Multiple sewers overflow in Richland County due to Debby’s wet weather, SC officials say
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Tropical Storm Debby
Tropical Storm Debby made landfall in the U.S. on Monday, and will move north toward the Columbia area of South Carolina, where a flood watch has been issued, according to the National Weather Service.
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Tropical Storm Debby has dumped large amounts of rain in South Carolina, and multiple sewers have overflowed because of the wet weather, according to the City of Columbia’s Wastewater Maintenance division.
Sewage has leaked into multiple bodies of water in Richland County, including the Saluda River, Lake Katherine and Reeder Point Branch Creek, Columbia Water officials said early Wednesday morning. Spills also ran into Gills Creek and Mill Creek, according to the Congaree Riverkeeper.
▪ The first overflow of a sanitary sewer happened at about 11 p.m. Tuesday near 5178 Bluff Road, according to officials. That’s near the intersection with Longwood Road, about 5 miles from Williams-Brice Stadium.
That overflow entered Reeder Point Branch Creek and was stopped at 10:50 a.m. Wednesday, officials said.
▪ Another spill was reported at midnight Wednesday in the area behind 200 Candi Lane, according to officials. That’s near the intersection with Greystone Boulevard.
That overflow entered the Saluda River, and was stopped at 8:25 a.m., officials said.
▪ Minutes later, Columbia Water officials said there was another sanitary sewer overflow in the area near 1651 Shady Lane. That’s near the intersection with Brampton Circle, close to Interstate 77 and Fort Jackson.
That overflow entered Lake Katherine, but the spill was stopped at about 2:20 a.m., according to officials.
▪ Another overflow was reported at about 3:30 a.m. near 1625 Stevenson Avenue, officials said. That’s close to Conveyor Street, in the area between North Main Street and S.C. 277, not far from the Broad River.
That spill entered a storm drain and was stopped at about 6:30 a.m., according to officials.
Information on the amount of sewage that spilled into the bodies of water was not available.
Anyone with questions about the overflows can contact the City of Columbia at 803-545-3300 or customercare@columbiasc.gov.
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This story was originally published August 7, 2024 at 7:44 AM.