EFFECTIVE JUNE 20, 2026

 

Dear Twin Lakes Residents,

 

On May 21st the South Carolina Department of Environmental Service (SCDES) completed inspections on the Twin Lakes upper and lower dams. We await the final report from SCDES, but in advance and as directed by the inspector, we are taking action on some of the most concerning observations as follows;

 

The slopes of the dams need to have clear visibility to the condition of the dam structure, where erosion or leakage can be observed.

Brush and trees on the slopes of the dams should not be allowed, as it impedes the ability to visually inspect the dam. The guidance from DCES is that we should not allow brush and trees to grow from within 15 feet from the base of the slope of each dam.

Any erosion areas must be filled and compacted by a certified/qualified civil contractor.

The slopes of the dams should be covered with regularly mowed grass to impede erosion.

 

On the Upper dam, erosion was observed along the base of the dam due to excessive foot traffic. In addition excessive brush and trees are growing on each side of the slope of the dam. A natural spring was identified close to the south side slope, and is not believed to present a problem at this time.

On the Lower dam, conditions with brush and trees are much better except that a large hole was found approximately 10-12 feet uphill of the discharge pipe. This hole appears to be from water discharge not channeling normally through the discharge pipe.

 

The HOA board feels that the safety and integrity of our dams is a highly important matter. We are seeking estimates from qualified contractors to address the excessive brush, trees and erosion concerns on both dams as expeditiously as possible, and we hope to get work started as soon as possible. 

 

Finally, in response to the erosion and excessive littering found along the banks of the Upper dam, the HOA board has unanimously agreed that foot traffic and fishing along the banks of the upper dam must be stopped immediately to prevent further damages. Signs have been installed.

 

While we feel the signs are clear, we unfortunately continue to have people ignoring the signs. It is our belief that many, if not all, of these offenders are not Twin Lake residents, and as such we are seeking ways to address this problem. As a first step. We have decided to start enforcing the Twin Lakes parking hang tags requirement while vehicles are parked in the Clubhouse common parking areas. Residents are urged to please use their parking tags when parked in these areas to avoid being towed. Our hope is that this will deter non-residents from fishing on the dam. We welcome all residents comments and suggestions to help reinforce keeping our dams safe.

 

If you are in need of new hang tags, please submit your need through the "Contact Us" page.