Spillway gates to be tested at the Hartwell Dam

The Corps of Engineers has announced a required test will take place next week of the spillway gates at the Hartwell Dam, on the upper Savannah River. The test will be aimed at assuring the gates work properly and can be activated in the event of an emergency. During the test, the spillway gates are to be opened 1 to 2 feet to give safety experts the chance to evaluate their readiness. The test begins at 2pm Tuesday, June 19 and will last about one hour. Unlike past tests, officials will not open all of the gates simultaneously. The public may watch the tests from designated viewing and parking areas below the dam in Georgia or from the embankment overlooking the river in South Carolina. Parking is extremely limited at either location. Observing the test from the highway 29 bridge, by car or foot, is forbidden. During the test boaters should not approach the dam from downstream, as currents will be strong and turbulent.