The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been working with the Rough River Lake Business and Tourism Association to evaluate and permanently change the fall drawdown of Rough River Lake.  Specifically, the “current” drawdown starts on Sept. 15 and results in a 2-foot drop from summer pool (elevation 495 ft.) to elevation 493 ft. by Oct. 15.  After which, the pool is drawn down to its winter pool elevation of 470 ft. by Dec. 1.  The “new” drawdown will still begin on Sept. 15, but will only result in a drop of 6 inches from summer pool (elevation 495 ft.) to elevation 494.5 ft. by Oct. 20.  After which, the pool will be drawn down to its winter pool elevation, 470 ft by Dec. 1.

We have discussed this change with our Division Office located in Cincinnati. At this time, Division is supportive of our proposed change.  Our regulations require us to perform an Environmental Assessment (EA) and conduct public meetings prior to final review at our Division. The EA will likely be completed early next year (2012) and the public meeting is tentatively planned for mid-late March 2012.  More information on the public meeting will follow, as plans materialize.