Upstream Limit for Barge Traffic on South Carolina Streams.

The focus of this study is on the hydrographic and geographic characteristics of South Carolina streams discharging into the ocean from the perspective of their usefulness for barge commerce. For the purpose of this report the design tow consists of a tug and a lash barge. The tug is assumed to be 35 feet long and the lash barge 60 feet long. The beam width critical to the movement of this tow is the 30-foot beam of the barge. To be minimally functional for navigational use by this design tow would require a depth of 9 feet, horizontal clearance of 60 feet, and vertical (overhead) clearance of 30 feet. Information contained in this report was compiled from literature and recent field inspections. Depths observed during these field inspections were spot soundings made generally along the thalweg using a fathometer and/or weighted line. More detailed examination of the streams would be required to define the availability of the horizontal and depth clearances needed. Results of the investigation are reported in detail and summarized in tabular form in the following table. The upper limits of navigation are given assuming little or no modification of existing channels would be made, and secondly, assuming extensive channel modification.
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