EASTOVER -- On Tuesday, residents in lower Richland County went public with their concerns about DHEC’s pending decision to eliminate arsenic in a wastewater discharge permit for SCE&G.

“I spend a lot of time on the river—fishing, swimming, and having a good time during the summer, “says Hopkins resident Lester Claytor, “so basically I’m just concerned about what is being released.”

SCE&G needs the permit for its power station located upstream from the Congaree National Park, where wastewater from coal ash ponds runs into the Wateree River.

“Pretty much contaminant go down stream, so for us, the Wateree River does end in the Congaree National Park,” said Tracy Swartout of the Congaree National Park.

SCE&G is backed by DHEC that modifying the permit will not put the Wateree River at risk for arsenic.

“It still ensures that the water quality is upheld to the EPA’s current criteria,” said Robert Yanity of SCE&G.

DHEC officials wouldn’t comment on camera, but said if the permit changes are approved, they will be monitoring the power company’s discharge on a regular basis.

A final decision has not been made. 

DHEC will be accepting written comments up until the close of the business day on Friday.  Forward comments to Melinda Vickers (note notice # 10-014-M): Bureau of Water, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201 (803-898-4186, vickermg@dhec.sc.gov).