There is, as mentioned in the WaPo this weekend, a meeting on Monday night about reopening Lake Manassas. It is at Public Works.
I’ve read the backup material and I’m interested to hear from staff on this item and see what can be done. I suppose that I have 2 chief concerns:
1. Maintenance of safe drinking water. People will ridicule that statement, spout all kinds of studies and facts, call me spineless and lots of other stuff but the fact is that if we cannot ensure continued availability of water from the lake, this ain’t happening – at least in my view. i know that a select few might be put out with me if we don’t do this but I believe I will have truly failed the community if the lake gets contaminated due to a bad decision on my part. The lake is a great advantage for our City: witness the fights that Fairfax and other localities have had to endure to get access to drinking water.
2. Cost. I wouldn’t mind talking about one-time startup costs but an operating subsidy would be problematic. I’ve read and heard from those that insist this is a money-making proposition but that wasn’t our experience the last time around. Someone brought me a MJM clipping that covered the council’s deliberation concerning the marina years ago and the operator of the marina was coming back for money for new boat motors, facility improvements, etc. I don’t point this out to condemn the operator but to illustrate the facts of our previous experience. Ideally this would pay for itself on an operational basis.
If we can cover those two bases then we could probably start to get this moving. If not, well….not. I know that this is going to be a emotional issue so fair warning: If you want to post, be thoughtful. If you want to rant or insult others, I’m going to delete it.
December 6, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Andy,
While I’m happy you are concerned with water quality, as we all are, I think you are going off the deep end here, no pun intended. That’s a classic scare tactic that simply does not work. There are thousands of public water supply lakes, rivers, etc that are opened to fishing, boats, etc and none to my knowledge has been shut due to having too many people fish in it or having too many boats on the water.
The “fight” that Fairfax had was not acces to a water supply, they only wanted to extend their intake pipe further into the Potomac River. They already have access to the river.
I think you might have more of an argument on the cost facter, but still this is our lake and we should have access to it. Maybe, you and the rest of the Council should think of a “win-win type situation. There are plenty of fishing clubs in the area, that want to have access to the lake as well, and might be willing to help out or volunteer to be a part of a solution. I think if you do an internet search you’ll come across groups like Trout Unlimited who take an active role in “adopting” waters to preserve trout fishing, etc. It’s worth looking into
But, it seems you’ve already made up your mind on the issue. Oh well, I along with others will just keep taking our money elsewhere and spend it. I’m sure Fairfax and Prince William County does not mind renting boats on the Occuquan.
Can you provide a City provided service that does not cost money?
December 7, 2009 at 7:36 am
As much as I would like to attend tonight isn’t good for me.
I just hope the City doesn’t make a decision on the Lake based on the same sort of fear mongering the global warming nuts have been foisting on us. I am all for keeping our water supply safe but let’s make sure decisions are made based in FACT.
December 7, 2009 at 8:38 am
DavidB:
I’m only interested in the facts at this point. Problem is, there are many who are operating on pure emotion as this issue has a lot of history. That group won’t come to this meeting but they will rouse themselves long enough to complain about the decision making process.
December 7, 2009 at 11:21 am
Well said, citizenofmanassas. If public access is ok for the Occoquan Reservoir,
Why not Lake Manassas? What is so different? And what exactly is so emotional?
Frustration at being locked out? Why not open the lake? So far the reasons seem
more like like lame excuses than credible concerns.
December 7, 2009 at 11:31 am
I appreciate the opportunity to learn more.
December 7, 2009 at 11:37 am
“What’s so emotional” good question anonymous. An emotional response can also be charactarized by disregarding the facts which you do in about a dozen words. I appreciate that Harrover is trying to be careful. That’s what we hired him to do…..
December 7, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Cost???? Could it possibly be more than what the city is spending on a police presence there already?
December 7, 2009 at 1:47 pm
COM:
I respect that you’re passionate about this so come on out to the meeting and help us craft a win-win solution. I’ve never heard of the many fishing clubs you mention, perhaps you could help us?
A
December 7, 2009 at 3:13 pm
The paramount purpose of Lake Manassas is to provide
safe reliable water to the City of Manassas and portions
of PWC and MP (an estimated 100,000 individuals). It
was developed by the Town Council, under the leadership
of Mayor Harry Parrish, almost fifty years ago to
replace a balky and inadequate well system.
Without a good supply of water, Micron, our largest
single taxpayer and employer wouldn’t be in Manassas.
Recreational use, including fishing, are possible amenities
at Lake Manassas. Drinking water for our community
is a necessity and the City has a great reponsibility to
protect it from risk.
The City Council not only has a right to carefully review
request for recreational use of the lake – it would be
derelict in its duties if it didn’t.
The Council has historically placed great trust in the
recommendations of the Manassas Utility Commission,
our staff and indivduals such as Dr, Tom Grizzard who
has monitored the water quality of the lake for years.
Tonight is a work session to obtain and share information.
and thoughts. Alll interested individuals are
encouraged to attend.
December 7, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I personally wouldn’t mind fishing there and as a citizen of Manassas I feel a bit of ownership and think access would be great. I also think any operation there should be self supporting. Thanks, Bud
December 7, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Andy,
I was planning to attend the meeting, but I am on an unexpected business trip. Hopefully, there will be more meetings. I’ll come up with a list of local clubs too and get it to you.
BTW, the water in lake Manassas does make its way into the Occoquan reserivor, which of course is a major water source for Fairfax.
I attended an earlier meeting where the VA game and Fish department provided they would help us out as much as possible too, and they have worked with a number of other VA cities and Counties on such partnerships.
I’m might be wrong, but I recall from the meeting the City spends forty thousand a year in OT and other costs to keep the lake closed from public access.
Can anyone provide an example of where a public water source has been closed down completly forever due to contimination from fishing and boating? I ask in all seriousness because I’m not aware of one.
December 7, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Upon attending the meeting tonight, I feel the issue is in good hands.