SC - Congaree NP Water Polluted With Bacteria, Pharma; Locals Decry Potential Cost Of Fixing Sewers

[hatrack]

Scientists are finding potentially harmful levels of medicines, chemicals and bacteria in waterways at Congaree National Park as the preserve’s managers scramble to resolve what they suspect is a growing threat from leaking sewage and farm runoff. The problem has become noticeable enough that state regulators placed the park’s signature stream, Cedar Creek, on a list of polluted waterways this year for bacteria contamination. The listing is the first ever for Cedar Creek, a stream recognized previously for its wild, unspoiled characteristics, according to the Congaree Riverkeeper organization.

But bacteria contamination is just one of the water quality threats at South Carolina’s only national park. Traces of birth control medicines and drugs to control diabetes and epilepsy are among the pollutants in some of the park’s waterways, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Farm chemicals also are being found in the water.

EDIT

A plan by Richland County to establish a regional sewer system could help resolve some of the problem, system supporters say. The system would eliminate the need for at least three small sewer plants that serve two schools and a neighborhood. The systems have malfunctioned for years. But the regional sewer plan has run afoul of Lower Richland residents concerned that it could cost them thousands of dollars per household and drive up taxes in an area with many lower-income families.

The dispute over whether to pursue the $13 million regional system caused County Council to slow the project recently for further assessment. Wendy Brawley, a Lower Richland resident who has fought the regional sewer plan, said she does not want to see the park hurt, but long-time area residents remain worried about the expense of switching from septic tanks to public sewers. She questioned whether septic tanks could have that much impact on Congaree National Park.

EDIT

Yes, how could malfunctioning septic tanks and lateral systems have ANY potential to damage downstream waters??!??!! It's just NOT possible!

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2014/10/25/4562065_exclusive-sewage-chemicals-flowing.html?sp=/99/134/&rh=1

[hollysmom]

1. when you vote for a government small enough to flush down the toilet,

you end up drinking what ever is flushed down the toilet.

Honestly people do not understand infrastructure - people are getting dumber every year.