A plan looks to be in the works to replace a Greenville County dam that is over 130 years old.
Lake Conestee dam on the Reedy River was built in 1892 to hold back toxic sludge, most of which built up in time periods prior to modern environmental standards.
The idea of replacing the dam, which is located just south of Greenville, has been talked about for years, but may finally come to fruition.
The Upstate’s main industry for most of the dam’s existence was textile production and several of the mills were located on the Reedy River.
The Conestee dam sits south of Greenville and has received low ratings by inspectors in recent years.
It has regularly received low ratings from inspectors in recent years and is considered to be at high risk for hazards. A Full scale failure of the dam could result in extensive damage in various parts of the Upstate and could contaminate drinking water sources.
A plan is being formed to build as new dam just downstream from the existing one, and design on the project has already begun.
The state would be expected to fund a portion of the project, and Greenville County would also be responsible for a portion of it.
Other funding could come from additional sources, such as corporate or private donations.