Bluffton’s Wastewater Spill: 60,000 Gallons Released, Community Remains Safe

Bluffton Faces Wastewater Spill: 60,000 Gallons Release Raises Concerns

In a surprising turn of events this past Sunday, the quiet town of Bluffton found itself dealing with a rather large issue when a whopping 60,000 gallons of wastewater was released near the busy intersection of Okatie Highway and Lawton Boulevard. According to information provided by the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority, the overflow began just before 1 p.m. and thankfully was contained by 5 p.m. the same day.

What Caused the Spill?

So, what exactly happened? Well, it turns out that a pipeline, known in the industry as a force main, cracked. Unlike regular drainage systems that depend on gravity, these systems rely on pressure to push water and wastewater along. This means that when they break, as explained by Jeff LaRue, the chief communications officer for BJWSA, they can spew out a substantial amount of water in a pretty short period. “When broken, these kinds of pipelines spill a lot of water quickly,” LaRue mentioned, noting that this system is commonly used in areas that are relatively flat, like our picturesque Bluffton.

Getting Things Back on Track

As for the cleanup, BJWSA worked diligently to remedy the situation. The pipeline was successfully repaired and put back into service by approximately 1:30 a.m. the following morning. After that, the authority went into action, pumping out the affected pond and transporting the sewage back to their treatment facility. They even spread lime on the surfaces to help minimize odor and eliminate any germs that might have taken residence there.

Safety First: Warning Signs and Precautions

As a precautionary measure, BJWSA set up warning signs in the area to keep residents informed and safe while they worked with the South Carolina Department of Environment Services to address any lingering effects from the overflow. And good news, folks—LaRue confirmed that there’s no need for concern regarding your drinking water. There isn’t a boil water advisory in effect, and the spill won’t impact local water sources.

How Much Water Are We Talking About?

Now, just to put this in perspective, think of how much water 60,000 gallons actually is. For comparison, an average backyard swimming pool holds around 20,000 gallons. That means the spilled wastewater would fill three of those standard backyard pools and account for about 10% of an Olympic-sized swimming pool, which holds a whopping 660,000 gallons!

Local Impact: A Grateful Cyclist

On Monday afternoon, BJWSA had cones and caution tape marking off the area along Okatie Highway, just across from the entrance of Lawton Station, where the unfortunate wastewater release occurred. Chuck Valentino, a local cyclist who rides this path frequently, noted how unusual it was to see such a disruption. “I’ve never seen something like this in my path,” he shared. Chuck, who has been advocating for a bike path on the other side of Okatie Highway, mentioned that having that alternative would have made the detour a lot more manageable on a day like this.

Not the First Time

It’s worth mentioning that Bluffton isn’t new to issues like this. Earlier in April 2023, a similar incident resulted in 25,000 gallons of wastewater spilling into the salt marsh near County Shed Road in Beaufort. The continual challenge brings up important discussions about maintaining infrastructure to prevent future spills.

To sum it up, while this weekend’s spill in Bluffton was certainly noteworthy, BJWSA has stepped up to tackle the problem quickly. With their efficient cleanup and attention to community safety, the situation is being handled with the utmost care. Stay safe, folks, and keep an eye out for those warning signs!