See Something Say Something: Dock Dumping

Keeping Lake Lanier clean and safe is one of our most important tasks.

Abandoned Dock

Docks are being dumped on Lake Lanier

As a lake community we can stop this practice.

Dumped docks create hazards around the lake. As they deteriorate, the floats, stairs, ramps and other sections can end up floating in the main channel of the lake. Abandoned docks have also rammed into neighbors docks and caused damage. This is safety and pollution issue for Lake Lanier.

In an effort to stop this practice, we need your help.  It is as simple as if you see something, say something.


Example of a rotten and abandoned dock
Dock owners are responsible for their docks from “cradle to grave"

Whether the permit holder is selling to another for use or paying a contractor to remove and dismantle the dock owners can be held responsible if this is not done properly. Disposal and removal can be expensive both for an owner and a contractor. However, it does pale in comparison to the cost of a new dock and should be taken into consideration as part of the total cost of an upgrade.

An alarming part of the issue is that, many dock owners have paid a contractor for disposal or sold their dock for little or no money only to have it turn up in a cove, dumped and sometimes stripped of metal and lumber.


There are endless photos of floats coming down the lake in a line, stairs, gangways, etc. Floats, unlike geese, don’t naturally become a gaggle and bunch together. This is due to dumping.

What we can all do to stop this:

See Something Say Something
Take Pictures

If you see a dock being moved across the lake or into or out of a cove, that you think might be a candidate for dumping, take a photo. Get as much information and identifying markers of the boat moving the dock, i.e registration numbers, and any distinguishing features of the dock that would aid in identification.

Additionally, know your lake area, if you see someone bringing a dock into your cove and it does not seem logical or seems off, take a picture. Dumping is illegal and can be prosecuted. With your help, we can obtain the proof and information needed to find the person(s) responsible.

When you have the photos, report the issue to LLA

The same is true if you see a boat being towed across the lake, dumped in a cove, sinking at a dock or shoreline. (Exception by TowBoatUS or other salvage company)

Volunteer to be an LLA See Something Say Something area point person.

When we hear about an issue, area point people can be our first line of communication for any of our see something say something issues. If there is an area that you live on or frequent and we know a development is coming to that area, we would like to let you know to be on the look out for issues. If a dumped dock has been reported in your area, we would reach out to see if you have seen anything. Think of it as dedicated eyes on the water that we know that we can reach out to if we have any questions. We hope to build a network for watching over Lake Lanier. If you are interested, in being an area point person, please fill out a volunteer form and let us know.

Lake Lanier shore line with boats in the distance

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