FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 30, 2006
Dam, reservoir owners, operators should begin lowering water levels
COLUMBIA – Owners and operators of reservoirs in the Pee Dee and coastal counties should check their dams today and through the next several days for possible problems caused by heavy rainfall expected from Tropical Depression Ernesto, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
"Owners of reservoirs that have flashboards that can be removed to lower the water level should safely do so to provide additional storage for the anticipated rainfall," said Steve Bradley, with DHEC’s dam safety program. "If there is a dam downstream of your dam and you are lowering your water level, please call the owner of that dam and advise him or her about what you are doing. Before and after the storm has passed, any accumulated trash and debris should be cleared from spillways."
Bradley said the advisory affects approximately 40 dams in Florence, Darlington, Marlboro, Dillon, Marion, Horry, Georgetown, Williamsburg, Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton, Beaufort and Jasper counties.
"Dam owners should be aware of the conditions at their dams during such events," Bradley said. "If such problems develop that failure of the dam might be imminent, the owner or operator of the dam should contact the downstream property owners and the local public safety officials. The High Hazard and Significant Hazard Dam owners should locate and have convenient access to the Emergency Notification and Surveillance Plan should it become necessary for the plan to be enacted due to problems developing at the dam during or after the storm."
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For more information:
Thom Berry – (803) 898-3885 Pager – 1-800-614-8246
Clair Boatwright – (803) 898-4461 Pager – 1-800-614-7703
Adam Myrick – (803) 898-3884 Pager – 1-800-614-8230
BNR1734