Augusta, GA
Aging equipment causes issues at Augusta lock and dam
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – More storms in the area could bring some lightning and flash flooding impacts with them.
This time last week, the Savannah River saw low levels even with all the rain.
Augusta Utilities says the cause was a door issue at the lock and dam after lightning struck a powerline.
If it happened once, could it happen again?
The Army Corp of Engineers says it’s not uncommon for them to lose power when it storms, meaning sometimes they lose control of the gates at the dam.
They say they have backup plans in place, but those can only last for so long.
Aging equipment can lead to problems.
“I would probably say at least a dozen times a year, possibly more, we have issues with one line or the other,” said Scott Hyatt with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
Hyatt says storms last week knocked out both power and communications to the dam, keeping the gates open and dropping water levels by 2.5 feet.
“Got about six inches lower than we’d like it to ever get,” he said.
It led them to run on a backup generator and equipment from decades ago.
“It’s a structure that was built in the 1930s. It’s been mothballed and idled since the 1980s. And had very, very little done to it. It’s in terrible shape, the generator that’s in there, the engine came from a Korean War era military vehicle,” said Hyatt.
But they recently received funding to fix two of the gates next fall and get a new generator next year, so the problem becomes less common.
“We don’t have a system on the dam that just tells us, ‘Hey, you’ve lost a phase of power.’ It just tells us whether we have power or not,” said Hyatt.
Even though they do lose control of the dam, he says it won’t cause any excessive flooding.
The Army Corp of Engineers says they do watch the dam and water levels closely but if your business, docks or boats are impacted to reach out.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Broadway Baptist Church hosted a debate Monday featuring the three candidates seeking to become Augusta’s next mayor.
Candidates Lori Myles, Steven Kendrick and Eric Gaines shared their goals and visions for the city as they campaigned for voters’ support ahead of the upcoming election.
“We need to focus on what the community needs. We’ve got to start being practical in Augusta-Richmond County,” Gaines said.
“I want to create better relationships with both our state and federal officials, so that our city can learn how to bring some of the dollars we need home. I hope I was able to provide enough information for people to choose me as the person to lead the city,” Kendrick said.
“I want them to go out and touch the masses and show that there is a new paradigm shift coming to Augusta. All of us are invested,” Dr. Myles said.
The primary election is scheduled for May 19. In addition to the mayoral race, voters will also decide several other contests, including five Augusta Commission seats.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta Fire is showcasing progress on its new Fire Station #3 construction site Monday with a public tour of the facility.
The tour is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon at the construction site at 2075 Powell Road.
The approximately 12,500-square-foot facility will feature three apparatus bays, modern living quarters, administrative space and support areas designed to enhance firefighter readiness and emergency response.
“The progress we’ve made on this fire station reflects our commitment to public safety and community resilience,” said Fire Chief Antonio Burden. “We’re proud of what this station represents for our community: enhanced protection, improved readiness and continued investment in the future.”
Johnson Laschober Associates designed the station. Spratlin Construction is building it in coordination with the Augusta government and the Augusta Fire Department leadership.
Representatives from Spratlin Construction will also be on-site to provide project updates.
The only entrance to the site is on Powell Road. Parking is not permitted on the construction site. Visitors should park along Powell Road and follow all posted safety guidance.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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