SAVANNAH, Ga. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District has begun lowering the pool elevation at the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam in Augusta, Ga., to allow workers to treat invasive aquatic weeds within the pool.
Officials from the City of Augusta requested the lowering to improve access to treatment areas by contractors. The treatment will help fight the growth of invasive aquatic weeds within the lock and dam pool, which have become a nuisance over the last several years. The weeds are a biological problem as well as an operational maintenance problem to intakes. They also pose a safety hazard for recreation activities such as boating and swimming.
The pool level is scheduled to be lowered to an elevation of 113 feet above mean sea level by next Tuesday. The gradual lowering began Monday and will continue until June 19. The city anticipates the weed treatment to last between four to six days.
Following treatment, the Corps will gradually refill the pool to a level of 114 feet above mean sea level within its normal operating range.