Monthly Archives: August 2016

J. Strom Thurmond Dam, then and now

Posted on August 24, 2016 by US Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District

Eight years in the making, the J. Strom Thurmond Dam was a monumental task for engineers and construction workers in the 1940s and ‘50s. Archival footage in this video shows the steps they took to layer power plant fixtures as … Continue reading →

Posted in Flood Risk Management, Hydropower, Navigation, Recreation, Videos, Water Quality/Water Supply | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , |

Richard B. Russell – not your average hydropower plant

Posted on August 17, 2016 by US Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District

(A version of this article originally appeared on this blog May 29, 2013.) The youngest of Savannah District’s three multipurpose dam and lake projects, Richard B. Russell Dam differs from Hartwell and Thurmond, not just size and appearance, but also … Continue reading →

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Rain is coming, but will it be enough?

Posted on August 5, 2016 by US Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District

If the first three days in August are any indication, things could be looking up for the Savannah River Basin. Last month, on the other hand, the only reason to look up was in a fit of frustration. Russell’s take … Continue reading →

Posted in Rainfall Update, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , |

Dams demand best of operator trainees

Posted on August 3, 2016 by US Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District

(Above: Les Rice guides visitors through a quick tour of the J. Strom Thurmond Dam.) AUGUSTA, Ga. – J. Strom Thurmond Dam currently operates at 98 percent proficiency but its operators are expected to perform above this percentage. Operator Trainee … Continue reading →

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