SC MAPS Study Sites

Savannah River Site (Habitat Restoration)
Portion of NAPP infrared photograph of Ellenton Area of Savannah River Site (1994)..	Portion of topographic map of Savannah River Site (1987).
Savannah River Site (NAPP)	Savannah River Site (Topo)
Rationale The Savannah River Site is a 300 square mile region of restricted access in the Coastal Plain of South Carolina that was chosen by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission in the early 1950’s to be the primary manufacturing site for the government’s atomic weapons program. The original facilities produced plutonium-239 and tritium for the nation’s defense needs. As a result of this highly unusual and unique land use, a variety of hazardous materials, including radionuclides, volatile organic compounds, and trace metals, have been stored or disposed of on site. Over the last decade, under direction from the U.S. Department of Energy, the primary role of this facility has shifted from nuclear materials production to waste management and environmental restoration. Groundwater contamination is a continuing concern in this area due to the porous nature of some of the Coastal Plain geologic formations and the presence of buried faults. Areas of restored habitat are important test sites for demonstrating the use of advanced technology to clean up pollution.	Background Information Description of Landforms Characteristic Landforms of the Coastal Plain Geographic Features of Special Interest Coastal Plain Once an Ocean Floor Soils of the Coastal Plain Influence of Topography on Historical Events and Cultural Trends Native Americans Revolutionary Campaigns in the Coastal Plain Origin of South Carolina's State Flag Compromise of 1808 Early Railroads Slavery King Cotton Wise Sayings, Folk Ways, and Good Luck Charms Strange Stories and Legends Natural Resources, Land Use, and Environmental Concerns Climate and Water Resources Soils and Land Use The Timber Industry of the Coastal Plain Agriculture of the Coastal Plain Unique Natural Habitats in the Coastal Plain Freshwater Fisheries Phosphate, Limestone, and Other Rock Resources