Dominion Energy begins restoration work at Lake Murray Dam

CAYCE, S.C. (WOLO)– Beginning in January, Dominion Energy will start work to extend operations of critical infrastructure used to generate power for customers and supply water to the Lower Saluda River.

Officials say dive crews will replace head gates inside the Saluda Hydroelectric Project’s five intake towers.

Also, enhancements will be made to the visible portion of the towers.

On Jan. 11, 2024, around 40 parking spaces on the Lexington side of the dam will close leaving around 20 available spaces.

While the Lake Murray public park will open for the season as scheduled in April, parking will not be available in the upper lot on the north end of the park, say officials.

The project is part of a multi-year restoration project along the Lake Murray Dam.

Dominion Energy says to ensure the safety of the project team as well as the general public, boat access near the towers will be restricted by a work zone in the coming weeks.

“We understand the inconvenience this work may cause, and we thank the public for their patience during this complex project,” Dominion Energy South Carolina Vice President of Generation Iris Griffin said.

Griffin also said investing in the replacement of the head gates will enhance the reliability of the Saluda Hydro facility’s operations to help serve customers for many years to come.

The 223-foot-high intake towers supply water to the Lower Saluda River through power-generating turbines.

Work on the dam is scheduled to continue through 2026 and there are no plans to lower the water level due to this project, say officials.