Mathews Mill Pond Dam, located in Barnwell, South Carolina, holds a significant amount of water with a storage capacity of 279 acre-feet. Built in 1910, this private-owned dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 30 acres for visitors to enjoy. However, recent inspections have raised concerns about its poor condition and significant hazard potential, prompting a closer look at its maintenance and safety protocols.

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), Mathews Mill Pond Dam stands as a historic earth dam with a height of 11 feet and a length of 575 feet along Whaley Creek. Despite its age, the dam remains state-regulated and permitted for operation, with regular inspections conducted every three years to ensure its structural integrity. With a potential risk assessment pending and a need for improved emergency action planning, stakeholders are urged to address the dam's maintenance needs to mitigate any potential hazards and safeguard the surrounding community and environment from adverse impacts.

As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources and infrastructure, Mathews Mill Pond Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive dam management and safety measures. With its outdated emergency action plan and poor condition assessment, there is a pressing need for stakeholders to prioritize risk management and implement necessary maintenance and rehabilitation efforts to ensure the dam's resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. By addressing these concerns, Mathews Mill Pond Dam can continue to fulfill its recreational purpose while safeguarding the community and ecosystem it serves.