Published: Tuesday, Feb. 02, 2010 / Updated: Tuesday, Feb. 02, 2010 11:47 AM
Speak out against sewage ‘gushers’
The Lake Wylie Pilot’s front page coverage last week [Jan. 26] of recent sewage spills is commendable. Yet DHEC spokesman Berry and N.C. Water Protection Supervisor Krebs seem to have gotten off easy. By allowing these men to suggest that sewage spills are common, they’re always going to happen and, in effect, that’s just the way it goes is unacceptable. Protection of water quality in Lake Wylie, the Catawba River and all waterways that feed into them is critically important to all residents and businesses in this community and the region.
South Carolina residents must demand changes in when and how sewage spills are confirmed and reported to the public through media outlets. Currently, public notification of sewage spills occurring in South Carolina is not required and rarely, if ever, is made. Utilities must report pollution events to DHEC, where the reports are kept, and released to the public only after a Freedom of Information Act request is filed by a concerned citizen. Legislation, originally introduced last year by former Rep. Carl Gullick, is before the State House of Representatives that would address the need for public notification.
We must change York County ordinances to require greater protection at all sewage pumping stations by building containment basins around them to trap and hold sewage overflows for clean up. These measures have been discussed with county officials and the newest pumping stations have been designed to include containment basins. Older pumping stations need them too, and should be retrofitted, especially those with a history of overflows. We can’t wait for them to be phased out over time.
And we must insist DHEC test the waters of Lake Wylie more frequently than once every six months; North Carolina tests Norman, Mountain Island and Wylie on a monthly schedule. In particular, entry points where water enters Lake Wylie from North Carolina must be tested on a regular basis to monitor what the water might be carrying into our state’s public waterways.
Speak up, fellow citizens – to county officials and to elected state legislators. Let them know that you want notification of and protection from sewage pollution now, this year!
While we’re at it, let’s change the terminology. Calling a sewage event a “spill” sounds small, insignificant, and no big deal. Now, substitute the word “gusher” and images of a spewing, disgusting mess flash to mind. It’s a picture that just might have staying power with our local officials and lawmakers.
Ellen Goff is Lake Wylie lakekeeper for Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation.
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