Hartwell Dam Test Set for Today

The Savannah District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it will conduct limited engineering and operations tests on spillway gates at Hartwell Dam today.

Savannah District workers will conduct the tests during the morning beginning at approximately 10 a.m., but unlike previous tests conducted at full pool, the test at Hartwell Dam will only have a few gates open at a time.

The Corps said these non-typical tests will help conserve water in the reservoirs while still meeting minimum requirements.

The duration of each test could be as little as 30 minutes or could extend much longer depending on exact sequencing.

Areas around the dam normally open to the public will remain open during the test.

Officials warn visitors to exercise extreme caution downstream from the dam during the test because fast-moving, rising water may pose a safety hazard.

Also, boaters are asked to move back from the dam during the test because water will be very turbulent.

Project Engineer for the test, Beth Williams, said that the Corps’ safety regulations require them to test the spillway gates annually to ensure they are in proper working order in case a high-water event requires timely releases from the reservoirs.

Williams added that the test also gives the Corps an opportunity to ensure that operations staff remain familiar with gate operating procedures and that the entire system operates as designed.

While giving the appearance of a large release, the Corps said the amount of water discharged only equals an additional 50 cubic feet per second spread over a 24-hour period at each reservoir.

According to Williams, the District Water Managers estimated the reservoir levels will only decline 23-thousandths of an inch, or less as the times and durations that the gates will be open are expected to be minimal.