Bluffton Faces Wastewater Overflow: 60,000 Gallons Released!
In a surprising turn of events on Sunday afternoon, the peaceful town of Bluffton was hit by a significant wastewater overflow. According to the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA), around 60,000 gallons of wastewater spewed out near the intersection of Okatie Highway and Lawton Blvd., sending shockwaves through the community.
What Happened?
It all began just before 1 p.m., when a force main pipeline—a special type of pipe that uses pressure to move water and wastewater—suffered a break. BJWSA’s chief communications officer, Jeff LaRue, explained the nature of these pipelines, saying that when they break, the spill can happen quickly and in large volumes. This particular pipeline was located in a relatively flat area, further contributing to the swift overflow.
LaRue continued, stating, “These pipelines spill a lot of water quickly, but thankfully, we were able to contain the overflow by around 5 p.m. the same day.” Just a few hours later, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Monday, the pipeline was repaired and back in service, saving the day for the local infrastructure.
A Look at the Numbers
To put the amount of spillage into perspective, imagine an average backyard swimming pool, which holds around 20,000 gallons of water. The amount of spilled wastewater from Bluffton would fill about three of those pools or roughly 10% of an Olympic-sized pool, which holds around 660,000 gallons. That’s a whole lot of water!
Measures Taken
In response to the incident, BJWSA quickly pumped out the affected pond and worked diligently to bring the sewage back to their treatment plant. They also spread lime on the surfaces to help reduce unpleasant odors and eliminate germs. To keep locals informed and safe, warning signs were put up in the surrounding area, marking off sections of Okatie Highway to prevent any accidental trespassing into the contaminated zone.
BJWSA is also collaborating with the South Carolina Department of Environment Services to address any lingering effects from the overflow, ensuring that public health remains a priority. Thankfully, LaRue confirmed there is currently no boil water advisory, and the spill is not expected to impact the town’s drinking water sources.
Local Impact
On Monday afternoon, BJWSA employees marked off sections of Okatie Highway with cones and caution tape, creating an unusual sight for daily commuters. Local cyclist Chuck Valentino encountered the blocked area while riding along his usual route. “I’ve never seen anything like this before,” he commented. Valentino is also an advocate for a designated bike path on the opposite side of Okatie Highway, emphasizing how helpful it would be to avoid issues like this in the future.
This isn’t the first time Bluffton has faced such plumbing issues. Back in April 2023, a lesser spill involving 25,000 gallons of wastewater occurred in the salt marsh near County Shed Road. It appears that while Bluffton is a charming town, it isn’t without its plumbing problems!
Looking Ahead
As the town of Bluffton moves forward from this incident, residents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that swift action was taken to manage the situation. With the pipeline repaired and no threat to drinking water on the horizon, Bluffton can return to its peaceful existence. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and look out for BJWSA announcements about any future developments in their community. Let’s hope for a smooth sailing ahead for Bluffton’s water system!
