FLORENCE, SC - In July, 2008, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control required wastewater collection system operators, including the City of Florence, to enact public notification programs related to sanitary sewer overflows. In response to this new regulatory requirement, the City developed a policy for releasing information on overflows of 5,000 gallons or more.
At approximately 3:15 PM on October 12, 2011, city personnel observed a surcharge in the sewer near 2400 David McLeod Boulevard. A utility crew was dispatched to investigate. They observed an overflow at the manhole immediately downstream and began clearing the line with a wash truck. The overflow ceased by about 4:15 PM. The blockage was due to congealed grease and oil which had been improperly discharged into the sewer system.
It is estimated that 20,000 gallons were discharged from the line and entered the floodplain of Beaverdam Creek. Flow from Beaverdam Creek is tributary to Jeffries Creek.
City crews have now cleaned visible solids and used lime to disinfect the affected area. Bacteriological samples were taken in Beaverdam Creek and Jeffries Creek to confirm that the discharge did not represent a threat to the environment or public health.
The City of Florence sewer use ordinance prohibits the discharge of fats/oils/greases, rags, large solids and any other wastes that are detrimental to the operation of the city’s sewers, pumps or treatment units. These prohibitions apply to residences as well as restaurants, businesses and industries. Fats, oils and greases should never be poured directly down the customer’s drain, but should be captured and handled as solid waste.
Violators are subject to fines and, potentially, having their water and sewer connections discontinued by the City. In addition, those who misuse the sewer system in this manner bear the responsibility for direct discharges of wastewater to the area’s streams and creeks. The City requests that users of the City’s sewers not dispose of harmful wastes into the system.
This information is provided pursuant to the City of Florence policy of public notification for sanitary sewer overflows. For further information please contact Michael Hemingway, Utility Department Director, or Forrest Whittington, City Engineer, at (843) 665-3236.
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