March 3Rd 2016 Neely Henry Lake Association Meeting

March 3rd 2016 Neely Henry Lake Association Meeting

We are very fortunate to have Dr. Pat O’Neil as the speaker at our March 3rd 2016 meeting. Dr. O’Neil is currently the Deputy Director of the Geological Survey of Alabama and also a co-chair of the Alabama Water Agencies Working Group (AWAWG) that is developing Alabama’s first statewide comprehensive water management plan. Dr. O’Neil has a rare combination of experience and education that allows him to have a unique understanding of Alabama’s water resources ranging from our lakes, rivers and streams to our systems of aquifers and groundwater.

Alabama has been involved in a tri-state water dispute (involving Alabama, Georgia and Florida) for 26 years and Alabama is the only one of these states that does not have a comprehensive water management plan in place. At this time there are several lawsuits pending (including one that is in the U.S. Supreme Court) that could impact the amount of water reaching some of the rivers and streams in Alabama (the Coosa River is one of the rivers that could be impacted). Many legal experts have stated the lack of a comprehensive water management plan places Alabama at a significant disadvantage when these cases reach the judicial system. To that point, it is logical that anyone judging a case would be inclined to look more favorably on a state that has a comprehensive water management plan because it is indicative of the value that state places on its water resources. For instance, the plan will ensure that Alabama has accurately inventoried the amount of water in its lakes, rivers, streams and aquifers. In addition, the plan will demonstrate that we are utilizing our water in a manner that ensures we are protecting the quality and quantity of our water by enhancing our emphasis on environmental protection and developing detailed water conservation plans to ensure we are utilizing our water supplies as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Although Dr. O’Neil’s presentation will focus primarily on the activities of the Alabama Water Agencies Working Group (AWAWG) and will address the status and development of the state’s comprehensive management plan, he has the education and experience to address questions ranging from the environmental quality and the quantity of Alabama’s water resources to the biodiversity associated with these resources (along with many others areas of interest).

The public is invited to attend this meeting.

Meeting details are as follows:

Date: Thursday, March 3rd 2016

Time: 6:30PM

Location: Rainbow City Community Center, 3702 Rainbow Drive

Rainbow City, Al 35906

(Adjacent to the Rainbow City Library)