News Summary
On May 6, over 5,000 gallons of sewage overflowed into Jeffries Creek, leading Florence city officials to issue an advisory for residents to avoid contact with the waterway. The blockage at the Florence Wastewater Management Facility caused complications in the response efforts. City crews are working to contain the situation, with ongoing measures including water quality testing and cleanup operations. Residents are advised to refrain from swimming or recreational activities in affected areas until further notice, while concerns regarding public health and environmental safety continue due to past incidents.
Florence – More than 5,000 gallons of sewage overflowed into Jeffries Creek on May 6, prompting city officials to issue an advisory for residents. The spill, detected near Freedom Boulevard, raised concerns about public health and the environment, leading authorities to warn residents against any contact with the affected waterway, especially downstream of the boulevard.
The sewage overflow was caused by a blockage located near the Florence Wastewater Management Facility, which resulted in water backing up into the collection system. This blockage, stemming from equipment problems at the facility, complicated the response efforts due to the spill’s location and its depth underground.
City officials informed the public about the incident on May 8, two days after the sewage overflow was detected. According to Josh Whittington, the utilities director for Florence, areas of Jeffries Creek located upstream of Freedom Boulevard remain uncontaminated and safe.
Following the spill, city crews are actively working to remove the blockage to stop the ongoing sewage discharge. Once cleanup is underway, officials plan to implement several mitigation efforts, including water quality testing, using vacuum trucks to clean the area, and disinfecting the affected site. The city has stated that it would wait until after cleanup to notify the public about overflows exceeding 5,000 gallons, in accordance with guidelines from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES). However, DES has requested that the city issue a notice regarding the spill prior to containment due to the circumstances surrounding the incident.
For residents, the city advises against swimming, fishing, or participating in recreational activities in the affected areas of Jeffries Creek until further notice is provided. Authorities expect to contain the overflow by the following Friday, restoring safety in the vicinity.
This incident marks a notably drawn-out sewage spill event compared to typical occurrences. Just months earlier, in March 2024, high water levels had led to a significant sewage outflow of over 100,000 gallons into Jeffries Creek, raising repeated concerns regarding public health and environmental safety in the area.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and encourage residents to stay informed about the updates related to the ongoing sewage spill and cleanup efforts. The city is committed to addressing the issue efficiently while ensuring the safety and well-being of its community.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Water Pollution
- WBTW News
- Google Search: Sewage Spill Florence South Carolina
- WBTW Myrtle Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sanitation
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Florence Sewage Overflow
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.