Okatie, South Carolina – November 6, 2015 – Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) reports that an estimated greater than 5000 gallons of wastewater was released into the head water of the Battery Creek behind Beaufort Plaza November 6, 2015. The overflow occurred because of construction damage to a pipeline.
BJWSA crews responded to the overflow; took appropriate cleanup/repair action to mitigate the effects of the overflow and collected bacteriological water samples from the creek. The sample results will be available in 24 hours. Signs have been posted in the area to inform the public about the overflow and will remain until normal sample results are obtained.
BJWSA has notified the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), and is working in conjunction with SCDHEC to mitigate any effects caused by the overflow.
SCDHEC is evaluating the effects of the overflow on the shellfish harvesting areas located in the area of the overflow and will issue advisories if needed.
BJWSA has a well-trained and experienced field operations crew to monitor our wastewater collection system. These crews maintain the sewer lines to ensure the safe daily delivery of an average of 6.5 million gallons of wastewater to eight area wastewater treatment facilities for treatment and disposal.
If you see or suspect any type of spill from the sewer collection system, please contact BJWSA at 987-9200.
For more information, please visit www.bjwsa.org or call 987-9213.
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