Home

Lake Murray is often called the "Jewel" of the midlands. Located near Columbia, SC, this 47,500 acre reservoir provides recreational opportunities for thousands of visitors each year. The lake is also home to an estimated 30,000 residents.

Lake Murray homeowners are a very unique and special interest group. As residents, our quality of life and property values are impacted by how the lake and its resources are managed now and in the future. On the average, we utilize the lake's resources much more than the casual visitor. We understand the need for strongly supporting our wildlife and water quality experts in their efforts to protect these important natural resources. We act as primary caretakers and stewards of the lake, and represent the first line of defense in protecting water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, aesthetic values and concerns about unsafe conditions. Our strong pro-active participation in on-going decision making processes will ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy this resource as we do today.

What is the Coalition?

A homeowner organization whose members share the common goal of protecting and enhancing the lake's environmental and recreational resources and who join hands in protecting the quality of life and the rights of Lake Murray citizens.

Our board of directors is made up of volunteers from lake communities dedicated to the Coalition's mission and goals. The Board takes a pro-active approach in addressing homeowner concerns and natural resource issues.

Our Goal

Proactively work with SCE&G, and local, State and Federal organizations to ensure that lake residents have a strong voice in decision making processes that affect our quality of life and the future health of Lake Murray.

LMHOC in Action

Lobbying government officials onissues that affect Lake Murray homeowners
Active member of SCE&G's relicensing team
Pushing for higher winter lake levels
Facilitate meetings with S.C. officials to implement stricter development standards
Water quality monitoring
Providing oversight and monitoring of lake management and operations
Providing access to quality legal resources
Monitoring and addressing shoreline construction permits
Resolving disputes between lake management and homeowners
Addressing storm water pollution issues, zoning and other development issues
Advocating aggressive nuisance weed control
Addressing property tax issues
Providing an Informative website

Senator Ronnie Cromer talks with board members during a recent meeting. Senator Cromer typically drops in to stay in touch with lake issues.

LMHOC board convened in emergency session on June 25 to address a proposal being pushed by SCDNR which could result in a "spring" draw down of Lake Murray. SC DNR wants an increase in flows downstream as a new license requirement. Fisheries experts contend that the increase is needed to ensure fish passage through the rapids area below the dam. Board members were briefed on potential impacts if DNR gets its way. It was noted that releases could "drain" the lake before the summer recreation if inflows drop during dry conditions. The board voted to provide comments to SCE&G. Click here to review the document.

Residents along Owl Cove and Lazy Cove near White Rock are alarmed at the amount of sediment being deposited in their coves due to stormwater runoff from construction activities at Foxport and Lakeport subdivisions. Cynthia and Carl Sando believe that almost 3 feet of sediment has built up in front of their dock. Cheryl Nulman who lives on Lazy Cove Rd. and draws her drinking water from the lake says she has been unable to use her tap water due to the muddy conditions after heavy rains. Residents are also concerned that the coves will not be able to absorb pollutants washed from the large sub-divisions after construction is completed. Hugh Caldwell, an agent with the Richland County Soil and Conservation District recently met with residents and the LMHOC and has agreed to facilitate a meeting between concerned parties. The sub-divisions are being built by the Mungo Co.

Update- After reviewing our concerns, the Mungo Co. has agreed to construct additional safequards which we hope will solve the problem. Bill Dixon, a Mungo representative has agreed to meet with LMHOC members and local residents at the site to review the modifications.

It's time to bring lake management into the 21st century. Lake Murray is part of the Saluda River Hydro Project which was built in the late 1920's as part of a comprehensive plan to develop and improve this public waterway. South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) owns and operates the hydro generating facility and manages the lake and other public resources under a license granted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). SCE&G has applied for a new 30 to 50 year license and is currently undergoing a re-licensing, a process which brings stakeholder groups together to address and resolve issues and develop a new license plan which will guide operation and management of the project for decades to come.The FERC requires that a new license plan be best adapted to serve the public interest.The LMHOC is representing homeowners' interest in this process. We are pushing for (1) lake levels no lower than 356' as a new license requirement, (2) preservation of federally controlled project lands that have been identified by wildlife agencies as having high natural resources values, and (3) including in the license, specific language which promotes aggressive nuisance weed management.

Board Members- Bertina Floyd, Larry Michalec, Steve Bell, Cynthia Sando, George Duke, Bill Jackson, Eddie Richardson, Dee Dee Simmons, Clark Weber, Mike Sloan