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DHEC Notified of Flooding at Conway Wastewater Treatment Plant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2018
COLUMBIA, S.C. - DHEC officials were notified today by Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority that the Conway Wastewater Treatment Plant is not currently operational due to flooding from Hurricane Florence. Untreated waste water is now being discharged into a tributary that feeds into the Waccamaw River. DHEC remains in close contact with Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority and other Public Water and Wastewater Systems across the affected area regarding the status of their systems and support to their customers.
Citizens are advised to avoid all contact with water around and downstream of this facility. DHEC continues to recommend that you minimize contact with flood waters to include impacted rivers and streams, because there are many health and safety concerns, including:
Health Concerns:
- Infectious Diseases (e.g., tetanus, norovirus, hepatitis and TB)
- Diarrheal Diseases
- Wound Infections
- Chemical Hazards (e.g., gasoline, diesel and oil from submerged vehicles)
Safety Concerns:
- Drowning
- Animal & Insect Bites
- Fire ants float on flood waters and re-establish where they land
- Snakes can be anywhere water may have carried them
- Other wildlife (foxes, coyotes, etc.) can be relocated by flood waters
- Electrical Hazards - Water and electricity can be a dangerous combination. When returning to flooded homes, it is important to turn the power off at the breaker box so that power isn't restored while water is still present.
- Sharp objects and uneven walking surfaces can be hidden by murky flood waters. Exercise care even in areas that you knew well prior to the flood.
For additional information, visit the CDC's Flood and Standing Waters website.
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