Water Supply and Resources Committee

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA WATER SUPPLY COMMITTEE Thursday, June 29, 2017 (July Committee Meeting) Municipal Complex, Building A, Public Meeting Room 1 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Minutes Members Present: Mark Smith, Chair, Gary Santos and Joe Bustos Staff: Eric DeMoura, Town Administrator Also Present: Clay Duffie, General Manager, Mount Pleasant Waterworks; Nicole Bates, Customer Communications Manager; Dionna Ebeling, Community Engagement & Communications Director Mr. Smith called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. 1. Approval of Minutes from the June 5, 2017 meeting Mr. Santos moved for approval; seconded by Mr. Bustos. All present voted in favor. 2. Public Comments 3. Shem Creek water quality discussion Mr. Smith mentioned that there have been some water quality issues that have been long standing that the Town would like to continue to discuss ways to improve water quality, not only in Shem Creek, but around the State. He stated that he would be remiss not to mention the most recent discussion within the Town regarding the quality of water as it relates to some very legitimate concerns from mothers who have children that have had some cancer issues. He stated that we will briefly discuss those issues as well, as these are important matters to all.  Water Supply Committee June 29, 2017 Page 2 of 15 Mr. Duffie stated that he would first like to announce that MPW was just recognized as being one of the best places to work in South Carolina for the second year in a row. He recognized John Burn and Diane Lauritsen, both MPW Commission members. Mr. Duffie continued and stated that most have seen David Slade’s (Post & Courier) article regarding the creeks and rivers posing health threats following rainfall and it encouraged him to circle back with water supply and where MPW is and keep this item as a forefront of their strategies. He stated that in the report there was interesting information. He said that Waterkeepers, the Town of Mount Pleasant and MPW are cooperatively working together doing sampling in Shem Creek. He stated that three samples have been taken. MPW has run one of them, Trident Labs have run one and Waterkeepers has also had one done. He stated that Water Keepers samples the water every Wednesday. He stated that water quality standards are approximately 104 bacteria colonies per 100 milliliters and on June 14th, there was no rainfall and Shem Creek boat landing at Mill Street and the sample results were well below the water quality standard. He stated that the water quality was very good that day. However, a week later, following a half-inch rainfall, Shem Creek Boat Landing exceeded the maximum level by nearly 4,000 bacteria colonies.  Water Supply Committee June 29, 2017 Page 3 of 15 He stated that it is obvious that rainfall does spike bacterial count within Shem Creek and lack of rainfall, the water quality is good. Mr. Duffie stated that the good news about what Andrew Wunderly is doing with Waterkeepers is they post this information every Friday on their website. Mr. Santos stated that it appears that it is runoff that is causing the bacteria, not the septic tanks. Mr. Duffie stated that it does both. He stated that the source of pollution is multi-dimensional and more in-depth studies with DNA are being done to determine whether it is animal, human, bacteria, etc. He stated that Ms. Repik in Stormwater will be providing more information next month as the report becomes more finalized. He stated that there is more information coming on this. He stated that the rainfall brings all the bacteria to the Creek; however, it comes from multiple sources He stated that there were discussions about providing wastewater service within the Shem Creek watershed. He stated that all the red dots and red spaces shown on the map are properties without wastewater service. He stated that they are either undeveloped or on septic systems.  Water Supply Committee June 29, 2017 Page 4 of 15 He stated that the next illustration indicates the stormwater outfalls for the Town, which is where the stormwater pipes empty into the Shem Creek area. He stated that the yellow line is the ridge line that they refer to as the watershed. He stated that when it rains and all the water that hits the ground within the yellow line flows into one of these outfalls into Shem Creek.  Water Supply Committee June 29, 2017 Page 5 of 15 Mr. Duffie stated that MPW previously presented the program they developed in setting priorities for removing septic tanks from the system. He stated that this was mentioned in David Slade’s article in the Post and Courier as one of the solutions, which is to eliminate septic tanks. He stated that one of the barriers to removing septic tanks is the cost. He stated that MPW’s priority is a six ranking priority as shown. He stated that the next illustration shows the boundary and many of the properties within this area are within the priorities MPW has set.  Water Supply Committee June 29, 2017 Page 6 of 15 He stated that the in town properties within Shem Creek would be approximately 63 properties. He stated that the following are MPW’s recommendations: Mr. Duffie also indicated that they would further recommend the following items: Mr. Duffie stated that the biggest barrier to tie into the wastewater system is the cost. He stated that MPW is very interested in finding a solution to the funding issue to help ease this burden on the Town citizens. He stated that MPW would like to ask the County to partner with  Water Supply Committee June 29, 2017 Page 7 of 15 them and possibly providing funding for the County properties that need financial assistance to connect to the system. Mr. Smith asked about the solution. He stated that it is multi-faceted and complex, but have not seen significant movement and action toward the end result. He stated that the Town has taken a lead on this in regards to stormwater runoff. He asked Mr. DeMoura for the dollar amount for the entire stormwater project along Coleman Boulevard. Mr. DeMoura stated that approximately half of the entire Coleman Boulevard project is stormwater related, and that cost alone is approximately $7 million dollars. He stated that in addition, there were dozens of acres of land where the water was untreated and is now captured and treated before it is released. He stated that in mid-July, staff will receive the report that Council authorized in reference to water quality in the watershed area. He stated that MPW is a partner. He stated that the report will be analyzed and prepared for the August Committee meetings. He stated that it is a serious matter for the Town. Mr. Smith recommended that rather than having that report presented at the August Committee meeting, to instead set up a special Stakeholder meeting for a roundtable discussion to share the results of that report with the Town’s partners. He stated that learning from the significant amount of data, they were able to have a conversation with officials from DHEC (Department of Health and Environmental Control), prior to a recent COG (Council of Governments) meeting. He stated that there is a wealth of information that is available, as well as historical data that Waterkeepers has. He asked Committee members if DHEC should be invited to the special Stakeholders meeting if discussing water quality. Mr. DeMoura stated that this would be a very important invitation. He stated that DHEC permits septic tanks; however, he is unclear as to follow ups once they have been permitted. Mr. Smith stated that he is anxious to hear feedback from Committee members as we discuss DHEC, Charleston Waterkeepers, as well as the County who should also be present. As discussed, there are significant  Water Supply Committee June 29, 2017 Page 8 of 15 opportunities to discuss the County properties that are in Mount Pleasant as well. He stated that he would like to take a leadership position on being proactive. Mr. Santos stated that he was very interested in the slide indicating that when there is no rainfall or runoff into Shem Creek, the water level was good, but runoff creates poor water quality. He stated that he mentioned previously that Isle of Palms found that their water quality issues were coming from animals. He feels that this is also the issue with the runoff going into Shem Creek. He stated that he is looking forward to the report. Mr. Bustos asked if this was an engineering report. Mr. DeMoura stated that this is a data report that is focused on the Shem Creek watershed area regarding water quality. Mr. Bustos stated that he is fine with the meeting; however, a meeting should be held prior to the Special Stakeholders meeting so that the Committee is knowledgeable about what is being discussed before stakeholders are brought in for more discussions. Mr. Smith stated that to reiterate, this is solely based on Shem Creek water quality and how it can be improved. He stated that all of the Stakeholders would have information the Committee could be reviewing and evaluating from this process. He stated that it is multi-faceted; however the Town may take action to move forward in doing their part. Elton Carrier, 313 King Street, stated that he goes to Shem Creek almost daily and asked if there is any way a warning system could be put up for the paddle boarders and kayakers, as well as companies in the area. Mr. Duffie stated that Waterkeeper’s post their Wednesday sampling on Friday morning. He stated that there is currently no warning system set up other than to post all of the sample results. He stated that this was discussed early today as to what can be done, in addition to their website, is there a system that could be tied into the Town’s website on the “Notify Me” App, as well as MPW’s “Notify Me” App in order to push information out. He stated that it would be up to the individual to make  Water Supply Committee June 29, 2017 Page 9 of 15 the decision whether to go into the water or not, or to perhaps take additional precautions, such as ear and nose plugs, etc. Mr. Carrier stated that the fishermen that fish off the dock have seen, during incoming high tide, debris coming into the Creek and are assuming it is discharge from a ship. Mr. Duffie stated that there is a three mile limit on any type of discharge. He stated that what Mr. Wunderly of Charleston Waterkeeper’s was relaying to MPW this morning is that their statistics show that the incoming water appears to be better than the outgoing. He said that they want to do more correlations about incoming tides. Mr. Santos stated that he believes it will be easier if the Waterkeeper’s put up a red flag if the levels are higher and if the levels are good, put a green flag. He stated that this would be simple and not costly. Mr. Duffie stated that this is the question he was discussing with Mr. Wunderly of Charleston Waterkeeper’s as to what kind of a warning system is in place. Waterkeeper’s only have the website for warnings. He stated that this conversation just began earlier this morning. He stated that as per Mr. Carrier’s comments, perhaps the Town and MPW can expand on this. Diane Lauritsen, 705 Bradburn Drive, stated that there are scientists at DNR (Department of Natural Resources), who have studied tidal creeks and she should be happy to provide their information. She stated that there is a great deal of information available and it is pollutants, in addition to fecal bacteria that the Town needs to be concerned about. She stated that there is the possibility of developing simple applications that tie rainfall to warning systems. She stated with respect to MPW, they would like to tie people on who are in the Town that have sewer available. She stated that there are properties in Shem Creek, but there are also properties all around the Town. She stated that having the rebate from the Town would allow MPW to offer a rebate to the customers who do tie into the sewer system, because they do recognize that it is expensive. She stated that there are residents in Snowden that  Water Supply Committee June 29, 2017 Page 10 of 15 are not tied on who would like to tie on and MPW would like to help them this year. Mr. Smith stated that it appears that this Committee is interested in moving forward and will schedule that discussion as quickly as possible. As Mr. DeMoura indicated, perhaps August or as early as next month. He stated that within thirty days, we will move forward with gathering information from all the stakeholders and then will be in a position to move forward, which would include addressing all facets of cleaning up the water. Mr. Bustos asked if there is any data of people who have become ill or suffered from the ill effects of the water in Shem Creek. Mr. Duffie stated that he does not have any information relative to people who have become ill. He stated that the standard of 104 bacteria colonies per 100 milliliters is based on studies done in the 1970’s where epidemiologists would look at no more than 19 cases of swimmers ear, etc., per thousand citizens was the number they used and how they relate. He stated that they are old studies, but that is the basis of the 104 bacteria colonies. If you kept it below 104, you would have less than 19 people become ill. Mr. Bustos stated in the early 2000’s there was a study done where they found the flushing action of Shem Creek in the upper reaches was so little. Mr. Duffie stated that it took forty days. Mr. Bustos asked if this was still a part of this. Mr. Duffie stated that it is. He stated that there are hydrology issues, stormwater issues, purging issues, runoff, etc. Mr. Smith stated as more of the properties tie into the stormwater system, that water is then treated and then put back out into the community. How is this part of the solution for water quality? Mr. DeMoura stated that as it relates to stormwater, it is processed through a cleaning mechanism and that the water being discharged is  Water Supply Committee June 29, 2017 Page 11 of 15 clean. He stated that this has been a requirement for a while. He stated that the water coming from the Coleman area is likely to have contributed to some of the water quality issues in Shem Creek. He stated that all of this is not being cleaned. He stated that it will certainly have some impact on the water quality. Ms. Repik stated that all new land development and redevelopment must come up to stormwater standards, both for flood control and water quality. She stated that they are seeing, especially in redevelopment sites that used to be 100% untreated runoff, now install management systems. Mr. Duffie stated that at some point they will be setting TMDL (total maximum daily load) in the Creek and there will be goals set to try and meet that maximum load to keep it below a certain level at all times. Mr. Bustos stated that he believes something is being missed, because he was in Shemwood Lakes that overflows, because the capacity of the drain there which goes to a pipe that goes to Shem Creek is apparently too small or maybe clogged. He stated that this water actually flows over a backyard and into the marsh of Shem Creek and would pick up everything in that backyard which could be fertilizer, dog feces, etc. He asked how this is being addressed. Mr. DeMoura stated that the Town is pushing for more regulatory priority over privately owned ponds. He stated that it would have to come from the State, not from Town Council. He stated that there are ponds in Town that are owned and maintained by the Town to ensure they are operating properly, so we do not have this type of situation. He stated that when it comes to privately owned ponds, it is much more difficult and the Town’s authority is limited. Mr. Bustos stated that the Town cannot go to the owner and request that they need to do something about it. Mr. DeMoura stated that they have done so on a number of occasions to several privately owned ponds and some have complied and some have not.  Water Supply Committee June 29, 2017 Page 12 of 15 Mr. Bustos stated that when this happens, the Town owns the pollution, but not the cause. Mr. Smith stated that if there is any positive light, as we continue to take incremental steps in this multi-faceted issue, the education in the community, and Mr. Slade will continue to write good stories in the “Post and Courier” we can continue to educate the residents towards a common goal. Mr. DeMoura stated that one great thing that will come out of this report, other than providing a great deal of data to develop public policy, it will provide more tools to be able to fight this fight. He stated that Mr. Duffie mentioned in his presentation requesting from the County the ability to require, and the Town sees the same thing, in particular, when it addresses private ponds. He stated that it provides more authority and ability to help make sure the water is cleaned as it should be. Mr. Smith asked Mr. Duffie to spend a few moments on the response to the mother’s concern about water quality. Mr. Duffie stated that there has been significant social media and some national media attention that began approximately three days ago in reference to a very sad situation where a mother lost a young child from a brain tumor. He stated that there was another mother that had a son who has actually recovered from a brain tumor. He stated that there is a great deal of social media driving this issue. He stated that obviously one of the first things that citizens began pointing to is if it is in the water. What the commonality is amongst those affected. He stated that he has been in close contact with the Mayor and SCDHEC to ensure MPW’s water quality meets all the standards. He stated that MPW was in contact with DHEC and received affirmation this morning. He said that all drinking water in the United States is regulated by the States and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). EPA sets the water quality standards and set the sampling requirement and the reporting requirements. He said that the good news is that Charleston Water Systems and MPW are in full compliance with all the State and Federal regulations relative to water quality. He stated that they have no reason to believe that the  Water Supply Committee June 29, 2017 Page 13 of 15 drinking water in Mount Pleasant is attributable to any of these diseases. He stated that he hopes that this will educate the public. He stated that on social media, information and opinions are thrown around that are not based on facts. He stated that this is unfortunate. He stated that DHEC has been in contact with the CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in Atlanta and reviewed how cluster diseases that may have a common cause and commonalities, are declared. He stated that DHEC was working on this and he was made aware this morning that they will not be declaring this a cluster. He stated that MPW’s water quality reports are on their website. He stated that there is some information in their 2015 water quality report relative to sampling done on their chromium which has been noted as a source of a cancer causing agent. He stated that MPW participated in a survey of unregulated contaminates (chromium, hexavalent chromium) is an unregulated contaminate and there is no maximum. He stated that they did sample their water, as well as Charleston Water Systems and there was none detected in the MPW reverse osmosis water, and an extremely minor amount, just slightly above detection in the Charleston Water System, which puts them well below any limits that would be set. He stated that there is no standard set for hexavalent chromium, but MPW participated in the survey to help DHEC gather information about these unregulated contaminates and the possibility that they may exist in public water. He stated that the good news is that this is not a constituent concern for MPW or the Health Department. Mr. Smith thanked MPW for being pro-active and thanked Mayor Page for immediately responding and taking a leadership position on this issue as well. He asked Mayor Page to provide a quick update. Mayor Page stated that Mr. Duffie covered it well and they have stayed in close contact. She stated that on the first day, she was in contact with DHEC and they have finished the reports and she did have a conference call with the scientist involved and reviewing what the CDC required. She stated that she also received notice that there is no identifiable cluster. She stated that as a Town we are devastated by any changes in any  Water Supply Committee June 29, 2017 Page 14 of 15 child’s health and will continue to pray for families and do what we can to ensure that there are no contaminants affecting children. Jim Owens, 1197 Island View Drive, stated that there is a feed off of Highway 41 that comes directly from Charleston Water Systems. He asked if this was a direct feed to the area in question and is it treated. Mr. Duffie stated that there is a meter on Highway 41 and that area along Highway 41 is directly from Charleston Water Systems. He stated that there are two directly from Charleston Water Systems and the other is on I-526. Mr. Owens asked if there were samples taken from any of the families that were involved. Mr. Duffie stated that they have not sampled the homes where the children were affected. He stated that MPW does all the sampling that is required. He stated that they do 40 samples per month throughout the system; however, there has been no direct samplings of those homes. He stated that MPW would be happy to do so if requested. 4. DHEC Regional Water Plan update Mr. Duffie stated that the Technical Advisory Committee of the COG met recently to review three permits for withdrawal in the Trident Area. He stated that there are approximately 28 Committee Members. He stated that the Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) is a new document and the Committee stated that the permit requests for withdrawal were reasonable and will be referred back to DHEC. He stated that the first one was a farmer, the second was a cement manufacturer and the third was Dorchester County Water and Sewer. He stated that all of these wells are in the 400 feet depth and do not interfere with the aquifer which is 1,800 to 2,000 feet deep. He stated that the Committee felt that was acceptable to permit those requests. He stated that in reference to the Maguro (Google) application. He stated that they are revising their permit request and will be reviewing that application later in the summer. He said that the Technical Advisory Committee is going to meet again on July 13th and at that meeting, they will review more closely the  Water Supply Committee June 29, 2017 Page 15 of 15 criteria in the plan and come to some common agreement as to the criteria they use as a committee to make a recommendation to approve or deny. Mr. Smith stated that the action will be to schedule a Stakeholder meeting after the report is made available, with the stakeholders and any others deemed necessary as a follow up. 5. Adjourn There being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 10:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Ashe June 29, 2017