Failed pipe responsible for April 18 wastewater spill
An estimated 100,000 gallons of wastewater was released April 18, after a pipe failure near Burnt Church Road and Ann Smith Drive, according to the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority.
The spill occurred when a force main, a pressurized sewer pipe that moves wastewater using pumps rather than gravity, failed around 11 a.m. Crews responded and stopped the overflow by approximately 2:30 p.m.
Utility officials said the 16-inch pipe is part of a system designed to transport wastewater through areas where gravity flow is not possible, such as flat or low-lying terrain common in the Lowcountry.
Cleanup, recovery and repairs were underway Saturday, and the line was returned to service later that day.
The wastewater did not reach any nearby waterways, according to the authority. Signs were being posted in the area to notify the public.
The utility has notified the S.C. Department of Environmental Services and is working with the agency to assess any potential impacts from the release.
Force mains carry wastewater under pressure, meaning failures can result in large, rapid discharges compared with standard gravity sewer lines.
The Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority operates a system that handles an average of 10 million gallons of wastewater daily across multiple treatment facilities.
Residents who see or suspect a spill from the sewer system are asked to contact the utility at 843-987-9200.
More information is available at bjwsa.org.
