The Lake Conestee Dam Restoration Project, LLC, requires a comprehensive solution to address the structural and environmental challenges of the Lake Conestee Dam, a historically significant stone masonry structure in Greenville, SC. The primary need is to ensure that the contaminated sediment contained by the existing dam remains in place. Replacing the existing, unpredictable dam will ensure this outcome.
Kleinschmidt conducted a detailed pre-design analysis to guide the final design and construction of the Lake Conestee Dam. This included a hydrologic analysis with hydraulic modeling to assess flood flows and an evaluation of nine alternatives, including a no-action option, to determine the most viable solution.
Kleinschmidt advanced the new dam project through key phases in collaboration with the Conestee Nature Preserve and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. Efforts included geotechnical exploration, construction permitting, NEPA review, field investigations, procurement of an owner’s project manager and engineering procurement-construction services, selection of a design-build team, oversight of the new design, and ultimately, dam construction.
The project is moving forward with a well-informed, strategic approach to the dam’s remediation, ensuring a structurally sound dam and meeting environmental compliance. By collaborating with key stakeholders and setting a solid project framework, Kleinschmidt provided a tailored solution to this project that allowed for the hiring of a solid project team and means to complete the project under budget and early, while meeting the client and community needs.
Regional Vice President
Steve Layman, Ph.D.
“I really enjoy the energy and collaborative spirit for sound science and creative solutions that protect the environment here at Kleinschmidt.” Steven Layman has over 35 years of hydropower-specific experience and is Kleinschmidt’s Southeast Region Vice President. Steve is a senior aquatic ecologist and fisheries biologist who specializes in leading ecological assessments and managing project...