Collins Questions Corps’ Decision to Ban Shoreline Irrigation

Congressman Doug Collins, Chair of the Army Corps of Engineers Caucus, is angry with the U.S. Corps of Engineers’ plan to ban property owners around Lake Hartwell and Lake Lanier from using lake water to irrigate their properties.

The Corps issued the mandate last week.

Corps spokesman Billy Birdwell said the ruling was made to comply with federal guidelines.

“We had to come into compliance with the federal government regulations,” Birdwell said. “One area we have to change is irrigiation permits. We have found out that the federal government has determined using reservoir water for irrigating property is not permitted under the federal guidelines.”

That ruling was part of several changes made to the Corps’ Shoreline Guidelines.

But on Wednesday, Collins said the Shoreline rules were written in the 1940’s and questioned why the Corps waited 70 years to decide to ban irrigation.

“The Corps claims the changes simply bring shoreline management regulations into line with a federal law that was written back in the 1940’s. Why then, did they allow property owners along these lakes to purchase permits, pumps, and other infrastructure for so many years?” Collins asked. “This sudden shift in enforcement of the rules is highly concerning, and puts a large burden on property owners who have relied on this system for years. I would like to know why the Corps did not hold a public comment period, or seek ways to engage with the public to rectify the situation.”
He said property owners have been allowed to purchase pumps and other infrastructure for years with no penalty.

The Congressman said now those property owners will have to spend even more money and time to find irrigation alternatives.

“This decision goes against common sense, and the Corps will need to do a better job of being accountable to the taxpayers who live on these reservoirs,” Collins said. “Additionally, I call on the Corps to publicly explain how this policy change came about, and provide any and all documents leading to this policy change.”

Collins said he plans to contact the Corps to find a resolution that will not burden taxpayers and ensure the Corps operates with more transparency in the future.