Colonel Ray Alexander
District Engineer and Commander

Wilmington District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington, NC

Colonel Ray Alexander Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Colonel Ray Alexander, District Engineer and Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, shares what the drought meant to the Corps and the steps they took to manage the five reservoirs and river basins within their region. He also discusses drought management; interbasin transfer, water tables/aquifers, water quality and dams – good or bad?

Dennis Brobst
Director of Public Utilities

Moore County, NC

Dennis Brobst Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Dennis Brobst, Director of Public Utilities for Moore County, NC, dealt with a severe water shortage in the Town of Vass. Mr. Brobst feels that while Vass’ water shortage in 2002 was a small town’s view of the drought, the issues and solutions dealt with are a reflection of what the rest of the country needs to be aware of. He also addresses the issue of price structuring, interbasin transfer and integrated watershed management.

Bio: Dennis Brobst, has served as Director of the Moore County Public Utilities Dept. since March 2000. Moore County Public Utilities has approximately 10,000 water and sewer customers, including the Town of Vass. In 1972, after two years in the Army, one of which was Vietnam service with the 101st Airborne Division, he began his career in water with the Maryland Environmental Service, a statewide water and sewer agency. He later became the Capital Projects Administrator, managing over $20 million in wastewater construction projects. Just prior to coming to Moore County he served as the Utility Director for Calvert County in Maryland for 15 years.

Dennis is married to Cheryl and they have two children, Gregory a senior at NCSU majoring in Chemical Engineering and Stephanie, a junior at UNCW majoring in Elementary Education. They live in the Village of Whispering Pines, NC.

Ralph Clark
City Manager

City of Kinston
Kinston, NC

Jean Crews-Klein
Vice President of Business Development and Natural Resources

NC Rural Economic Development Center, Inc.
Raleigh, NC

Governor Michael F. Easley
Governor of North Carolina

Raleigh, NC

Governor Michael F. Easley Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Governor Mike Easley, North Carolina, assesses the effects the 2002 drought had on agriculture, industry and livestock. He also speaks about Federal crop relief and why he didn’t wait for the end of North Carolina’s growing season to ask for assistance. As well, he touches upon saltwater intrusion, integrated watershed management and who controls the water and water pricing.

Bio: “In these tight budget times, such unforeseen expenses can have a devastating impact on the ability of a local government to provide needed services to citizens,” said Easley. “I have pressured the federal government for drought relief, and I will continue to do so. But North Carolina communities cannot afford to wait any longer.” http://www.ncgov.com/asp/subpages/news_release_view.asp?nrid=398

Since becoming the Governor of North Carolina in 2000, Governor Easley has continually worked towards the preservation of North Carolina’s valuable natural resources and to reduce pollution in North Carolina without raising utility rates. He is actively involved with the Clean Water Management Trust Fund Board of Trustees.

Due to the recent drought, Governor Easley allocated grant money to North Carolina communities that incurred significant expenses in protecting their public water supply from the effects of a four-year drought. Three of the communities receiving public assistance grants had to pursue costly emergency protective measures to ensure a continual supply of safe drinking water. The Governor declared a local state of disaster for each of these communities. Grants will provide reimbursement for a portion of costs such as drilling wells and establishing emergency connections to new water sources.

In addition to these grants, Governor Easley has launched an initiative targeting more than $20 million to help communities invest in interconnections and other projects to ensure a safe and adequate water supply for individuals and businesses. Governor Easley continues to pursue regional water supply solutions and to make an early and aggressive commitment to water conservation.

Dr. Courtney Hackney
Professor

Biological Sciences, UNCW
Wilmington, NC

Dr. Courtney Hackney Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Courtney Hackney, Professor, Biological Studies, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, gives a global perspective on water scarcity. He speaks about Canada’s abundant water and Mexico’s lack of water, and how this affects the relationships between our country and theirs. He likens this water disparity to many of the states within the US, wherein some have plenty of water and others don’t have enough to go around. This not only effects industries, economic development and everyday lives, but during times of drought those in control have to determine who should get water and how much. Dr. Hackney also discusses saltwater intrusion in the Cape Fear River Basin, as a reflection of what is happening in many areas around the world. He defines different types of dams and their uses, water conservation and how it’s a long-term phenomenon. He adds how quickly landscapes respond to adequate or inadequate amounts of water.

Bio: Well known for his innovative research connecting scientific concerns with the consequences of human interaction upon the environment, Dr. Hackney provides the program with solid scientific information easily understood by the average viewer about why and how people’s actions affect the environment. He is currently working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a long-term study to evaluate potential water level increases and changes in salinity of tidal swamps and marshes in the Cape Fear Estuary, along with the two primary rivers flowing into the estuary. His focus is on the link between physical, chemical and biotic components of estuaries and how plants and animals relate, not only to each other, but also to their physical environment. In addition, he is studying human impact on the estuaries.

Billy Ray Hall
Director

N.C. Rural Economic Development Center
Raleigh, NC

http://www.ncruralcenter.org/about/mission.htm

Billy Ray Hall Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Billy Ray Hall, President, North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, Inc. (Rural Center), defines rural North Carolina and the water issues that affect these areas, both in quantity and quality. He expresses the value that water has on everyday life. He believes that by bringing together local governments, engineers and environmental protection authority figures, as well as the people, a common understanding of how to deal with critical resources can take place. Cooperation with local governments and working together to solve each other’s water problems also seems to be an answer.

John Kime
Executive Director

Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority
Greensboro, NC

John Kime Interview (Microsoft Word document)

John Kime, Executive Director, Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority, is very excited about the completion of the Randleman Dam Project. He talks about the project’s primary features, the resulting reservoir, the challenges, issues and impact to the area. He also speaks about the cost of the project and what affected the cost.

Bio: John is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, where he received a Master’s in Business Administration. In addition, he attended the Institute of Government in Chapel Hill, Duke University and West Point. Before his involvement with the PTRWA, he was the Vice President of Pubic Affairs for the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. Prior to that, he served as the Town Manager of Liberty, NC. He is also supportive and active in community affairs; he is one of the founding donors of the Greensboro Children’s Museum.

Thomas M. Leahy, P.E.
Department of Utilities

City of Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, VA

http://www.vbgov.com/city_hall/bios/deptheads/pu.asp

Thomas M. Leahy Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Tom Leahy, P.E., Department of Utilities, City of Virginia Beach, VA, informs us about the Lake Gaston Project and its ramifications. Mr. Leahy explains why the City of Virginia Beach opted for interbasin transfer of water as opposed to desalination to meet their needs. He also speaks about efforts to quell the negative reactions both in North Carolina and the interests in Virginia that border Lake Gaston; 12 to14 lawsuits resulted, along with a host of regulatory proceedings. He goes on to give details on the relicensing process and how the adverse reactions to the pipeline changed the way the involved agencies approached it. Mr. Leahy adds an exploration into Virginia Beach’s future and how they will look east for any future water needs, which will require desalination facilities.

Bio: Thomas Leahy and Virginia Beach's Public Utilities Department work to provide potable public water, including fire protection and public sanitary sewer service, to the citizens of Virginia Beach. Another part of his work is to oversee the design and construction of water and sanitary sewer systems. He plays a big part in the coordination, engineering and administration of the Lake Gaston Water Supply Project and the Norfolk Water Services. Another part of his responsibility is to operate and maintain the utility system to provide continuous water supply, wastewater collection and fire protection, and to ensure compliance with federal, state and local requirements. He also provides the necessary means to support and develop the City's water conservation programs.

John N. Morris
Director

NCDENR Division of Water Resources
Raleigh, NC

John N. Morris Interview (Microsoft Word document)

John N. Morris, Director, Division of Water Resources, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, clarifies the responsibilities of his division and the laws that regulate water use in North Carolina. Additionally, Mr. Morris talks about the drought of 2002, it’s effect and ways to be more efficient in our water use. He offers information about collaborative efforts on solutions and the future.

Bio: John N. Morris is currently the Director of the Division of Water Resources, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which is responsible for water supply planning, water supply technical assistance to local governments, river basin planning, special studies of regional water supply and water management problems, and instream flow studies. http://www.enr.state.nc.us/

Before joining DENR in 1977, Mr. Morris was Senior Planning Analyst with the State Planning Division, North Carolina Department of Administration, responsible for natural resources and agriculture programs. Mr. Morris has served as a board member and Chairman of the Interstate Council on Water Policy. He has also been a board member and Chairman of the North Carolina Water Resources Association.

He is the recipient of the Governor’s Award for Conservation Achievement, the Department of the Army Commander’s Award for Public Service, and the Interstate Council on Water Policy’s Leadership Award.

Robert W. Oreskovich
Utilities Director

Dare County, NC

Robert W. Oreskovich Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Robert W. Oreskovich, Utilities Director, Dare County, NC, compares the state of freshwater supplies to demand in Dare County, as well as how the county is preparing for increased needs in the future. He describes the process of membrane technology being used in Dare County and why they are using “brackish” water, as opposed to seawater, which is being utilized in other areas around the globe. If you are concerned about the residual effects from discharging the wastewater from desalination into the ocean, Mr. Oreskovich will enlighten you with results of a study conducted to answer those concerns.

Jennifer Platt
Water Conservation Manager

Town of Cary
Cary, NC

Jennifer Platt Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Jennifer Platt, Water Conservation Manager, Town of Cary, NC, gives details on the town’s need to purchase water from Raleigh and Durham on occasion. However, her main focus is on Cary’s aggressive water conservation program, which was developed by studying twenty years of water conservation measures conducted in the western part of the United States. Cary has designed their own comprehensive conservation program, in conjunction with education specialists who take it to the schools, as well as a Block Leader Program, where residents take conservation methods to the streets to inform their neighbors. Cary has committed to reducing their long-term use by 20 percent by the year 2015.

Bio: Jennifer joined the Town of Cary in late 1996 and immediately began to develop a comprehensive water conservation and demand management program for the city. The program includes a mixture of educational, financial, and regulatory initiatives to encourage water conservation practices. In June 2001, Cary became the first city in North Carolina to pump highly treated wastewater through a separate pipeline system to some homes and businesses for irrigation and for commercial cooling and manufacturing processes. In April 2002, the Town of Cary adopted a year round ordinance to handle the Town’s peak demand periods by adopting an alternate day watering schedule. They also continue their “Beat the Peak” campaign that gives tips on how to reduce water usage for both industries and residents during peak demand hours. Jennifer is currently serving on the boards for Water Partners International and the Carolinas Irrigation Association.

Sandra Postel
Director

Global Water Policy Project
Amherst, MA

Sandra Postel Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Sandra Postel, Director, Global Water Policy Project, is aleading authority and very passionate about the issue of water scarcity. She attributes the problem to increased population, uneven distribution and economic growth. She supports the drip irrigation process as a way to save water while being beneficial for crop production. While dams have been helpful in the past, she feels the forty-five thousand dams around the world have changed the hydrologic cycle enormously in a very short period of time. Ms. Postel states that coastal areas are seeing more water problems, including saltwater intrusion, mostly due to population growth. Over-pumping groundwater, recharging aquifers and water pricing are other topics she covers. She also touches on the issue of water rights, which vary from place to place, country to country and has led to wars in some areas.

Bio: Currently the director of Global Water Policy Project, Ms. Postel is an authority and prolific writer on international water issues. She is the author of Pillar of Sand: Can the Irrigation Miracle Last? and of Last Oasis, which was the basis for a PBS documentary that aired in 1997. Ms. Postel’s article “Troubled Waters,” was selected for inclusion in the 2001 edition of Best American Science and Nature Writing. Her latest book, Rivers for Life, is coauthored with Brian Richter.

Ms. Postel has served on the board of Directors of the International Water Resources Association and on the editorial boards of Ecosystems, Water Policy, and Green Futures. She is also a lifetime chair with the International Water Academy in Oslo, Norway and an advisor to the Division of Earth and Life Studies for the U.S. National Research Council.

Hal Sharpe
President

Roanoke River Basin Association
Littleton, NC

Hal Sharpe Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Hal Sharpe, President of the Roanoke River Basin Association and Editor of the Littleton Observer, recalls the issues and legal battle involved with the Lake Gaston pipeline. He’s concerned that other entities may look to Lake Gaston as a solution to their own water problems. Mr. Sharpe discusses the Doctrine of Riparian Rights and expresses concern about future water needs. He believes everyone should be conscious of the issues and solutions.

Bio: Hal Sharpe, Editor/Publisher of the Littleton Observer, has over 15 years of newspaper management experience, specializing in communications and public policy issues. He is the President and public spokesperson for the Roanoke River Basin Association. Mr. Sharpe is a former legislative assistant and has long been a champion of environmental issues.

Paul Simon
Former Illinois State Senator

Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL

http://idsnews.com/story.php?id=15318

Paul Simon Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Paul Simon, Former Illinois State Senator, and Professor and Director of the Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, senses the relationship between Canada, Mexico and the US could become strained by water scarcity issues in the not too distant future. He mentions a report conducted by various government agencies that shows the world in a serious water shortage in fifteen years time. He reasons that an overall awareness of the situation, along with planning and collaboration between all nations, will be necessary to avert the type of conflicts over water that are currently taking place in the Middle East and other parts of the world over water. He looks to desalination and conservation as the main solutions.

Bio: Mr. Simon has been involved in politics since 1954 when he was elected to the Illinois State Legislature. He is now retired from federal office and is a professor at the Southern Illinois University.

In a speech at the Illinois University Law School, Mr. Simon stated that while water is not the sexiest subject, you do not have to be an Einstein to figure out the world is headed for some real problems. He believes that people are not paying attention to the water problem because it is a quiet issue. Both quantity and quality of water are at stake because while the population is increasing, the water supply remains at the same level. The former senator stressed more funding needs to be directed towards the growing global water issue and deserves a piece of the federal budget. Simon said he thinks dedicating a tiny percentage of the defense budget toward water problems would do more for the security of our country. The senator stressed small actions make a difference and suggested citizens contact their legislative officials and the media to gain more awareness for the water issue.

Richard Spruill
Associate Professor of Hydrology

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

Richard Spruill Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Dr. Richard Spruill, Associate Professor of Hydrology at East Carolina University, clarifies the different types of aquifers and how they work. He gives an example of what happens when an aquifer’s water level declines and details saltwater intrusion in the area. He feels cities and municipalities should not rely on one source of water for their needs. He goes on to suggest the use of reclaimed water, conservation, as well as aquifer recharge and recovery as possible alternatives. He considers diversification and interconnections as the key to further solutions.

Bio: Richard has conducted and supervised hydrogeological research projects through the university and the private sector for many years. The ultimate goal of his research efforts is to develop management criteria for safe and effective utilization of the aquifers in the face of an ever-increasing demand for water resources. He is currently involved in research on aquifer parameters and recharge areas of the Castle Hayne Aquifer System. In addition, he is looking into the design/implementation/evaluation of high-capacity well fields for municipal water supplies, and development of new strategies for wellhead protection. As a public service, Richard also serves as a consultant to the State of North Carolina, as well as the surrounding community of Greenville. He has served as an editor for Ground Water, a periodical published by the National Ground Water Association. He is the co-author of Hydrogeology and Groundwater Management Activities at the Lee Creek Mine at Texasgulf, Inc. and Groundwater Flow Simulation for Management of a Regulated Aquifer System: A Case Study in the North Carolina Coastal Plain.

Terry Brown
Water Control Manager

Wilmington District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington, NC

Terry Brown Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Terry Brown, Water Control Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, shares what the drought meant to the Corps and the steps they took to manage the five reservoirs and river basins within their region. He also discusses drought management; interbasin transfer, water tables/aquifers, water quality and dams – good or bad?

Bio: Terry Brown is the Water Control Manager for the Wilmington District, US Army Corps of Engineers. He has been with the Wilmington District for 24 years, is a NC State graduate and has degrees in both Civil Engineering and Geology. Mr. Brown oversees the hydrologic operation of the Philpott, John H. Kerr, B. Everett Jordan, Falls and W. Kerr Scott Reservoir projects.

Terry Brown works closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the areas of flood control, hydropower, water supply, water quality and recreation, in addition to fish spawning and ecological issues throughout the state. He works closely with the US Geological Survey, as well as other federal, state and local agencies, industries and cities on studies of the groundwater levels throughout the area.

Eddie Callahan
Mayor

Town of Vass, NC

(photograph not available)

Eddie Callahan Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Eddie Callahan, Mayor, Town of Vass, NC, relates the events in the summer of 2002 leading up to the town having about two and a half hours of water left in their supply. He called upon the volunteer fire department to truck water in and asked the city's residents to do their best to conserve until the issue was resolved.

Bob Emory
Environmental Manager

Weyerhaeuser Company, Southern Timberlands Operation
New Bern, NC

William L. (Les) Hall Jr., PE, F.NSPE
Executive Vice President

McKim & Creed
Raleigh, NC

http://www.mckimcreed.com

William L. (Les) Hall, Jr. Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Les Hall, Executive Vice President, McKim & Creed, Infrastructure and Environment Division Manager, presents a thorough, yet simple explanation of water reuse and how wastewater is treated. He also gives examples of reclaimed water usage and why it is not suited for human consumption.

Bio: Mr. Hall is Executive Vice President of McKim & Creed, serves on McKim & Creed's Board of Directors, and oversees the firm's engineering, marketing, and communications activities. He joined McKim & Creed in 1984.

In 2003, Mr. Hall was awarded the national honor of "Fellow" by NSPE (National Society of Professional Engineers) and the state honor of "Fellow" by PENC (Professional Engineers of North Carolina). In 1997, Mr. Hall was named "Engineer of the Year" by PENC and in 1988, was honored as the "Outstanding New Principal of the Year" by the Consulting Engineers Council of North Carolina (CEC/NC). He served as president of PENC for the 1995-1996 term and has served on several chapter and state committees since 1974. He is an active member of the American Water Works Association/Water Environment Federation (AWWA/WEF). He currently serves as a WEF Director and sits on the Board of Directors of AWWA. Mr. Hall is also involved with the American Public Works Association (APWA) and the Consulting Engineers Council's Environmental Committee. He has served as a member of the New Hanover County and Wake County Boards of Health and is a current member of the Wake County Board of Human Services. Mr. Hall was appointed to the Governor's State Infrastructure Council in 2000 with his term ending in December of 2002. He is also active in the Raleigh Rotary Club and the Cary Chamber of Commerce.

David H. Moreau
Professor, Environment Quality Assessment and Water Resources

UNC-Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

BSCE, Mississippi State
MSCE, North Carolina State
PhD, Harvard

http://www.planning.unc.edu/facstaff/faculty/moreau.htm

David H. Moreau Interview (Microsoft Word document)

Dr. David Moreau, Professor, Environment Quality Assessment and Water Resources, UNC-Chapel Hill, describes water scarcity issues on a global level and how the changing climate is a concern in Water Management. He also looks at how many areas of the United States may be affected by these growing conditions; “every year you play a game against nature…nature’s dealing you a random quantity of water every year.” Dr. Moreau talks about the Lake Gaston Project as a classic case of a city, without a direct water supply, whose rapid growth results in an upstream/downstream controversy.

Bio: Dr. Moreau teaches Environmental Quality Assessment and Water Resources at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He has research interests in the analysis, planning, financing, and evaluation of water and related environmental programs. His publications include work in systems analysis, planning and management of urban water systems, management of water supplies during droughts, and planning and evaluation of watershed management programs. He has chaired the board of a local water and sewer authority, worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, chaired several state-level environmental committees and commissions, and served on national advisory committees. He is currently serving as Chairman of the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission. Dr. Moreau has also served as Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Director of the Water Resources Research Institute.

Within the past year, Professor Moreau and a student have investigated the effects of Hurricanes Floyd and Fran on flood frequencies and related flood stages in the Neuse and Tar Rivers. Professor Moreau has also examined the impact of environmental regulatory decisions on the cost of electricity to determine whether the effect would be affordable to most North Carolinians.
His publications include:

• "Principles of Planning and Financing of Water Resources," in Larry Mays (ed.), Handbook of Water Resources, McGraw-Hill, 1995.
  
• "National Water Policy: Continuing Shifts," American Geophysical Union, 1995.
  
• "Water Pollution Control in the United States: Policies, Planning and Criteria" in Patrick L. Brezonik and David H. Moreau (eds.), The Clean Water Act Revisited, Water Resources Update, Winter 1994.
  
• North Carolina's Water Supply Watershed Protection Act: History and Economic and Land Use Implications, with others, Report No. 271, Water Resources Research Institute of the University of North Carolina, 1993.
  
• "Estimating the Effects of Conservation on Demand During Droughts" Journal of the American Water Works Association, 1991 with Keith W. Little.