Palmetto Place Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Palmetto Place Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, was completed in 1992 and serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the Franklin Branch.


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Summary

Owned privately, the dam stands at a height of 18 feet with a length of 245 feet, providing a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose being flood risk reduction, the dam also offers recreational opportunities in the area.

With a low hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2017, Palmetto Place Dam poses a potential risk that needs to be addressed. The dam is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement all in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. While the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize the maintenance and upkeep of this critical infrastructure to prevent any potential disasters.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of dams like Palmetto Place in managing flood risks and ensuring water security is crucial. With its strategic location and function in the region, the dam plays a significant role in protecting the community and surrounding areas from potential flooding events. Moving forward, it is essential for all stakeholders to work together to address the dam's poor condition and implement necessary risk management measures to ensure its long-term safety and effectiveness in safeguarding the environment and local population.

Year Completed

1992

Dam Length

245

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

FRANKLIN BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Nid Storage

52

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.