The Corps of Engineers' Clarks Hill Dam

Actually, if you are from South Carolina, this would be the J. Strom Thurmond Project at Clarks Hill. Leave it to the politicians! Anyway, whatever you call it, this impressive dam is about 22 miles up the Savannah River from Augusta, GA.The dam stands about 200 feet high by 5,680 feet long, and was completed in 1954. It is one of a series of Corps dams on the Savannah River for flood control, hydro-electric power, and to ensure a minimum river flow at the Savannah River Site of the Department of Energy, otherwise known as "The Bum Plant" (well, thats what it sounded like they were saying when I was a kid. Actually, of course, they meant bomb plant...).

This is a view of the powerhouse. Inside are seven turbine/generator assemblies, each good for 44 Megawatts.

Behind the powerhouse are the transformers, and this is the switchyard. As at other Corps' projects in the area, the power produced is sold by the Southeast Power Administration (SEPA) to other coops and distributors.

This is a view of the lake side of the dam from the Visitors' Center. Most Corps' projects have very nice visitors facilities. Although this one was undergoing remodeling while we were there, they still had rest rooms available, and the requisite literature selection.