Lee Business Partnership Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Lee Business Partnership Dam 1 is a privately owned Earth dam located on the Buckhead Branch in Clarendon, South Carolina.


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Summary

Built in 1949, this recreational dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a length of 425 feet, providing a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as poor, with the last inspection conducted in October 2017.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Lee Business Partnership Dam 1 is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement. While the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, its maintenance and upkeep are crucial to ensuring public safety and the preservation of the surrounding environment. With a designated emergency action plan (EAP) yet to be prepared, there is an opportunity for stakeholders to enhance risk management measures and improve the dam's overall condition.

As an integral part of the Charleston District's water resource infrastructure, Lee Business Partnership Dam 1 presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts. By examining the dam's design, construction, and current condition, researchers and policymakers can gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with managing privately owned dams in the context of changing climate conditions and evolving regulatory frameworks.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

425

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

BUCKHEAD BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Nid Storage

90

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.