alerts

!! Immediate attention required !! Proposed construction of 84 slip marina on Crystal Lake Dr. !!! See information below

Alerts

Update- September 1, 2006

Paradise Cove Marina

SCDHEC has issued a proposed decision which will allow Lighthouse Development to construct an private docking facility for 84 boats in Crystal Lake on Lake Murray. The decision includes conditions which DHEC believes will address citizens' concerns about potential impacts to the environment and navigation. The decision will be final unless a review is requested within 15 days after notice has been mailed to the applicant or respondent. To view the proposed decision click on Decision. To view the staff analysis click on Analysis.

Jimmy Chandler, attorny and Director of the SC Evironmental Law Project has filed an appeal on behalf of Lake Watch, the Lake Murray Homeowners Coalition, and the Lake Murray Association asking the DHEC board of directors to review and reverse the decision. It is expected that DHEC will rule on whether to grant a hearing at its next board meeting Sept. 14. If the hearing is granted, Chandler will present his argument to the board at its October meeting. Contact person is Steve Bell @ bellsteve9339@bellsouth.net.

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SCE&G ask FERC to grant extention to complete shoreline requirements

On June 23, 2004, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved a new Lake Murray shoreline plan which included a requirement that SCE&G prepare plans to address concerns brought up during the shoreline review process. Later, on October 28, the FERC modified the plan by adding new conditions, and clarifying some existing ones. Officials ordered the utility to consult with resource agencies and file the required information within one year. But SCE&G did not meet with state and federal agencies until April 4, 2005. The required work is not complete, and now SCE&G is asking for an extension to April 2007 to comply with the Federal order.

The final approved plan required SCE&G to complete the following within one year: (1)Prepare an erosion control plan. (2) Identify and map perennial and intermittent streams (3) Prepare a woody debris and stump management plan. (4) Map and identify environmentally sensitive areas to include shoreline within developed areas, (5) Prepare a buffer zone restoration plan where buffers have been improperly altered (6) Designate Hurricane Cove and Two Bird Cove as special recreation areas for over night anchorage. (7) Inventory all developed shorelines within the project boundary for structural encroachments.

Citizens interested in submitting comments to the FERC reqarding this request should go to www.ferc.gov. and follow instructions. Email lakemurraywatch@bellsouth.com for assistance.

Proposed- Fringeland Sale

Application by SCE&G to sell project lands near Emerald Shores subdivision on Lake Murray . For details review DNR letter opposing sale. Because of opposition, Federal officials will public notice the sale. At that time interested citizens can submit comments and request to "intervene" in the proceeding. Because of resource agency concerns, Lake Watch recommends that this parcel not be sold. At the time of public notice, Lake Watch will provide an "example" letter with instructions for individuals to use in filing their comments. We can e-file your letter, or sign on to Lake Watch's letter. We will email an alert to members at the appropriate time.

Visit the site each week for updates._________________________________

Pintail Point- Proposed 100 Slip Marina

An application dtd. 12 Nov. 2004, to the US Army Corps of Engineers and SC DHEC by Lab Developers, LLC c/o Wayne Beam, POB 11863 Columbia, SC 29211-1863, to construct the Pintail Point Marina consisting of a 110 slip community docking facility, to excavate approximately 9200 cu yards of material from a 2.01 acre area above the 348 ft. contour, and to construct and 14? by 125? concrete boat ramp. The location is on Bear Rd. off Shore Dr. before Hwy 378 crosses Hollow Creek.

The public comment period has ended, but the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) must give its final approval. At that time public comments may be submitted to the FERC.

Primrose, an aquatic nuisance weed, has been on the lake for years, but hasn't caused much concern up until now. The plant normally grows close to the shoreline, but when the lake was drawn down for the dam remediation, fragments followed the receding water and established it self at the new level. Concerns that one time were limited to dock owners, now could impact the general public if navigation channels become blocked. Experts had hoped that rising water from the refill would cover the plant and eventually drown it out. But the weed has been able to adapt to the gradual rise in water levels and now has established a foothold at depths up to 12 ft. in some areas. ( see news article on "In the news" page)

According to Chris Page, DNR's aquatic weed expert, "We have mapped most of the primrose in the upper part( Little Saluda and Saluda River arms) of the lake. We are also in the process of putting that information in a GIS to determine acreage. The only herbicide it appears that we could use is Renovate 3 @ 2 quarts peracre. That rate has no restrictions for potable water but it still contains an irrigation restriction. We are exploring the possibility of doing immunoassay test to determine the length of the restrictions for irrigation."

"Harvesters were mentioned originally and haven't been completely taken out of the picture. There are still some other options we are considering and harvesters are included in those. The timing to start treatment has not been decided. We are working in Georgetown on a big
Phragmites project that has been scheduled for several weeks and involves multiple agencies. We will try to get on Lake Murray as soon as possible. It is a high priority."