Book Description

This report summarizes analyses relating to sediment flushing from Charleston Harbor using salinity, suspended sediment, and velocity data from a total of 11 tidal surveys and from long-term monitors. The US Army Corps of Engineers rediversion project was designed to return the Cooper River to inflows of 3,000 cfs or slightly higher, and greatly reduce Charleston Harbor shoaling. Harbor monitoring was conducted before and after rediversion for the purpose of recommending an appropriate rediversion inflow level. Harbor conditions were considered optimum if the harbor was well-flushed and if shoaling conditions were similar to the base condition defined for the project (3,000 cfs). Harbor conditions were found to be optimum between 3,000 and 4,500 cfs, and this flow range was recommended as the weekly average flow from Pinopolis Dam. (fr).