25th Ann. of Cooper River Rediversion

The Cooper River rediversion project became official on March 23, 1985 - 25 years ago - when the St. Stephen Powerhouse came online and three hydropower generators began commercial operations. The initial idea was initially floated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the S.C. General Assembly way back in 1968 - so this project is really a part of the history of the Lowcountry outdoors. One purpose of the rediversion project is to reduce sedimentation rates in Charleston harbor, which saves taxpayers several million dollars in dredging fees each year. The electricity generated supplies power to about 40,000 homes. The project secured more than 2000 acres that they felt might be affected, and today that acreage is currently being managed by for fish and wildlife; like the Canal WMA being run by the SCDNR. Migratory fish like American shad and blueback herring that need to leave the river and head up to the lakes can do so with a 'fish lift' that SCDNR manages. For more on the fish lift try: www.dnr.sc.gov/fish/fishlift/fishlift.html.

PhotosBySCDNR: a close up and a panoramic view of the dam