LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--The Army Corps of Engineers' Little Rock District has approved the permit modification request needed by two central Arkansas water systems to supply water to more than 100,000 customers. The modified permit allows the water systems to install an inclined intake pipe in the Cove Creek area of Greers Ferry Lake.
The previously approved 2010 permit required modification when the Lonoke White Public Water Authority and Community Water Systems asked to change the intake structure design.
The permit for the intake structure is required under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. It contains numerous conditions regarding construction and operation that the water systems must meet to remain in compliance with federal law.
The intake structure will be buried from the top of the lake’s conservation pool, which is elevation 461 feet, until it reaches the water system’s intake building. The structure will only be visible in the water when the lake is at or below 453 feet. Buoys will mark the intake structure location for safety.
Once the water intake system is built, it will supply drinking water to customers in the cities of Vilonia, Austin, Ward, Beebe, Jacksonville, Furlow, as well as customers of Grand Prairie Bayou Two and North Pulaski Water.
This is not a Corps of Engineers Project. The Corps' role has been to decide whether to issue a Section 404 and 10 permit and what conditions the water systems must meet.