FFMP Discussion at DRBC Wednesday

[Big_Spinner]

Hi guys,

Interesting stuff at the RFAC meeting of the DRBC on Wednesday.

I have attached the proposal that Dr. Peter Kolesar and I have been working on. We presented this to the RFAC committee. This is a release program based on the fact that NYC is allowed to divert 800 million gallons a day, but in fact only has diverted about 500 mgd over the last several years. NYC is required to provide an estimate of diversion. FFMP can accommodate this expected diversion by adding several more matrices into FFMP. A release table, for instance, when the expected diversion is between 500 and 600 mgd, for example. Check out the table in the attached file.

Jeff Zimmerman representing the FUDR, and various flood groups also gave an interesting presentation. They are focusing on a short term release plan that takes into account water that NYC is not going to divert when they close the tunnel for repairs. The idea, and a good one, is to release the water before they close the tunnel instead of after. NYC seemed reluctant to consider the proposal since they claim they cannot be certain that the tunnel closre will in fact occur as scheduled.

All good stuff!!! Hopefully we can all continue to pressure the decree parties to take the next step within the FFMP and incorporate more beneficial changes to the FLEXIBLE FLOW PLAN.

Jim

 

[oasis man]

If I understand the presentation correctly, there is indeed enough water to support a WB summertime release of around 500-600 cfs. Even 400 cfs would be a major improvement. Too bad the folks in charge don't let the data make the decisions!
OM

 

[Ausable]

Jim,

Just curious why the release distribution is not more uniform, it goes from 700 to 600 to 450. I would expect the schedule to be more linear going from 700 to 600 to 500 etc. Thanks

Ausable

 

[brachycentrus]

Jim,
I like the proposal. Too bad that it makes sense and NY is so nonsensical.

Interesting that all everyone finally agrees that releases between 400-600
can be done with no harm to NY.

That was the figure that was thrown out there about 12 years ago and everyone fought tooth and nail that it wasnt doable.

Do you hear anything on either of the DWM studies?

Good work.

 

[Big_Spinner]

Hi Brachy,

The problem has always been convincing NYC that there is enough water to release more. That remains the problem, but we are making progrerss.

This proposal proves with the best sciense we have, that there is indeed enough water when the reservoirs are in teir normal cycle.

We still need to convince NYC that this can happen. We have now gotten some important partners onboard.

Jim