HOT SPRINGS - The annual winter drawdown of Lakes Hamilton and Catherine will begin Saturday.
They will be returned to normal summertime levels in early March.
Property owners should note that if they plan on doing any dock or bank-stabilization construction work, including dredging, while the water is down, requests for permits to do so must be submitted to Entergy by Monday, Dec. 31, to allow ample time to process before the lakes return to summertime levels.
Entergy will initially reduce the levels of both lakes to 5 feet below their summertime levels. However, for four weeks only beginning Sunday, Nov. 18, Lake Catherine will be drawn down an additional 3 feet to accommodate maintenance work on Carpenter Dam's spillway.
Entergy operates these lakes and associated lands subject to a license issued and administered by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Entergy will gradually lower both lakes to the 5-foot mark Saturday through Friday, Nov. 9, and will temporarily lower Lake Catherine an additional 3 feet beginning Nov. 18.
The scheduled maintenance of the Carpenter Dam spillway is expected to be completed in time to raise Lake Catherine back to the 5-foot winter drawdown stage beginning Monday, Dec. 10.
Entergy will gradually make these level adjustments at a rate of approximately 6 to 12 inches per day.
According to a press release from Entergy, the water released at the dams will be used to generate emission-free, low-cost hydroelectric power.
Also, boaters should use caution while on the lakes duringthe drawdown period because additional shallow areas will exist, and winter rains can increase the amount of debris washed into the lakes.
Owners of boats and floating docks should also take precautions to ensure boats and docks are able to adjust to the drawdown.
Failure to do so may cause damage to docks and boats. Some docks will be able to rest on the lakebed with little or no problem.
If the shoreline is steep or rocky in a particular area, dock owners may need to temporarily move docks to deeper water.
If relocating a dock, be sure it does not restrict navigation or become a boating hazard.
Shoreline Facility Permit Information
Permits must be obtained from Entergy for any construction on the lake or shoreline including boat docks, piers, walkways, swim docks, large inflatable rafts, personal-watercraft ramps, landings, embankments, bulkheads, seawalls, riprap and dredging and filling operations.
Changes in ownership, relocation, replacement, enlargement or significant alteration of existing facilities also require a new permit from Entergy.
Entergy's guidelines are revised periodically, so be sure to obtain the latest revision if planning on building on Entergy's shoreline property.
Dock and bank stabilization permit requests requiring construction during the drawdown must be submitted by Dec. 31 to allow ample time to process.
Processing time for applications intended for residential lakefront homes that do not involve ground disturbance is normally two-to-three weeks.
All requests for dredging,facilities that require ground disturbance activities and docks for multifamily dwellings and commercial operations will now require various agency reviews and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval.
One should allow three months for processing.
Entergy will not require a permit for the temporary relocation of docks because of the drawdown, but the dock must be returned to its permitted location once the lake returns to its summertime level.
Entergy also recommends using a licensed electrician to make any alterations to wiring in conjunction with the drawdown.
Lake Catherine is formed by Remmel Dam and Lake Hamilton is formed by Carpenter Dam.
Both were built more than 60 years ago for hydroelectric generation.
Lakes Hamilton and Catherine are part of Project 271, a hydroelectric project licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
The license grants Entergy authority to operate these reservoirs and related shorelines and Remmel and Carpenter dams.
The license also requires Entergy to control activities affecting the lakes' environmental, safety and recreational values.
Lakefront property owners needing further information on the drawdown schedule or shoreline permitting guidelines and applications for lakes Hamilton or Catherine can call Entergy's hydro operations office at (501) 844-2148.
Tri-Lakes, Pages 145 on 10/28/2007