PURPOSE: The purpose of this comment period is to provide the public with an opportunity to submit to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) written comments on the Leesville Auto-Cycle vs. Continuous Release Study (Study) dated February 2015, submitted by Appalachian Power Company, in accordance with Virginia Water Protection (VWP) Permit No. 08-0572 for the Smith Mountain Project located in Franklin, Bedford, Pittsylvania and Campbell Counties, Virginia.

BACKGROUND: The Study investigated the potential effects from different operational procedures to provide downstream flows to the Staunton River through auto-cycling versus continuous releases at Leesville Dam.  The effects of these operations were reviewed with respect to bank erosion, recreation, public safety, water quality, and aquatic habitat in the Staunton River between Leesville Dam and the confluence with Goose Creek. A copy of the Study can be obtained from the http://www.deq.virginia.gov/programs/water/wetlandsstreams/publicnotices.aspx page of DEQ’s website.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Written comments will be accepted from April 1, 2015 to April 30, 2015 at 11:59 p.m.  Any comments received by DEQ during the comment period will be taken under consideration during DEQ’s review of the report that will be concurrent with DEQ’s five year review of the permit.  All comments must be in writing and submitted by mail, electronic mail or fax to the contact person listed below.