Ramp down Rate in the Revised Interim Operation Plan: Is Mother Nature Too Harsh on the Endangered Mussels in the Apalachicola River?

Abstract

A careful review of the pre-impoundment data shows that much of the natural ramp down rate at the receding limb of peaking flow events would be “outlawed” or not allowed by provisions of the Revised Interim Operation Plan – the operational guidance of the Army Corps of Engineers in its operation of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin. This begs the question of whether it is in the interest of the endangered animals for the Corps to provide something that even Mother Natural could not provide.