MONCKS CORNER, S.C. –Beginning Sept. 17, Santee Cooper will take to the skies to apply herbicides targeting invasive aquatic vegetation in lakes Marion and Moultrie.  Helicopter application of EPA-approved herbicides will target hydrilla, water hyacinth and crested floating heart.

These applications should improve lake access for residential and commercial properties, restore recreational opportunities in infested areas, and help prevent spread of the plants to other areas of the Santee Cooper Lakes and surrounding water bodies.

Lake users are asked to avoid these areas during the period to allow for unrestricted applications:

Lake Moultrie (Berkeley County):

Sandy Beach WMA, Angel’s Landing to Quattlebaum’s Landing, Cross Subdivision, West Dike area near The Hatchery WMA

Upper Lake Marion (Clarendon County):

South of Elliott’s Landing, Mouth of Santee River near Channel Marker 176, East of Elliott’s Landing near Coca Cola Slough

Lower Lake Marion (Clarendon County):

Upper end of Potato Creek Embayment, Santee National Wildlife Refuge – Bluff Unit, Cuddo Unit and Pine Island Unit

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility, and the state’s largest power producer. The ultimate source of electricity for 2 million South Carolinians, Santee Cooper is dedicated to being the state’s leading resource for improving the quality of life for the people of South Carolina. For more information, visit www.santeecooper.com.