Lock & Dam Update: Savannah Riverkeeper releases public comment.

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UPDATE ON LOCK & DAM ISSUES
The Corps of Engineers Savannah District recently staged a drawdown simulation of the effects to the river levels in downtown Augusta and North Augusta as projected by current plans for the fish passage at New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam. SRK patrolled the river daily to record depth readings and visual and photo evidence of the effects. We aired a live feed each day to share the reality of the levels with the public. Check those out on our Facebook page and a few photos by Brian Phillips below.  

SRK received feedback from citizens, many of whom were dissatisfied and concerned with effects to riverfront aesthetics, property including docks and retaining walls, and access for recreation. SRK does not support the current proposed option. We are reviewing the draft report and working with people in the community to provide informed comments within the required period. Our goal is to help ensure that the chosen option is adapted to meet the concerns and interest of our communities. Read on to learn more about SRK's position and plan for comment. ​

COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED TO APRIL 16
The Corps of Engineers has announced an extension of the original 30-day public comment period for the Lock & Dam—the deadline is now April 16 at 4:00pm to submit comments. The Corps will give more serious consideration to comments that are technical and as factually accurate as possible. Submissions can include photos of areas of concern; testimonials about impacts to your property and/or recreation access; and background on your experience/credentials. The public can submit comments two ways:

• By mail: Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Planning Division, ATTN: Ms. Robin Armetta (PM-P), 100 West Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31401-3604
• By email: CESAS-PD@usace.army.mil

A decision is expected by August 2019; the project must begin work by 2021.

PUBLIC MEETING INFO 
The Corps of Engineers will hold an interactive workshop on Wednesday, March 6 from from 4:00-6:00pm in the Lamar Room of the Augusta Marriott (at the Convention Center), 2 10th Street, Augusta, Georgia. There you can learn more about the report, ask questions of Savannah District officials, and submit verbal comments for the record. 

SRK STANCE - SIGN THE PETITION TO SHOW SUPPORT
Our goal is to help ensure that the chosen option meets local concerns. We are formally requesting that the chosen option: 

• Successfully implements fish passage at the same level or better;
• Does not degrade, destroy or damage the potential for improvement at the adjacent Lock & Dam Park;
• Includes safe passage for public use of non-motorized boats through or around the structure, as well as fishing access, and;
• Leaves water levels significantly higher than the Feb. 2019 test drawdown, lowering the pool no more than 1 foot.

Our recommendations are realistic, taxpayer-friendly, and a compromise for all parties, we believe it's our best chance at a result that will preserve the Savannah River for today and improve it for the generations to come. 
​

Click here to sign on to Savannah Riverkeeper's comments to the Corps

OUR EDITORIAL IN THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE
"A united voice will protect our river." Click here to read your Savannah Riverkeeper’s guest column in the Augusta Chronicle for insight on what’s going on at Lock & Dam and what must be done to restore, protect, and improve our shared resource.