Initial Appraisal Report for Sawmill Branch, Dorchester, Berdeley, and Charleston Counties, South Carolina.

Construction in the drainage basin has exceeded the development predicted in the previous study which was the basis for design of the existing project. Therefore, flooding of the Sawmill Branch has become more frequent in the past few years. The flood problems discussed in this report are based on information obtained from local officials topographic mapping with ten-foot contour intervals, and a field reconnaissance by the Corps study team. Local officials report that flooding occurs more often due to intensified urban development. This development has completely changes the hydraulic conditions of the area and placed a tremendous strain on the drainage capacity of Sawmill Branch. The objectives of this phase of the investigation are to determine the feasibility of further Federal involvement in addressing the flooding problems and to develop a detailed study plan. Should further study be needed, the objectives would be to formulate alternative measures to reduce flood damages and to select the best course of action to alleviate these problems.