Call 843-899-LOCK for the Pinopolis Lock
October 4, 2009MONCKS CORNER, SC – October 4, 2009 – Boaters have a new, easy-to-remember phone number to call when they are planning to use the Pinopolis Lock at Santee Cooper’s Jefferies Hydroelectric Station: 843-899-LOCK (5625).
“We always encouraged boaters to call ahead if they’re planning to access the lock, and they should easily remember this new number when they’re on the water and don’t have a phone book or computer handy,” says Mike Lankford, manager of Jefferies Generating Station. “Calling ahead almost always reduces the amount of time you may have to wait for the lock operator.”
At 75 feet, the Pinopolis Lock was the highest single-lift lock in the world at the time of its construction in 1942. It is 60 feet wide and 180 feet long and allows boats to be either lifted or lowered between the Tailrace Canal at the base of the Pinopolis Dam and the surface of Lake Moultrie. The Tailrace Canal is four miles long and flows into the Cooper River.
The lock is open year-round from 30 minutes after dawn until 30 minutes before dusk. No lock operations are performed during thunderstorms or rough-water conditions.
Boaters can help Santee Cooper operate the lock safely and efficiently by following these additional rules:
1. Only motor-powered boats or watercraft no less than 10 feet in length are allowed in the lock.
2. The lock operator determines the maximum number of boats allowed in the lock at one time.
3. The areas surrounding the lock are to be used only when entering or exiting the lock. The area immediately in front of the hydroelectric station on the Tailrace Canal is a fish sanctuary. State law prohibits fishing in this area.
4. Boaters must obey all signs and lock operator instructions.
5. The locking procedure takes between 20-45 minutes. Keep the hours of operation in mind when planning your trip. Showing up at the last minute may result in having to wait until the lock re-opens on the following day.
6. Call ahead if possible. This will reduce the time you may have to wait for a lock operator.
7. Smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the lock.
8. No swimming or diving is permitted within the lock or within 600 feet of the hydroelectric station.
9. All boaters should remain seated and have life jackets or other approved floatation devices immediately available during lock operations.
10. Do not approach the lock, dam or hydroelectric station during thunderstorms or rough-water conditions.
11. Stay clear of the upstream (Lake Moultrie) end of the lock during its operation. Otherwise, your boat will be in danger of being caught under a concrete outcropping.
12. All state laws are enforced by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
Santee Cooper
Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility and the state’s largest power producer, supplying electricity to more than 163,000 retail customers in Berkeley, Georgetown and Horry counties, as well as to 29 large industrial facilities, the cities of Bamberg and Georgetown, and the Charleston Air Force Base. Santee Cooper also generates the power distributed by the state’s 20 electric cooperatives to more than 700,000 customers in all 46 counties. Approximately 2 million South Carolinians receive their power directly or indirectly from Santee Cooper. The utility also provides water to 137,000 consumers in Berkeley and Dorchester counties, and the town of Santee. For more information, visit http://www.santeecooper.com.