COLUMBIA, S.C. — The City of Columbia has experienced an overflow of sanitary sewer at two locations near Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens in Richland County on Jan. 2-3, 2021.
Initial reports of an overflow had crews with City of Columbia Wastewater Maintenance investigating the first site in the 200 block of Candi Lane around 1:56 p.m. on Jan. 2. Crews did not witness an active overflow at that time, but the area was flooded and they found evidence of a probable overflow.
City of Columbia Wastewater Maintenance staff returning to that site at 1:00 a.m. on Jan. 3 identified the spill entering the Saluda River just above the zoo.
Around 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, a second report of wastewater overflow was reported at 500 Wildlife Parkway -- the entrance to Riverbanks Zoo in Richland County
According to Eugene Graham, with City of Columbia's Wastewater Compliance, heavy rains over the past two days caused extended wet weather conditions which appear to have caused the overflow of the sanitary sewer.
There was no break in the system, no need for repair. Graham explained after heavy downpours, rainwater can seep in to the system causing excess volume that then overflows.
It is estimated that over 5,000 gallons of sewage flowed into the Saluda River from the Candi Lane site. The Wildlife Lane site is at the westernmost point on Riverbanks Zoo property and is used as parking for zoo visitors. City crews will reevaluate the sites and mitigate as necessary once floodwaters recede.
Susan O'Cain, with Riverbanks Zoo, said the zoo is not impacted by the overflow but zoo staff continue to monitor the situation.
The Saluda River converges with the Broad River in Columbia to form the Congaree near I-126 and Huger Street. Graham said Columbia's drinking water should not be effected because the main source of Columbia's water supply comes from the canal from the Broad River.
Forecasts call for the rain to be ending Sunday but there are flood advisories in effect for parts of the Congaree and Edisto rivers over the next few days. Anyone in the area should use caution until water levels drop.