Estimated 100k gallons of sewer leak at Richland

The Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA) is currently working to repair a collapsed sewer line on Sandifer Boulevard (U.S. Highways 76 and 123) near Richland Creek in Oconee County. It is estimated that 100,000 gallons of wastewater entered Richland Creek before the break was secured earlier Friday. Tugaloo Pipeline, a contractor assisting the OJRSA with the repair, installed a plug in an upstream manhole and
established a temporary pumping system to divert the wastewater around the broken line until they can rebuild the creek crossing and replace 90 feet of 8-inch ductile iron pipe. Due to the scarcity of materials and the area where the break is located, it is anticipated the repair will be completed around June 16. The OJRSA has notified the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) of the incident and samples will be collected for analysis. Signs will be posted alerting those in the vicinity to avoid the area and will remain in place until SCDHEC approves the removal of the advisory. People and pets should avoid contact with Richland Creek and Coneross Creek south of Sandifer Boulevard to S.C. Highway 59 bridge until further notice.  It was disclosed Wednesday that, as the result of other spills, the JRSA paid a $7,500 fine to DHEC and entered into a consent enforcement order with that regulatory agency.