January 23, 2025-Re: Lyman Lake – Non-Floating Structure Policy

The purpose of this letter is to communicate SJWD’s current stance on permitted repairs to non-floating structures, as well as to remind adjacent property and structure owners that our ultimate goal is for all structures around Lyman Lake to be floating docks and boat slips.

Last September, Hurricane Helene left a path of destruction through our community and impacted millions across Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina. Due to the lasting impacts of this devastating storm, SJWD Water District’s Board of Commissioners have gathered recommendations from staff to consider whether any modifications to our current non-floating structure policy for Lyman Lake are warranted.

SJWD has acknowledged that, prior to SJWD’s acquisition of the Lyman Lake property from Springs Industries in 1997, non-floating structures, such as enclosed boathouses and docks constructed on pilings, had been permitted to be built at various locations around the lake. However, since taking ownership, SJWD has not permitted the construction of any new non-floating structure. To accommodate adjacent property owners with existing non-floating structures, a policy was established that allowed these structures to remain for their normal lifespan, provided they do not become dilapidated or require major repairs, which included any repairs needed on parts of the structure normally submerged underwater. Due to the inherent risks and costs associated with owning non-floating structures, as well as the concerns regarding the storage of potentially hazardous substances in these structures, SJWD continues to strongly encourage structure owners to replace any non-floating structure with a floating structure.

Considering these past policy decisions as well as present conditions, I want to communicate the following points to you, while our Commission reviews the existing policy for non-floating structures on Lyman Lake:

1.Repairs will be allowed for non-floating structures with less than 50% damage to the entire structure, including parts of the structure normally below water (e.g., pilings and piers). All repair work must be permitted and approved by SJWD and in conformance with all SJWD policies. The percentage of damage shall be determined in SJWD’s sole discretion.

2.Demolition and removal will be required for any non-floating structure that is more than 50% damaged or in a state of dilapidation or disrepair, as determined in SJWD’s sole discretion.

3.SJWD will reimburse up to $5,000 for demolition and removal costs of a non-floating structure (regardless of existing condition). Appropriate documentation will be required, and all work must be coordinated with SJWD, to be eligible for this reimbursement.

4.Non-floating structures will not be allowed to be completely rebuilt.

We understand that Lyman Lake has been a meaningful place for many in our community, and we hope it remains that way for years to come. However, Lyman Lake continues to be SJWD’s primary water resource and the quality and quantity of water in it is crucial to the success of our mission of providing the best water service possible to our rapidly growing community.

For more information, please contact SJWD’s Warden Office by phone at (864) 764-2007 or by email at warden@sjwd.com.

Sincerely,

Billy Y. Cothran III, P.E.

Chief Executive Officer

SJWD Water District