Palmetto Bluff Plant Dam 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Palmetto Bluff Plant Dam 1, located in Beaufort, South Carolina, serves as a vital resource for fish and wildlife in the area.
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Summary
This earth dam, standing at a height of 16 feet and stretching 525 feet in length, provides a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 40.1 acre-feet. Managed by a private owner, the dam is primarily regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) to ensure its safety and compliance with state standards.
With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of November 2017, Palmetto Bluff Plant Dam 1 plays a significant role in maintaining the ecological balance of the TR-NEW RIVER watershed. The dam's design, featuring a buttress core and an unlisted/unknown foundation, showcases a commitment to sustainable water resource management in the region. Despite its private ownership, the dam is subject to state inspection, permitting, and enforcement, underscoring the importance of its role in the local ecosystem.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and advocate for the protection of natural habitats, Palmetto Bluff Plant Dam 1 stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining fish and wildlife ponds in South Carolina. With a focus on conservation and environmental stewardship, this earth dam serves as a beacon of responsible water management practices in the Savannah District. As discussions around water security and climate resilience evolve, the role of dams like Palmetto Bluff Plant Dam 1 in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health remains crucial for a sustainable future.
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NEW RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Nid Storage |
85 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Savannah River At Fort Pulaski
|
43000cfs |
Savannah River At Ga 25
|
30800cfs |
Savannah River Near Port Wentworth
|
19300cfs |
Abercorn Cr (Water Intake) Nr Savannah
|
1620cfs |
Ebenezer Creek At Springfield
|
12cfs |
Ogeechee River Near Eden
|
545cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Palmetto Bluff Plant Dam 1
Old Landing Road Beaufort County
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Crossings Park
Emmett Park
Warren Square
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive