SANTEE -- Some residents who live on Lake Marion say they're concerned about hazards posed by the ruins of submerged barges as well as stumps that have surfaced as lake levels have dropped because of the drought.

Robert Nance, whose property is located on Lake Marion between Santee and Elloree, is unhappy about two jagged stumps that have appeared in front of his pier.

In addition to discovering stumps in the lake, residents are also upset about the remains of what are believed to be several old construction barges that have appeared in Ballard's Creek since the lake levels have decreased.

"We are appalled that this condition exists, and would really like to see Santee Cooper do something about it," Nance said.

"I've lived here since 1987 and thought it was clear," he added. "Now we find unknown dangers lurking beneath the lake's surface."

Gail Bickel owns a condo at Ballard's Pointe and says she is also very concerned about the hazards presented by the presence of the huge structure.

"I'm surprised that no one has gotten hurt yet. There are metal spikes sticking up out of it, and my husband, Steve, has torn up several boats," she said.

Bickel said she has often observed boats getting stuck, and she fears what may occur when the lake levels go back up.

"On any given weekend, there are usually 20 or more boats in the area and people are swimming and diving. If Santee Cooper is not going to do anything about the situation, they need to at least put up signs warning of the present danger," Bickel said.

R.M. Singletary, senior vice president of corporate services at Santee Cooper, addressed the safety issue in a letter to The Times and Democrat in response to an article written by Dr. John Rheney criticizing the utility for the dangers posed by the submerged barge at Ballard's Pointe.

"Santee Cooper is working to erect warning buoys on either side of that structure so that boaters and swimmers will know it is there when the water covers it again," Singletary said.

Property owners at the Chapel Branch development in Santee want Santee Cooper to remove what they perceive as an impediment to their enjoyment of the lake.

Elinor Prescott, a resident of Chapel Branch, has been working with several representatives of homeowners associations to bring the problem to Santee Cooper's attention.

"I would hate to see anyone hurt due to this situation," she said. "If the lake level goes higher, it (the danger) will probably get worse."

Mollie Gore, a Santee Cooper spokesperson, said a representative from the State Archaeology Office examined the structure recently and took photos and measurements.

"The representative will take his findings back to his office and inform Santee Cooper whether the structure has historical significance," Gore said, adding that a similar structure is located near Bell's Marina in Eutawville.

If the structures turn out to have no historical significance, Gore said, Santee Cooper will consult with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and decide how to proceed.

She said there has been some discussion about cutting off the metal spikes on the old barges. If the structures are suitable for a fish habitat, Santee Cooper will want to remove the spikes, and the structure would then serve the same purpose for fish as existing tree stumps, Gore said.

"We at Santee Cooper are looking forward to a speedy decision," she said.

T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by e-mail at writer@ntinet.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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