Smith Mountain Lake levels, data center impacts addressed
David Bulova, Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, speaks to residents at the annual Smith Mountain Lake Association meeting held at Resurrection Catholic Church on Thursday.
MONETA — Virginia's Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova addressed concerns Thursday at the Smith Mountain Lake Association's annual meeting.
The biggest topics for many of the more than 100 people in attendance at Resurrection Catholic Church in Bedford County included historically low lake levels, invasive aquatic vegetation and the impact of data centers on water resources. Bulova addressed the questions in his remarks and a question-and- answer session.
"I strongly believe a clean environment and a healthy economy is linked," Bulova said of his interest in lake issues stemming from his time as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates.
Bulova said outdoor recreation is also important to Virginia when it comes to the economy, generating $14.4 billion for the state. He added that a portion of that revenue comes from Smith Mountain Lake.
Recreation has been impacted this year by dramatically low water levels, due to the ongoing drought, that have had an impact on lake tourism this year. The lake is currently down almost six feet below what would be considered full pond at 795 feet.
One attendee wanted more to be done to slow the release of water from the Smith Mountain and Leesville dams that contribute to the reduction in the lake levels. Appalachian Power Co. has implemented multiple steps so far this year to reduce the required release of water from the Leesville Dam. Bulova said further steps may be something they look into in the future.
Bulova also addressed the growing number of data centers appearing in the region, stating more efforts were being put in place statewide to assure they do not impact precious water resources such as Smith Mountain Lake. He mentioned an executive order put in place by Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Sept. 18 that will focus on more transparency and environmental protection to lessen any potential impact created by data centers.
"When you take a look at just how many data centers are out there and how many data centers are in the pipeline and the cumulative impacts that those are gonna have on water resources, on air, on electricity. That is what the governor was concerned about, making sure that we are doing this in a responsible way," Bulova said.
Several in attendance questioned the impact a data center could have on the community already struggling with low water levels. Franklin County was recently considered for a data center at its Summit View Business Park, though recent reports say that project was ultimately scrapped.
Ryan Brown, executive director for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, also addressed questions concerning the spread of invasive hydrilla around the lake in the past few years. The aquatic vegetation has spread to lakes throughout the country and is known for being nearly impossible to eliminate.
Some 6,000 sterile grass carp were introduced to the lake in 2013 and were extremely effective in eating the hydrilla. But the carp also ate all other native vegetation in the lake. Earlier this year, 200 sterile grass carp were introduced as a more measured approach that what was introduced more than a decade ago.
Some residents said such a low number has had virtually no impact.
Brown said the 200 introduced this year to replace the 6,000 sterile grass carp that have likely hit the end of their lifespan is just the first step. While he didn't say if more would be added in the future, he said continued work would be done in the coming months to address the spread of hydrilla.
Jason Dunovant (540) 981-3324
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