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By Congaree Riverkeeper 04 Mar, 2024
Columbia carpet facility threatens rivers and drinking water sources. Riverkeeper to sue if illegal PFAS pollution not addressed.
By Congaree Riverkeeper 30 Jan, 2024
For the last eleven years we have compiled an annual sewer spill report for Congaree Riverkeeper's jurisdictional area (which includes the Lower Saluda, Lower Broad, and Congaree Rivers, and their tributaries) using data from DHEC's Sewer Overflow Database . In 2023 there were 114 reported sanitary sewer overflows (SSO's) totaling 4,190,509 gallons of sewage spilled in our watershed. This is a very significant increase from previous years. Sewer overflows can contaminate waterways and impact water quality, creating both ecological and public health issues. River users who are exposed to sewer overflows may experience health problems including infections, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
By Congaree Riverkeeper 19 Dec, 2023
Here are a few highlights and accomplishments from the last year.
By Congaree Riverkeeper 12 Dec, 2023
This year we held 14 cleanups and, with the help of 225 volunteers, picked up more than 10,000 pounds of trash from rivers and streams across the watershed. Since 2019 we've partnered with the South Carolina Aquarium to track the trash we collect at our cleanups through the Litter Journal app . The data we collect helps us identify litter trends, inform advocacy and policy, and educate the public. In 2023 we collected and recorded 17,433 pieces of trash and debris at our cleanups.
By Congaree Riverkeeper 30 Oct, 2023
13 Years and 38,000+ tons later, the Congaree River coal tar cleanup is done.
By Congaree Riverkeeper 29 Sep, 2023
The Midlands Rivers Coalition just wrapped up the seventh season of weekly recreational water quality monitoring. And we ended the season with all greens! You can see the results and map at HowsMySCRiver.org . Here's a quick look at the sampling season by the numbers: 11 sites were sampled every week for 22 weeks 260 total bacteria samples collected (including regular and follow-up samples) 22 samples did not meet the state standard for contact recreation 91.5% of all samples collected this season did meet the standard for contact recreation 4 swimming advisories were issued (2 of those were lifted the next day after follow-up sampling) 1,800+ total website users, 16,000+ website clicks ~4,000 average weekly social media reach Thanks so much to all of the coalition partners who help with this effort. Weekly water quality sampling will resume in May of 2024.
By Congaree Riverkeeper 03 Jul, 2023
After more than two years of litigation and negotiation, we’re happy to announce that we have reached a settlement in the zoning appeal we brought over the proposed scrap yard near Gills Creek. We were able to work with the Gills Creek Watershed Association , South Carolina Environmental Law Project , and City of Columbia to come to this resolution that helps protect Gills Creek and the surrounding community. Through our efforts we helped stop an illegal scrap yard from operating, required the new property owner to take measures to protect the environment, and sent a message to the Board of Zoning Appeals and other local decision makers that they must be thoughtful, thorough and follow the letter of the law when reviewing these types of projects. As part of this settlement the property owner will be required to: Conduct an environmental assessment of the property and undertake remediation measures identified as a result, Construct a stormwater detention pond, Plant and maintain a vegetated buffer along the creek, Comply with the conditions of the City Engineer's Floodplain Management Report, and Meet all applicable standards and requirements of DHEC's Industrial Stormwater General NPDES Permit. You can read more in this article from the Post and Courier: Part of legal fight over Columbia scrap yard ends, owner accepts environmental protections And you can view the settlement agreement below.
By Congaree Riverkeeper 23 Jun, 2023
On June 20th Columbia City Council voted to ban the use of high PAH pavement products (aka coal-tar-based sealants) in the City. The ordinance will take effect July 1, 2023. Coal tar based sealants contain pollutants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), that are toxic to aquatic life and can be harmful to human health. There is no reason we should allow these harmful pollutants to be regularly washed into our local waterways. Congaree Riverkeeper began working with the Mayor and council members on the effort to ban coal-tar-based sealants last year and we are very pleased to see the ordinance passed. This is an important step by the City of Columbia to protect our water resources, and hopefully an inspiration for other local governments to do the same.  T he USGS has conducted several studies on the impacts of coal-tar-based sealants on human health and aquatic life. You can find those studies and additional information here.
By Congaree Riverkeeper 10 May, 2023
The second year of the Congaree River coal tar cleanup project is underway. Dominion Energy’s contractor is installing a rock berm in the center of the Area 1 cofferdam to help with dewatering. After that they will work to seal any seeps in the dam. Once the area has been dewatered they will clear it for potential unexploded ordinance. They will also be installing an on-site wastewater treatment plant. The contractor hopes to begin removal activities by mid-May (assuming the river cooperates). DHEC will be posting regular updates on their website here. You can also read more in this story from WLTX.
By Congaree Riverkeeper 03 May, 2023
The seventh season of recreational water quality monitoring by the Midlands Rivers Coalition kicks off this month. Samples will be collected at eleven sites along the Broad, Saluda and Congaree Rivers every Wednesday, and the results will be posted on Thursdays. The Midlands Rivers Coalition is made up of stakeholders from environmental organizations, academia, local and state government, recreation providers and businesses, working to educate river users on water quality issues. Be sure to check HowsMySCRiver.org for the latest results and advisories.
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