Wastewater Spill in Charleston Harbor Raises Environmental Concerns

Wastewater Spill in Charleston Harbor Poses Environmental Concerns

In a stunning environmental incident, nearly 10,000 gallons of wastewater have been spilt in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. The cause of the spill has been traced back to aching infrastructure, specifically a broken valve at the Plum Island Wastewater Treatment Plant on Harbor View Circle.

The Charleston Water System is set to conduct bacterial testing in the coming days to assess the impact and risk of the spill. Previously, the water utility has absolved weather conditions from causing the spill and instead attributed it to a mechanical failure within their facilities. However, local non-profit organizations voiced their concerns over the impact this could have on the city’s waterways and recreational activities surrounding the harbor.

Previous Incidents and Looming Threats

Charleston Waterkeeper, a non-profit organization committed to protecting and restoring Charleston’s waterways, has expressed its alarm over the incident. According to executive director, Andrew Wunderley, there have been multiple instances of wastewater spillage at the Plum Island plant, mainly during spells of heavy rain or floods.

“They had a spill from the treatment plant in December of 2017, a spill in March 2024, and now this one in April,” Wunderley said. “As climate is changing and as our community grows, we need to make sure that our infrastructure is up to the task.”

The director urged residents to steer clear of the water in Dill Creek and around the treatment plant due to the potential hazard posed by the untreated or partially-treated sewage, which could contain potentially harmful bacteria and pathogens.

Citizen Reaction and Aspirations

Dismay over the incident was not just limited to environmental organizations. Local resident Lowndes Sinkler, who lives on Wappoo Creek, also expressed his disappointment over the spill. He mentioned routinely swimming and fishing in the water and hoped authorities could address the situation urgently.

“In the fishing industry and marshes, such continuous issues can have long-term negative effects. So, there should be a collective effort to upkeep the cleanliness,” Sinkler stated.

Charleston Water System will endeavour to initiate their bacteria testing at the start of the next week, although an official date is yet to be confirmed. This incident further underscores the urgency of improving and maintaining water treatment infrastructure.

Continued Monitoring

As Charleston still reels from this massive wastewater spill, HERE News Network will continue on-ground coverage and provide updates on the environmental and social impacts of the spill, follow-ups on the action taken by responsible authorities, public reactions, and implications for the city’s future.