 2013.

The following table may be used as a guide for determining reservoir elevation this fall.

As always, the operation of the reservoir is subject to change, the need to provide flood protection and augmentation and, of course, the weather.

Revised: August 6, 2013