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On June 30, 2005, at a very high level meeting with the DRBC/DEC,
FUDR put forth a doable "Emergency Plan" (see attached) that would
provide a consistent 482 cfs release from July 1st to Sept 15th. The
NYSDEC informed FUDR officials that the down river basin states
flatly rejected our proposal (submitted anonymously by the
DEC) and tabled their own DEC interim proposal pending
further review. In the meantime the Delaware River is in a
drought-like state despite near-full reservoirs. Flows recorded at
Callicoon are well below seasonal averages and water temperatures in
the Upper mainstem are at a lethal 80 degrees. Fish Kills
Have Been Reported. Wild trout will continue to die under these
conditions!
This release plan starting July 1, 2005 is based upon predictions
Cannonsville reservoir will be at 87% of capacity which is 83.25 BG of
Water. The historic average capacity for Cannonsville Reservoir on
September 15 based upon data supplied by the NYDEP has been 58% or
55.43 BG of water.
NYC Diversions from Cannonsville reservoir based
upon data supplied by the NYDEP between July 1 and September 15 since
1982 has been 12.19 BG of water or 203 MG/D.
Starting with a predicted 87% capacity and ending at the historic
average on September 15, deducting out NYC diversions, leaves 15.63 BG
of water.
83.25 BG (July 1) subtract 56.43 BG (Sept.. 15 average) = 27.82 BG
27.82 BG subtract 12.19 BG (NYC diversions) leaves 15.63 BG
15.63 BG over 77 days (July 1 - Sept 15) is 203 MG/D or 314 CFS per
day for 77 days.
Average 50 yr inflow from data supplied by USGS at Walton on the West
Branch is 168 CFS / Day.
Water coming in and going out does not effect reservoir level.
314 CFS + 168 CFS is 482 CFS.
A constant release of 482 CFS will bring Cannonsville to its historic
average and that takes into consideration all diversions by NYC. Any
rain, other inflow will only bring Cannonsville above its historic
average since 1982.
Note: Year 2004, NYC Diversions from Cannonsville for the 77 days
between July 1 and Sept 15 was 7BG and average daily inflow recorded
at Walton was well over 600CFS per day. FUDR's numbers do NOT include
these. We have a much higher diversion for NYC and a much lower
inflow for Walton. Using 2004 numbers for averages would have brought
the NYC Diversions down and the inflow up. FUDR's numbers are very
conservative.
This is a temporary emergency plan to get the fishery through
September. All banks and targets should be halted and picked back up
on September 15.
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