Dominion Energy is set to begin maintenance on Lake Murray’s most iconic structures

The company announced that it is launching a multi-year project to service the five intake towers near the Dreher Shoals Dam. The 223-foot structures are located a short distance out into the lake, about midway across the dam. They supply water to the Lower Saluda River through the dam’s five dedicated power-generating turbines.

The towers are frequently depicted in pictures of the reservoir and in promotional materials for the area (including the logo of the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center).

“Crews will begin inspecting the intake towers in early August and continue through the end of September,”  a release states. “Dominion Energy is dedicated to completing the project as quickly and safely as possible, while ensuring minimal impact to recreational users.”

After the inspections, the company says it plans to replace each of the tower’s headgates, which shut off the flow of water from the lake. 

Dominion will use the information gathered during the forthcoming inspections to figure out the scope of the work necessary to replace the headgates, with the project set to begin in spring 2024 and continue until late-2025 “pending the timely receipt of regulatory approvals.”

“While we have carefully maintained these headgates since the dam’s construction, they are 95 years old,” Iris Griffin, Dominion Energy South Carolina’s vice president of generation, is quoted. “Investing in their replacement will enhance the safety and reliability of the Saluda Hydro facility’s operations for many years to come.” 

The release describes the headgates as “steel structures that are lowered into framed openings within the towers” and notes that Dominion plans to replace other associated equipment.

According to the release, crews that are set to include divers will start inspections of the towers, expected to take about two months, in August.

“Boaters are urged to stay at least 300 feet away from the towers while divers are in the water,” the release states. “Warning buoys will mark the exclusion area when work is taking place.”