Share this fact sheet to easily share our goals!
What is the Issue?
The New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, through its five remotely operated dam gates, provides critical functions for the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) – it creates a steady, controlled 10mile long River Pool, and it routinely minimizes flood water levels during storm events while "flushing" silt and other debris flow which would otherwise accumulate behind the dam structure.
The US Army Corps of Engineers was required by Congress to conduct essential repairs to the Lock and Dam. The Corps never performed the mandated repairs. The Lock and Dam remains in critical need of repair.
The Corps is evaluating whether to remove the Lock and Dam and replace it with a permanent, inriver rock weir to provide passage for endangered fish species – a solution that will create new and significant risks to the CSRA communities.
What are the risks to our communities?
Replacement of the Lock and Dam with a rock weir would be potentially disastrous on a number of levels. According to the Corps’ own reports, the rock weir could…...
- Cost as much as twice the cost of repairing the Lock and Dam and constructing a fish bypass;
- Critically and permanently lower the lever of the River Pool, endangering water supplies, as well as devastating the recreational and business opportunities of the riverfront – such as the River Walk, North Augusta's Project Jackson, and boat and swim races, and loss of the millions in revenue these activities generate for the CSRA;
- Magnify flood risks in storm events which are already affecting North Augusta riverfront communities and affect the insurability of properties along the river resulting from changes in floodplain and floodway effectuated by this obstruction.
- Result in permanent loss of river navigation from Augusta to Savannah
- Create siltation and debris buildup, threatening water supplies, river users, wildlife habitat;
- Potentially cause temporary loss of the pool during weir construction; and
- Impose an unknown, uncertain future for the CSRA.
Repairing the Lock and Dam and constructing a modest fish bypass is the cost-effective, practical, workable and protective solution that serves all needs.
How Can I Get Involved?
- Voice your concerns – Register your name and email on this website, which will trigger an email letter to the Corp and the federal delegations for both middle GA and SC stating your support for the Save the Middle Savannah cause.
- Submit written comments to the Corps by June 3rd at CESAS-PD@usace.army.mi
- Continue to voice your concerns to the Corp and to your state and federal legislative delegation even after the June 3rd comment period.
- Join with other CSRA stakeholders to support the Save the Middle Savannah River -- to promote the Lock and Dam restoration and fish bypass solution through legislative and local action.
- TELL OTHERS AND ENCOURAGE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO SAVE THE MIDDLE SAVANNAH