HOT SPRINGS -- Entergy Arkansas Inc. has recently started to promote its schedule for recreational releases from Remmel Dam to help the public enjoy the water more this summer.
Entergy will release roughly 3,600 cubic feet per second of water from Remmel on weekends and holidays this summer between noon and 5 p.m.
According to Gary Bettis, manager for area design for Entergy Arkansas, the recreational releases are not something new for Entergy, but promoting the times is a recent form of engagement with the public.
"We do release water from the dams, and when we do that, we have a lot of people who like to tube down to the [Ouachita River] Whitewater Park in Malvern," Bettis said. "When we do that, we need to let people know the hours."
Entergy does not have any relation to the Whitewater Park, he said.
Holding recreational releases of at least three hours at a time is mandated as part of Entergy's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license, Bettis said. The releases are made throughout the summer.
"As far as our recreational releases, we're mandated to do those on all weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and any holidays," he said. "Like this year July 4 is in the middle of the week and there will be a recreational release. We're required to have at least three hours, but we do five from noon to 5 p.m.
"We also try to stay that same schedule during the week just for people planning to go on a weekday. If it all possible we will do it every day, but that's water dependent. We've got a lot of fishermen and guide services that like the bottom of the dam."
Because of the increased water flow, Bettis said Entergy estimates a float from Remmel Dam to the Whitewater Park to be around two hours. Generation ends at 5 p.m., and he said the agency recommends visitors plan according to that.
"It is quick water and you really need to pay attention and not dillydally around, so to speak," he said. "We recommend not putting in past 3 p.m. because when that water stops, you will be walking and it is not a fun walk back to the car."
Metro on 06/24/2018