Categories: Breaking NewsDisastersHealthNews

Sewage Overflow Issue in Jeffries Creek Prompts Advisory

A public safety advisory sign placed near Jeffries Creek after a sewage overflow incident in Florence.

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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.