NOTICE TO ALL DAM OWNERS: October 10, 2015

Due to the excessive rainfall and conditions, DHEC is advising all dam owners to evaluate the condition of their dam(s). It is especially important to note any changes to your dam. This would include but is not be limited to:

• Spillway flow with gully erosion.
• Reservoir level dangerously close to the top of the dam.
• New seep areas in or near (within) 100 feet of the dam.
• Seepage areas with flow occurring at a potentially erosive velocity.
• New cracks, voids or sinkholes near the embankment of the dam.
• Damage or modification to the dam or other structures that may adversely impact the functioning of the dam.
• A significant amount of debris or blockage in the spillway or near the dam outlet.
• Any sliding of material on the slope of the dam.

As the dam owner, you are responsible for the maintenance and repair. The responsibilities of the dam owner and the requirements for maintaining and repairing dams can be found in the S.C. Dam and Reservoir Safety Act here .

If your dam is a regulated high or significant hazard dam as defined by the S.C. Dam and Reservoir Safety Act, and you observe any of the conditions noted above, please contact DHEC at 803-898-4091.

If you see any emergency conditions that include but may not be limited to the following, contact emergency responders at 911:

• Flowing water that is or could result in flooding people downstream.
• Water from the reservoir overtopping the dam.
• Whirlpools forming in the reservoir.
• A rapidly expanding sinkhole in the dam.
• Damage or modifications to the dam that have resulted in an uncontrolled water release.

Be cautious when lowering the pond because rapid lowering can lead to failure and could result in downstream flooding.