OCR Text |
Show power development, and navigation benefits. It is likely that the various objectives would be co- ordinated so that no one function is overempha- sized. In general, specific objectives can be met more economically by multiple-purpose improve- ment than by single-purpose projects in the basin. The normal operation of the conservation stor- age capacities of reservoirs permits hydroelectric power development and increases the low water flows for the benefit of water supply and pollution abatement. The detention of sediment by reser- voirs improves water quality for downstream mu- nicipal use, and reduces the amount of dredging required in the navigation channel in the tidal reaches of the river. The reservoir storage capacities reserved for the control of floods, together with the portions of the conservation storage capacities that may be de- pleted by normal operation prior to high flow periods or may be evacuated in advance of the flood peak, provide flood control benefits. Flood con- trol storage capacity can be provided at less cost in connection with multiple-purpose reservoir de- velopment than would be possible in single-purpose reservoirs for the control of floods. Past studies show, furthermore, that in the Potomac River Basin, reservoirs for flood control only are not eco- nomically justified. Because of the close relationship between water control plans for the Potomac River and recrea- tional plans for the Washington area, and because of the objections by some recreation interests to past plans of water resources development, the co- ordination of the recreation objective with other objectives of multiple-purpose development is a particularly important problem in the basin. There are pressing needs for the many services that can be provided in connection with a pro- gram of multiple-purpose reservoir development. Foremost among these needs are pollution abate- ment and improved water supply, flood control, hydroelectric power development, and recreation facilities. The basin's hydroelectric power would constitute a desirable and valuable addition to the power supply in an area of rapidly growing demands. Conclusions By the construction of multiple-purpose reser- voirs in the basin, the varying flows of the Potomac River and tributaries can be controlled for many beneficial purposes, including flood control, water supply, pollution abatement, power production, and the provision of recreational opportunities. Needs related to many of these objectives warrant early consideration of a multiple-purpose program. As in all multiple-purpose planning, the various needs and purposes must be coordinated so that the best combination of beneficial uses results. B. Apparent Conflicts in Beneficial Use 1. Conflict Between Plans for Storage Reservoirs and Interest of Local Groups in Preventing Land Inundation The Problem Resolution of the conflict between desires of local groups to preserve reservoir areas for existing uses and proposed reservoir development. The Situation In the Potomac Basin, where valley lands have been intensively developed over a long period, the problem of dislocations and general opposition of property owners to the taking of their lands for reservoir purposes is particularly pronounced. Property owners in a proposed reservoir area usually foresee a confused period of uncertainty, a final dis- ruption of an established way of life, and the loss of enjoyment of all they have accomplished in the way of improvement, even though they might re- ceive full compensation for its value. Tenant occupants are faced with dislocation without any expectancy for assistance in the cost and effort of their relocation. There is both a lack of firm policy as to the timing of property acquisition in a reservoir area after the project has been author- ized and lack of specific provisions for resettling assistance. This is primarily due to inability of the construction agency to establish a satisfactory procedure on such matters in the absence of funds for that purpose. A knowledge that acquisition and resettlement problems could and would be expeditiously and suitably met upon project au- thorization would do much to allay fears and counter opposition on these points. There are also impacts on the local economy by reservoir development which stem not only from conversion of property from its existing use and production but also from disruption of local trade areas and reduction of taxable property. These 601 |