Amendments to lake rules and regulations regarding the requirements for dock flotation and dock waivers, as well as noise abatement, were adopted by the Grand River Dam Authority Board of Directors at its monthly meeting on October 13 in Vinita.

These rule changes come about following a series of public meetings held by the GRDA Assets Committee to gather input on these issues. As a result of those meetings and after much research and discussion on the part of the GRDA staff, the GRDA Assets Committee finalized its rules' recommendations which were then adopted by the full board.

Under the new rules, all flotation materials for newly-constructed docks and other water-use structures and facilities must be commercially manufactured for marine use. Flotation material made of Styrofoam must be fully encased in solid polyethylene or similar materials. Flotation materials (secured in place prior to December 31, 2004) which comply with GRDA’s previous rules are authorized until, in GRDA’s judgment, more than one-third (1/3) of the existing flotation is no longer serviceable. At that time, flotation materials must be replaced with approved flotation upon notification from GRDA.

As for the rule relating to dock waivers on GRDA lakes, the GRDA Board will be able to grant waivers but only after considering how the waiver would positively or negatively impact in the areas of: shoreline characteristics, zoning and permitted uses within a half-mile radius of the proposed activity; shoreline topography and geometry; safety, navigation and flood control requirements; environmental impacts; potential economic development and tourism benefits; recreational use impacts and statutory mandates. The waiver applicant will also be required to give notice to the public and public comment will be allowed before action is taken on the application. Notice of the waiver request will also be published in local newspapers, on the GRDA website, and all property owners within a 300 foot radius of the property being considered for the waiver will receive written notice.

The final rule adopted by the GRDA Board in October deals with noise abatement on Grand Lake and reads as follows: Except for sanctioned events permitted by GRDA, all vessels must be muffled pursuant to 63 O.S.A. §4208 and no person shall operate a vessel that exceeds the noise level of 90 decibels on an A-weighted scale when subjected to a sound level test as prescribed by SAE J2005 within fifty (50) feet of any public or private dock or at any location between the hours of 9:00 PM. through 9:00 AM.