60 Gallons of Oil Spill into Stormwater Ditch on Johns Island

60 Gallons of Oil Spill into Stormwater Ditch on Johns Island

In a recent incident in Charleston, South Carolina, roughly 60 gallons of diesel fuel were spilled on Sunday afternoon into a stormwater ditch on Johns Island. The spill was reportedly the result of vandalism to a construction vehicle located at the site of a sewer project led by the Charleston Water System (CWS).

Mike Saia, the Public Information Administrator for CWS, explained that “our contractor cleaned up a portion of the spill, immediately called in a professional environmental remediation company and notified SC DHEC [Department of Health and Environmental Control] and the EPA’s National Response Center.”

The Spill’s Impact

According to reports, the diesel fuel spillage spilled into a stormwater ditch that flows behind the homes on Colonel Harrison Drive, leading toward the Stone River. Saia reassured citizens that the spillage was contained before reaching the river, thereby avoiding potential harm to shellfish or local wildlife population residing in that vicinity. However, he noted, “It may take several days for them to recapture all remnants of the fuel.”

The Investigation

This incident marks the third known act of vandalism to contractor equipment in recent weeks, as according to CWS. The matter is currently under investigation by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. The purpose of the investigation is not only to identify the culprits but also to prevent future incidents, as such events pose severe environmental risks.

Recent Incidents

In addition to the oil spill, late last year, the S.C. Environmental Law Project (SCELP) filed an appeal on behalf of the Friends of Gadsden Creek against a S.C. Administrative Law Court judge’s decision. The decision in question allowed the WestEdge Foundation to cap a landfill, aiming to block the flow of toxic runoff into the wetlands along Hagood Avenue. The debate centers around whether a ditch along Hagood is the natural creek or a man-made drainage channel.

Future Directives

Given these instances, environmental safety measures in Charleston may require reconsideration to safeguard against potential environmental crises. As more incidents are reported, the authorities need to consider revising laws to ensure stricter punishment for acts of vandalism leading to potential ecological damage and hazards.

Moreover, increased vigilance in areas where construction work is ongoing, particularly where environmental threats are high, could potentially minimize the risk of similar incidents in the future.

In light of the Latest Information…

The local community is advised to keep a cautious eye out for potential threats or unusual activities, especially around vulnerable areas like construction sites, stormwater ditches, and other potential sources of environmental contamination.

Instances like this oil spill serve as a reminder for the importance of sustainable practices and the role of community vigilance in preserving the environment. Moreover, it emphasizes the need for swift action and effective collaboration between the community, the government, and environmental organizations to protect and conserve the local environment.