Richard B. Russell Dam

Richard B. Russell Dam. It is a major hydroelectric and flood control structure on the Savannah River, forming the border between Georgia and South Carolina. Owned and operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the dam creates Richard B. Russell Lake and is a key component in a series of federal projects managing the river's resources. The facility was named in honor of longtime U.S. Senator Richard Russell Jr. of Georgia.

History and Construction

Authorized by the U.S. Congress under the Flood Control Act of 1966, the project was part of a comprehensive development plan for the Savannah River basin spearheaded by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Construction began in 1974, with the J.A. Jones Construction Company serving as the primary contractor for the massive earthfill embankment and concrete structures. The dam's impoundment of the Savannah River began in 1983, and the project was officially completed and dedicated in 1985. Its construction was coordinated with the operations of upstream projects like Hartwell Dam and downstream facilities including the J. Strom Thurmond Dam to optimize water management across the Southeastern United States.

Design and Specifications

The dam is a composite structure featuring a central concrete gravity section flanked by extensive earthfill embankments, stretching over 9,500 feet in total length. The powerhouse is integrated into the concrete section and houses four Francis turbine units, each connected to a generator. The dam rises approximately 200 feet above the original riverbed, creating Richard B. Russell Lake with a normal pool elevation of 475 feet above mean sea level. The reservoir has a surface area of nearly 26,650 acres and over 540 miles of shoreline, with storage capacity managed in conjunction with the Hartwell Lake and Lake Strom Thurmond projects under the guidance of the Savannah District of the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Operations and Power Generation

The facility's primary operational missions are hydroelectric power generation and flood control, with secondary benefits including water supply and recreation. The generated electricity, with a total installed capacity of 600 MW, is marketed and distributed by the Southeastern Power Administration to public utilities and cooperatives across the region, including entities like Georgia Power and Duke Energy. Operations are tightly coordinated with the Hartwell Dam and J. Strom Thurmond Dam through a real-time system managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers to balance power production, maintain downstream flows for water quality, and provide storage for flood events.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The dam's construction significantly altered the local ecology of the Savannah River, leading to the establishment of mitigation programs for affected fish and wildlife habitats. The project provides substantial economic benefits through low-cost renewable energy, enhanced regional flood protection for communities like Augusta, and support for industrial water supply. The creation of Richard B. Russell Lake also transformed the local economy by boosting tourism and real estate development in surrounding counties such as Elbert County and Abbeville County.

Recreation and Public Access

Richard B. Russell Lake is a prominent recreational destination managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The area features numerous public parks, including the Richard B. Russell State Park in Georgia, which offer facilities for camping, boating, fishing, and picnicking. The South Carolina side provides access at locations like the Calhoun Falls State Park. The dam itself includes a dedicated visitor center with educational exhibits on the Savannah River projects, and the surrounding lands are popular for hunting, birdwatching, and hiking along designated trails.

Category:Dams in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Dams in South Carolina Category:Buildings and structures in Elbert County, Georgia Category:United States Army Corps of Engineers dams