POWERGRAMS

6 As of the 2013 publication of "Southern Wonder: Alabama's Surprising Biodiversity," Alabama ranked fifth in the nation for the number of animals and plants found within a state. This incredible mix is a product of the warm, moist climate, geologic diversity and rich evolutionary past. "Streams of Life-Waterways of Alabama," an Alabama Power Archives Museum exhibition, highlights the biodiversity of the state and showcases four recent Alabama Power preservation initiatives on the Coosa River at Neely Henry and Weiss dams, and Lay and Smith lakes. The state's natural diversity was not well-documented or understood in the early 20th century when Alabama Power, other utilities and the federal government began damming streams and rivers to harness power for electricity. While damming the rivers brought many benefits beyond bringing electricity to rural America, it also impacted the plants and animals that lived on the rivers – an impact that was not well-understood until many years later. While some species thrived in the man-made lakes created by dams, many others were adversely affected, some to the point of extinction. To this day, the biodiversity of Alabama is often overlooked and underappreciated – but not by Alabama Power. As new biological preservation and conservation methods have become available, Alabama Power has partnered with public agencies and other organizations on a variety of projects to preserve plants and animals that make Alabama extraordinary. Neely Henry Dam In fall 2014, Alabama Power merged required aquatic sampling with the annual lake drawdown used by shoreline homeowners for routine dock and pier maintenance. The lower water levels allowed Alabama Power biologists, in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, to survey the mussel and fish populations. Data from the survey will be used to develop reintroduction programs and other strategies that will minimize the impact from the reservoir operations. Weiss Dam During the development of Weiss Dam, a portion of water from the Coosa River was diverted for operations. The change in habitat affected several aquatic species, specifically mussels. In response to new studies and information, Alabama Power developed a Weiss Bypass Working Group to restore, improve and enhance water quality. In 2014, water flows were restored to the Weiss Bypass. The flow mimicked the natural riverine flow of the upper Coosa River. Lay Lake When Lay Lake was filled in 1914, the impounded waters changed the flow of the Coosa River. This habitat change affected several aquatic species, including the rough hornsnail and tulotoma snail. In 2014, after completing a survey of the snail populations, Alabama Power employees determined that a change in drawdown procedure would improve the habitat and numbers of both snails. Smith Lake Surveys sponsored by Alabama Power, the Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service and other stakeholders have identified habitat sites for the flattened musk turtle at Smith Lake. Working together, the groups developed guidelines to enhance and stabilize those shoreline turtle sites. Exhibition The "Streams of Life – Waterways of Alabama" exhibition will be in the Archives Museum at Corporate Headquarters July 9 until Nov. 13 in the historic 1925 Building at Sixth Avenue North and 18th Street in downtown Birmingham. The museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. By Erin Harney Streams of Life ENVIRONMENT EXHIBIT SHOWCASES BIODIVERSIT Y OF STATE, APC WATERWAYS Exhibit in Archives Museum continues through Nov. 13. Aquatic life is monitored at company waterways. Photos by Nik Layman

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