Water quality advisory lifted

The Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA) has repealed the water quality advisory issued on June 4, 2021, for Richland Creek and Coneross Creek in Oconee County. The notice was issued as a precaution when wastewater spilled from a collapsed sewer line on Sandifer Boulevard (U.S. Highways 76 and 123) near the
Richland community. The OJRSA has analyzed samples from the affected waterway and results indicate that contamination due to the spill has returned to normal levels. Tugaloo Pipeline, a contractor assisting OJRSA with the repair, has installed a plug within an upstream manhole and established a 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, it is anticipated the permanent repair will be completed within two weeks.The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) has approved the repeal of the advisory based on the sample results. Signs are posted near the location of the spill and will remain in place until
the repair is fully complete.