WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. — A new report by the Congaree Riverkeeper says that millions of gallons of sewage spilled into the Congaree River near Columbia in 2023.
Community members visit this area often for swimming, fishing and other activities.
According to the Riverkeeper, more than four million gallons of sewage were spilled in 2023. This is the second-largest spill since 2015.
"Sewage, as we all know, contains pathogens and can make people sick," Congaree Riverkeeper Bill Stangler said. "Folks who are exposed to sewage when they're out using the river can experience things like gastrointestinal illness, rashes, infections. sewage, as we all know, contains pathogens and can make people sick."
The report published by the Riverkeeper said one of the biggest contributors to this large number of spillage was an incident that occurred Easter weekend of 2023
"We unfortunately released about three and a half million gallons of either partially treated or untreated wastewater into the environment. That is one of the largest spills we've had in the last ten years," said Clint Shealy, assistant city manager of Columbia.
The city said this was due to a power outage at one of their sewer treatment plants.
"We've had contractors at the facility, we've hired engineers and consultants to do that root cause analysis. We know why that happened and we're working to upgrade the facility to make sure that doesn't happen again," Shealy said.
City officials say they are working to reduce the numbers this year
"Columbia's not proud of the numbers that we had in 2023, and it's our commitment to do much better in terms of volume and also minimize the frequency of occurrences," Shealy said.
Tamatha Hancock said she visits and swims in the river often.
"This is the first time I'm hearing about it, so that's kind of scary in itself. You would think there would be signs up that would say sewage was in the river; do not swim; do not get in," she said.
The Riverkeeper said most spillages are due to mechanical issues, but there are ways people can help at home.
"One of the most important things is never pour grease down the drain," Stangler said. "If you pour that down the drain, that solidifies, it hardens, and it creates blockages that cause sewer spills. that's one of the leading causes of sewer spillages nationwide."