Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009

Utility to test security response at S.C. dam

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. -- Federal, state and local emergency officials are holding a drill simulating a terrorist strike at a South Carolina dam.

The simulation is being staged Tuesday by Santee Cooper, the state electric utility, and law enforcement agencies at the Pinopolis Dam near Moncks Corner.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports agencies from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to the local fire department are participating in the drill.

It was more than a drill back in 1983 when a leak developed in logs in the original dam structure, threatening a dam break that could flood downstream communities. Workers then labored around the clock to plug the leak.