ROANOKE, Va., June 17, 2011 –   Appalachian Power, operator of the Byllesby and Buck Hydroelectric Project on the New River in Southwestern Virginia, will lower the level of one of its reservoirs there next week for a maintenance inspection.

Beginning Monday evening, June 20 the company will slowly lower the water level on the Byllesby reservoir to about seven feet below its usual minimum elevation. The drawdown will be completed by Wednesday morning and work will be finished that evening when the lake will begin refilling.

A public boat ramp, located on the Byllesby reservoir near Galax, will not be usable for boat launching during the low-water levels.

The refilling of the reservoir will be determined by water inflow levels but is expected to be completed by Friday morning, June 24.

Timing of the work is subject to change because of unforeseen weather, generation requirements or other conditions.

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