Stairs gone missing

If you've lost a set of stairs recently on the Blackwater River, the Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission can schedule a reunion.

Pam Dinkle, lake management and project coordinator for TLAC, said someone phoned the office to report steps floating in the Blackwater near B46.

It's one of many reports of debris in the lake since heavy rains began pummeled the region earlier this month.

"For the last couple weeks, we've been getting calls from the Blackwater River for the most part," said Dinkle. "What they seem to have a lot of is woody debris -- logs, branches, that type of thing."

John Shepelwich, a spokesman for Appalachian Power, said the debris likely is coming from islands and shorelines as trees or branches fall into the lake.

"Because the rivers are running higher, it's loosening up the riverbeds and the soil around trunks of trees and the roots of trees," said Shepelwich.

Dinkle said the past two years of drought might have played a role in the flood of calls the TLAC office has been receiving. During the drought, few trees were found floating. Some fallen trees were along shorelines that normally are underwater, but the drought kept lake levels 2 to 3 feet below full pond.

"We've had two years of not having to deal with a lot of debris problems," said Dinkle.

Now that water levels are back to normal, those fallen trees are finding their way into the lake. So are old docks, and apparently a set of stairs. There may be another, as a set washed away in the Chestnut Creek subdivision. Dinkle said she doubts the stairs near B46 are the same because of the distance the stairs would have had to travel.

To combat floating obstructions, Appalachian Power has moved its skimmer from the Roanoke River near Hardy Bridge, where it has been stationed since May 1, to the Blackwater, said Shepelwich.

Dinkle said residents and visitors who spot large woody debris should contact the TLAC office. TLAC will write up a work order and send it to Appalachian Power. The utility then can relocate the skimmer to get rid of the debris.

"They've got a good crew on the skimmer and they're doing everything they can to get rid of the debris," said Dinkle.

The TLAC office also has been getting debris reports from the Roanoke River arm of the lake, but most have been concerning man-made debris that may have washed into the lake from upstream, said Dinkle.

Residents who spot plastics, cans or other man-made trash in the lake are encouraged to fish them out and dispose of them.

"Don't just throw them up on the bank" because it will find its way back into the lake said Shepelwich. "Throw them in the trash and have them disposed of."

As TLAC and Appalachian Power work to clean up the debris, Dinkle said boaters should be extra cautious when out on the water because some logs may be just under the surface.

And if you're missing a set of stairs, TLAC wants to hear from you.

To report large debris in the water, call the TLAC office at 721-4400 or e-mail tlac@sml.us.com. Be sure to include your phone number. Photos of debris sites are welcome.

LAURIE EDWARDS | Laker Weekly 721.4675 (ext. 406)