TLAC

What is the Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission (TLAC)?
TLAC is a unique agency. It is the only administrative department that represents all three counties (Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania) surrounding the Lake. It has served as such since 1986, originally as the Smith Mountain Lake Policy Advisory Board. TLAC's purpose is to carry out Lake planning duties as assigned by the three County Boards of Supervisors. These duties may include, but are not limited to navigation marker issues, invasive species issues, debris clean-up and coordination with AEP on Lake related issues.

Effective April 1, 2010, a new license was issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to Appalachian Power Company. As a result of the new license, many procedures and responsibilities have been changed and/or clarified, including debris and navigation issues.

The TLAC Board is comprised of twelve members, including the County Administrator and a Supervisor from each county. The Board also includes one member each from the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Smith Mountain Lake Association, American Electric Power, and a Citizen at Large from each county.

TLAC currently has a Navigation Committee and an Environmental Committee. These Committees are comprised primarily of Citizens at Large.

The Navigation Committee continually considers topics related to safety when navigating the waters of Smith Mountain Lake. TLAC currently maintains 37 navigation aids on the Lake. A Grounding Incident Form is available online for residents to complete in order to report areas which have proved troublesome for them. The completion of this form will prove beneficial to this Committee as they consider future recommendations.

The Environmental Committee primarily considers debris, invasive aquatic vegetation, and other water quality issues. They recommend strategies for protecting Smith Mountain Lake. Top of page

What is TLAC's Protect Smith Mountain Lake Campaign?
Everyone who enjoys Smith Mountain Lake can take measures to Protect the Lake. The Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission (TLAC) Awareness Campaign brings attention to measures we can take to protect this valuable resource. SML is a haven for a multitude of recreational purposes, and we wish for that to continue. Each of us, whether we live at or simply enjoy the Lake, is a stakeholder in its future. Keeping the Lake healthy and in good condition should be important to all of us. TLAC's goal, through this campaign, is to bring to the attention of each stakeholder, the measures they can take to Protect the Lake.

We perform routine maintenance, and take specific precautions to protect our homes and our vehicles. We would not purposely do anything that would ultimately cause it damage. Smith Mountain Lake is no different; it is an asset to each of us, and we need to take precautions to protect it from harm. Top of page

What is Aquatic Native Vegetation?
Aquatic native vegetation is often defined as plants that occur naturally, without human interference, in a body of water. During the past few years, much attention has been given to aquatic vegetation in Smith Mountain Lake. Both native and non-native aquatic vegetation exist in SML. In our efforts to Protect Smith Mountain Lake, it is important that we differentiate between the two. Protecting the native vegetation is extremely beneficial to the Lake. Some of the benefits include:

Maintaining a healthy bio diversity in the lake ecosystem

Providing food and shelter for a wide variety of animals, including insects, fish, birds and mammals
Helping to reduce shoreline erosion by reducing the force of waves
Protecting water quality by using nutrients that might otherwise be available to less desirable plants like some species of algae.

Through aquatic vegetation surveys completed for TLAC since 2002, several native vegetation species have been identified at SML. Chara (muskgrass)and Coontail are two examples of beneficial aquatic native vegetation that currently exist in Smith Mountain Lake. Top of page

What are Aquatic Non-Native Species?
If you have resided at Smith Mountain Lake during the past several years, you may have heard the term "aquatic non-native species". This term simply means that the aquatic species is not native to this area. In other words, it was most likely introduced by human interference. The terms "invasive" or "nuisance" are often used to further describe a non-native species. Nuisance species are just what their name implies – they may become a nuisance to any property owner that must tolerate it. On the other hand, aggressive non-native aquatic vegetation is more serious. It tends to spread rapidly and often destroy native species already in the location. A well-known aquatic invasive vegetation, Hydrilla, was identified in SML for the first time during 2007.

Since 2002, the Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission has contracted for aquatic vegetation surveys which identified both native and non-native aquatic vegetations present in SML. The most recent survey indicated that there are four non-native aquatic vegetations growing the in the Lake. One, Brittle Naiad, is a nuisance aquatic vegetation. Three others, Hydrilla, Brazilan Elodea and Curlyleaf Pondweed are aggressive non-native aquatic vegetation. In our efforts to control aggressive, non-native vegetation, TLAC has hired a licensed treatment contractor to treat those areas. Licensed contractors, approved to apply aquatic herbicides, are required for any non-native aquatic vegetation treatments. Top of page

What Should You Do If You Observe Aquatic Vegetation in SML?
Previously, we addressed native and non-native vegetation. Native aquatic vegetation is desirable in the Lake, while non-native aquatic vegetation is not. If you discover aquatic vegetation in the Lake, it is essential that it is accurately identified. Another organization at the Lake, the Smith Mountain Lake Association, has begun a Volunteer Aquatic Vegetation Monitoring Program. All discoveries of aquatic vegetation should be reported to their Hotline number 719-WEED (9333). They will request specific information, including your name and the exact location where the plant is growing. A trained volunteer will then visit the location to collect a sample of the vegetation and to gather additional information.

Many native and non-native plants are similar, and it is often difficult to distinguish them. Accurate identification is vital. When necessary, the samples will be reviewed by experts for identification. The resident will be informed of the identification and any other pertinent information.

Information regarding any identified aggressive non-native aquatic vegetation will be forwarded to the Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission office for our Aquatic Vegetation Treatment Program.

Two brochures regarding aquatic vegetation are available through our office. Copies can be requested by calling 721-4400, or by sending an e-mail request to tlac@sml.us.com.

What Resources Are Available Through the Protect Smith Mountain Lake Awareness Campaign?
TLAC's Awareness Campaign has prepared several resources on aquatic species which are available to the general public, including:

A boat ramp sign - Owners of boat ramps that are utilized by numerous boaters, such as those belonging to property owners associations, marinas, and other public boat ramps, are encouraged to request a 12” x 18” metal sign for posting at the ramp site. This sign was created to alert boat owners of the need to remove all aquatic plants and drain water from their boat, trailer and fishing equipment prior to launching their boat into SML.
A printable brochure: “Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species”is especially informative for boaters who travel from one lake to another
Another printable brochure, produced specifically for residents of the Lake, entitled “A Resident's Guide to Aquatic Nuisance Vegetation” answers questions regarding aquatic vegetation at SML, and also provides advice for residents who observe a possible non-native species growing in the water. This brochure is also available through the TLAC office, for the general public, upon request. We would be pleased to provide homeowners associations with copies for distribution. Top of page
The TLAC website includes information on several of the native and non-native plants that have been identified in SML. Please visit the Aquatic Vegetation section under the Environmental link of our menu.
Additional information regarding both native and non-native species is readily available on other websites and can easily be found by using a search engine. One excellent website is U. S. Fish and Wildlife's Protect Your Waters .

We encourage any property owner or business owner that is interested in receiving, or distributing any of the resources noted above, to call us at 721-4400. Top of page

What is TLAC's Non-Native Species Program?
The Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission's Awareness Program focuses mainly on non-native vegetation. However, many other types of non-native species can also threaten bodies of water. One non-native species which has been in the news recently is the Snakehead Fish. There have been no sightings of these fish at Smith Mountain Lake. The Snakehead Fish can grow to approximately three feet long. They can breathe air, move short distances on land, and live out of the water for up to three days. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' website has an interesting and informative page which provides pictures and details of the Snakehead Fish. Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries Website.

Another well-known, non-native species is the Zebra Mussel. Zebra Mussels are very small, less than an inch long with both light and dark bands. They are the only freshwater mussels that attach in clusters to submerged objects. We have not received any reports of Zebra Mussels in Smith Mountain Lake. These are just two of the numerous non-native species which can threaten bodies of water.

It is important to remember that the same preventive measures that protect a lake from non-native vegetation will also help protect it from other non-native species. It is imperative that all boaters make it a habit to clean their boat and equipment thoroughly when leaving a body of water and before launching it into another body of water. Also, it is important that aquarium pets and plants are not emptied into any body of water. Top of page

Have you seen this species?
Another species, Bryozoa, has been found at Smith Mountain Lake. During the past eleven years, we have received a few reports of these moss animals. Bryozoans are colonial animals that filter water for their food. In appearance, they are simply a large, jelly-like deposit and are usually found attached to a submerged object. Experts have stated that this species will not cause our Lake any problems. Nevertheless, awareness of the number of and locations of this species in the Lake, may prove to be of assistance as we continue to monitor the water quality. If you observe something that fits this description, please call TLAC at 721-4400, or bring a sample by our office at The Plaza, Suite 200 on Scruggs Road. Top of page

How Often Should Septic Systems be Pumped Out?
Septic systems should be pumped out every three to five years. All homeowners need to be aware of the importance of maintaining their septic systems. This is true for all homeowners, but is particularly crucial information for the Smith Mountain Lake area, because failing septic systems degrade the environment, especially lakes, streams and groundwater.

If septic systems are to continue working properly, they need to be maintained. The most essential step is to have the solids that accumulate in the bottom of a septic tank pumped out every three to five years . Doing so will help prolong the life of the system.

Septic systems often fail because they are neglected or abused. A failing septic system can be a health threat to family members, neighbors and visitors. They also reduce property value and are often expensive to repair. Warning signs of a failing system include slow-draining drains or toilets, sewage odors, sewage surfacing over drainfields or backing up into the house.

Have your septic system tank pumped out and inspected every 3 – 5 years by a licensed septic contractor
Reduce water usage when possible
Deflect roof drains and surface water from driveways and hillsides away from the septic system
Do not drive or park over any part of the system.
Do not dump non-degradables (grease, disposable diapers, etc.) or poisons down your drains

.It is recommended that you keep records of all pumping, inspections, and other maintenance to your system. Copies of a brochure entitled “Your Septic System: A Reference Guide for Homeowners” is available. If you would like a copy, please call the Frankln County Health Department at 484-0292. Top of page

What are Buffer Zones and why are they needed?
Landscape management practices have a significant effect on ecological and property management concerns. Preventive measures can be taken to protect lakeshore property from some ecological damage. One measure which often proves beneficial is the creation of a buffer zone. Buffer zones are areas along the shoreline of a body of water that protect stream channels and banks. They reduce the amount of pollutants entering a lake, pond or stream by trapping, filtering and diverting sediments, nutrients and other chemicals that exist in the runoff from surrounding lands. These buffers protect land from being lost through stream bank erosion, and can also provide habitat for fish and other important aquatic organisms.

Shoreline erosion is a problem often experienced by lakeshore property owners. Wave action is a chief cause of shoreline erosion. Waves wash against the shoreline and eventually wear away unprotected soils. These problems are often minimal along natural shorelines with native aquatic plants on the banks. The plants reduce the energy of the waves, thus decreasing their erosive force on the shoreline.

Plant growth in lakes is a natural process. But plant growth can become a nuisance when it interferes with recreation. The growth of aquatic plants and algae largely depends upon the nutrient supply in the water. The main nutrient that stimulates excessive growth of plants in lakes is phosphorous. Phosphorous is a major component of lawn fertilizer. Buffer zones act as a natural filter, preventing landscape chemicals from reaching the lake.

Landscape design and maintenance methods often used for lawns destroy or degrade an area's value as wildlife habitat. However, wildlife species which are often considered nuisances find well-manicured lawns to be ideal food sources.

Many of the above mentioned problems could be alleviated by the creation of a buffer zone along the shoreline of the property. Buffer zones should contain native trees, wildflowers, and grasses and should extend at least 30' from the water's edge onto the land.

In summary, Smith Mountain Lake receives many benefits from buffer zones; including: