COVINGTON, Va. – Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will perform six pulse releases from Gathright Dam and Lake Moomaw in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia between June and October.
The pulses, conducted by Norfolk District in coordination with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, generally take place between 6 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on scheduled days and increase Jackson River levels from 3 to 4.5 feet.
The 2020 pulse dates are set for the following Wednesdays:
June 24
July 22
Aug. 12
Sept. 2
Sept. 23
Oct. 14
Dates are subject to change based on weather conditions and rainfall. For updates, refer to www.nao-wc.usace.army.mil/nao/projected_Q.html.
Pulse releases, which began in 2011, are designed to improve aquatic habitat and water quality in the Lower Jackson River. Monitoring data has shown the increased flow scours excess algae downstream and strengthens the river’s health.
Norfolk District provides innovative engineering solutions – in collaboration with partners – to deliver water resources, military, interagency, environmental and disaster-response programs that make communities, the commonwealth of Virginia and nation a better place to work and live.