Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake Oxygen Injection System,

When completed, the Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake will be a multipurpose project designed to provide hydropower, some flood control, recreation, and has a potential for water supply. The dam will consist of a 195-foot high, 1,900-foot long concrete gravity structure flanked by two earth embankments. In July 1972, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources requested the formation of a technical committee to analyze the water quality matters relating to the Russell project. The objective of the committee was to evaluate the thermal and dissolved oxygen characteristics of the Russell project as an integral part of the Hartwell-Clarks Hill reservoir system. In its final report, the committee observed that the water quality objectives could be met with the artificial addition of oxygen. With the high oxygen and low temperature constraints, continuous oxygen injection with an on-site Government-owned cryogenic plant was identified as the most feasible alternative.