Periodic Lane Closure on Bob Anthony Parkway

September 7, 2011

Increased Discharge at Barnett Reservoir

In coordination with the National Weather Service and the United States Corps of Engineers and based on models from both agencies, the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District will raise the discharge from the Ross Barnett Reservoir to approximately 35,000 cfs by 6:00 pm today. This increased discharge is expected to result in a Pearl River elevation in Jackson of 33.0-33.5 feet. This increased discharge is due to the high rainfall totals and runoff experienced from Tropical Storm Lee.

The National Weather Service shows the release from the Reservoir and predicts inflows to the reservoir. Please view their website at the following link: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=jan&gage=jsnm6&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1

August 17, 2011

 Periodic Lane Closure on Spillway Road

On Thursday, August 18, 2011, construction work associated with installing a multipurpose trail along Spillway Road in the vicinity of Old Fannin Road will begin and is expected to last the next several days.  This work is part of a 3-phased Bob Anthony Roadway Improvement project which consists of the overlay of the lower road, the Harborwalk multipurpose trail, and certain roadway safety improvements.  The overall construction project has an estimated cost of $1.77 million dollars.  Funding for this project has been made possible through federal transportation grants administered through the Mississippi Department of Transportation. 

The right lane travelling eastbound along this five-lane portion of Spillway Road just west of Old Fannin Road may be closed at times over the next several days.  Expect this right lane travelling eastbound to be closed starting each morning.  It is anticipated that the lane will be reopened each afternoon by approximately 4:00 p.m.  Please be careful, slow down and respect the workers in this area.    

For the latest information and pictures on this issue and other related activities on the Barnett Reservoir, please check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/PRVWSD. 

July 14, 2011

Dredging of the Barnett Reservoir

Dredging in the Ross Barnett Reservoir will soon begin near Overlook Pointe Subdivision and Point Clear Condominiums in Madison County. Pearl River Valley Water Supply District personnel will be dredging two channels in this area over the next few months. The dredged material is to be disposed in a nearby deep portion of the lake that will be bordered by a turbidity curtain. Boaters should exercise extreme caution in this area throughout this activity.

For the latest in activities related to the Barnett Reservoir, please check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PRVWSD

July 11, 2011

Trash Pick Up from Up River Sandbars the Best in Reservoir History

Pearl River Valley Water Supply District (“District”) would like to acknowledge and thank its many patrons, again, for the removal of litter from up river sandbars. It is because of our concerned patrons that this past weekend was the most successful to date in the removal of trash. The contractor who picks up litter on the river experienced a significant decrease of trash removal from 5 boat loads of garbage to 5 trash bags of garbage. The District feels that this is in direct response from the users of the Barnett Reservoir and their concern for such a valuable resource to their State. We ask that each of you continue to remove your litter when using this lake. Please also continue to assist the District with passing this awareness along to others. It is through cooperative efforts such as these, that a governmental body and the members of the public are able to work together in providing a future value of recreational opportunities to generations to come.

As a reminder, if you are ticketed for littering on the Ross Barnett Reservoir a fine of up to $1,000.00 will be enforced. Thank you again to all who have cooperated in keeping the Barnett Reservoir a valuable treasure to our State.

For the latest in activities related to the Barnett Reservoir, please check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PRVWSD.

July 8, 2011

Trash Cans Removed from Up River Sandbars

Due to the overwhelming input from the general public, the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District (“District”) has removed the garbage cans located on up river sandbars. The District feels that removal of these cans will assist the public with a better understanding that all litter must be removed and shall not enter the waterways of the Ross Barnett Reservoir. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who have participated with the educational efforts related to this issue. Most importantly, we would like to thank members of the public and the users of the Barnett Reservoir who have followed the law and have removed litter and helped with passing this awareness of such an important issue along to others. As a reminder, if you are ticketed for littering on the Ross Barnett Reservoir a fine of up to $1,000.00 will be enforced. Thank you again to all who have cooperated in keeping the Barnett Reservoir a valuable treasure to our State.

For the latest in activities related to the Barnett Reservoir, please check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PRVWSD

July 8, 2011 

Road Repaving of Bob Anthony Parkway 

On Tuesday, July 12, 2011, work (repaving) on the lower road of the Bob Anthony Parkway, also known as Spillway Road, will begin and is expected to last approximately two weeks. This work is part of a 3-phased Bob Anthony Roadway Improvement project which consists of the overlay of the lower road, the Harborwalk multipurpose trail, and certain roadway safety improvements.  The overall construction project has an estimated cost of $1.77 million dollars.  Funding for this project has been made possible through federal transportation grants administered through the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Lane closures will be necessary at times for this project; expect one lane of the lower road to be closed starting each morning.  It is anticipated that the lane will be reopened each afternoon by approximately 4:00 p.m.  Please be careful, slow down and respect the workers in this area.

For the latest information and pictures on this issue and other related activities on the Barnett Reservoir, please check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/PRVWSD. 

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

June 28, 2011 

DROWNING VICTIM’S BODY RECOVERED 

Reservoir Patrol Officers received a call for service Monday Night of a possible drowning near Lakeshore Park in Rankin County.  Officers arrived within minutes and spoke with witnesses who stated Gilberto Alvero Hernandez, 29, of Pearl, Mississippi was swimming from the pier in Lakeshore Park when he began to exhibit signs of distress before going under.  Divers from the Reservoir Fire Department along with Officers from the Reservoir Patrol and Rankin County Sheriff’s Office searched until 10:30 PM Monday Night before calling off operations.  The body of Mr. Hernandez was recovered at 6:32 AM Tuesday by Reservoir Patrol Officers.  “This is believed to be an accidental drowning but the case remains under investigation pending the results of an autopsy” stated Reservoir Patrol Chief Perry Waggener. 

Chief Waggener added “As we approach the busy July 4^th weekend we would like to remind everyone to be safety conscious.  When swimming, know your limitations and do not exceed them.  Please remember that boating or swimming and alcohol do not mix.  With the expected high temperatures and humidity, stay hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages.  The Barnett Reservoir is a resource we want everyone to enjoy but as with any recreational experience, safety should always be at the top of your activity list” 

For the latest information on this issue and other related activities on the Barnett Reservoir, please check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/PRVWSD. 

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

June 27, 2011 

Mississippi State University to conduct studies on the Ross Barnett Reservoir 

Over the next several weeks, Mississippi State University will be conducting dye studies on five specific locations on the Barnett Reservoir.  These studies will utilize a water trace dye in a low concentration in order to gain a better understanding of water movement in these areas.  Water tracer dyes are used commonly for studies of stream characteristics such as flow rate and mixing and are used nationwide for these applications.  The dye dissipates quickly and is harmless to humans, fish, wildlife, and vegetation at the rates used in these studies.  Instrumentation is used to obtain the results of the study; however, the human eye may detect a reddish tint to the water in the areas where the dye is applied.   

For the latest information and pictures on this issue and other related activities on the Barnett Reservoir, please check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/PRVWSD. 

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

June 16, 2011 

CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON THE BOB ANTHONY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 

Construction is underway on the Bob Anthony Roadway Improvement project.  Funding for this project has been made possible through federal transportation grants administered through the Mississippi Department of Transportation.  The project is estimated to be complete by the summer of 2012.  This project will include the resurfacing of the lower road and its adjoining bike trail, the addition of multi-use trail sections that would allow one to travel from the intersection of Post Road and Yacht Club Road in Ridgeland to the corner of Spillway Road and Old Fannin Road in Rankin County, the widening of the curve on the Bob Anthony Parkway upper road near Breakers Lane, and the reconfiguration of the entrance to the Rankin Landing.  

 Lane closures will be necessary at times for this project; however, lane closures will be avoided during rush hour.  Additional notices will be given prior to lane closures.  For more information on this release and other Reservoir related topics, please visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/PRVWSD.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
June 7, 2011 

Herbicide Applications to be conducted at the Ross Barnett Reservoir

             During the week of June 6, 2011, herbicide treatments for control of hydrilla will be performed at the Ross Barnett Reservoir.  There will be two different types of treatments that will include the granular forms of herbicide, Fluridone and liquid application of herbicides Reward and Komeen; all of which are approved by the EPA for aquatic use.  The use of these herbicides at the prescribed rate for hydrilla control does little or no damage to the native vegetation species present in the treatment areas. The planned treatment, which is performed in conjunction to hydrilla surveys performed on the lake by Mississippi State University, will include 9 treatment sites ranging from 1 to 43 acres.  Only three sites are larger than 8.5 acres of water surface.  These aquatic weed treatments are necessary to keep hydrilla from becoming a bigger problem on the Barnett Reservoir. 
            Hydrilla is an invasive aquatic plant species that can cause considerable damage to a lake and its ecosystem.  When left uncontrolled, some of the most undesirable impacts that hydrilla can cause on a lake are unsuitable habitats for desirable game fish species, limited recreational boating access, and an increased mosquito population.  During a recent survey of the lake a significant hydrilla growth was noted and specialists stated that it is imperative that we initiate our treatments as soon as possible.  It is anticipated that one or two additional treatments will be needed later this summer. 

May 19, 2011

In an effort to bring awareness to the on-going issue of left behind waste disposal on and in the waterways of the Barnett Reservoir, the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District (PRVWSD) will not be picking up garbage and debris, on a periodic basis, for the sandbars located up-river between U.S. Highway 43 and Lowhead Dam. This is in response to the continual practice of trash dumping and littering of naturally beautiful habitats by the patrons of the Reservoir and more specifically visitors of up-river sandbars.

It should be known that there are approximately 36,586 registered boaters within the PRVWSD’s five county make-up, many of which are recreational users of the Barnett Reservoir. Approximately 22 miles of river with over 25-30 public use sandbars are available, currently at no charge, for picnicking, camping and recreational use. The PRVWSD is a State agency, which receives no tax money to maintain and enhance its serene and naturally beautiful landscapes. Litter, in any form is not only illegal, but is also immoral in today’s environmentally conscious society. In the past, the District has paid contractors to pick up and remove this trash. In doing so the District is enabling and encouraging the continuation of trash dumping and littering by the users of the sandbars. As a result the PRVWSD feels that, by not picking up the trash and debris left behind by violators, it will bring a much-needed awareness to the magnitude of the up-river litter problem. Not only are violators effecting the living environment of surrounding wildlife, but also are contaminating the natural groundwater and surface drinking water supply for the metropolitan area. The District will NOT pick up trash on the weeks following Memorial Day and July 4^{th holidays. However, the District does not intend to allow this pollution to enter the river. PRVWSD is hopeful that those who leave this litter will be able to view the impact of their practice upon returning to the sandbars on subsequent visits.}

This year the PRVWSD would like that when you access and use our public facilities that you “PLEASE, LEAVE ONLY YOUR FOOTPRINTS.” We thank you in advance for your motivation and cooperation!

February 4, 2011

            Please be aware that the Goshen Springs Boat Launch, which is located off of Highway 43 in Rankin County, will have one of the three launches closed from today’s date until July 1, 2011.  PRVWSD crews will be working to replace 2 of the 3 ramps in that area.  The improvements will also include replacing the existing piers with new floating piers, one of which will be ADA-accessible.  The other launch will be unaffected during this time. 

            PRVWSD crews will be doing their best to keep one of the two launches, that are being replaced, open throughout this renovation.  However, there may be short periods of time that it may be necessary for both launches to be closed at the same time.  This work is being made possible through a grant from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.  We ask for your patience during this time of renovations in hopes of having better amenities available to the Barnett Reservoir boating population.