Santee Cooper will be conducting aerial herbicide
treatments, by helicopter, on 580 acres of giant cut grass and giant salvinia
around areas in Lake Marion throughout the month of August. The treatment is
intended to improve public access for fishing, boating and duck hunting,
enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and reduce further spread of giant salvinia
to other areas of the Santee Cooper Lakes system. Giant salvinia is an invasive
plant from Brazil. It was found in the lakes in 2017 and has since rapidly spread
from upper Lake Marion to other areas of both Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie.
Giant cutgrass has also created dense stands restricting public access in the
area known as the “Super Flats.” Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-
approved aquatic herbicides will be used for the application and pose no
water-use restrictions in the areas treated. The Super Flats Restoration
Project will focus on the areas of Persanti Island, Hickory Top, and Jacks
Creek in Lake Marion, as much of those areas are now inaccessible because of
thick vegetation. 

The Restoration Project is expected to continue over
the next several years. This is a cooperative project with South Carolina
Waterfowl Association, Ducks Unlimited, South Carolina Department of Natural
Resources, and Santee Cooper. Inquiries regarding the operation can be made by
contacting Santee Cooper at aquaticplantcontrol@santeecooper.com.

You can help control the spread of invasive species.
Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting boats and
trailers. Eliminate water from equipment before transporting. Clean anything
that comes in contact with water (boats, trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs,
etc.). Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they
came out of that body of water. Report aquatic weed problems in public waters
to the SCDNR Aquatic Nuisance Species Program at 803-755-2872.Santee Cooper is
South Carolina’s largest power provider and the ultimate source of electricity
for2 million people across the state. Through its low-cost, reliable and
environmentally responsible electricity and water services, and through
innovative partnerships and initiatives that attract and retain industry and
jobs, Santee Cooper helps power South Carolina. 

To learn more, visit http://www.santeecooper.com and follow #PoweringSC on social media.