By Stan Welch
The public is invited to attend a meeting sponsored by Upstate Forever, seeking input from those who live in the Three and Twenty watershed. The input received will be used in creating a Three and Twenty watershed based plan for addressing pollution issues.
The plan is intended to provide a “comprehensive overview of the sources of bacteria, sediment and nutrient pollution” within the watershed, which spans Anderson and Pickens county areas. The plan will also identify critical areas of pollution requiring protection and restoration; as well as present strategies to reduce or eliminate pollution sources.
The plan will be used as a source of support for subsequent grant applications for monies available through federal and state agencies. Such funds would then be made available to smaller organizations and individuals to finance efforts to address the pollution issues.
Anderson County Wastewater Director John Batson explained in a telephone interview that people with septic tanks problems that impact ground water could receive financial assistance in making necessary repairs or adjustments to reduce the impacts. “The main focus is on bacterial effects, which come from wastewater , as well as agricultural sources. Farmers who raise cattle and whose main or only source of water for them are streams could be eligible for financial help in fencing the cattle away from those streams, while also digging wells that would provide the necessary water.”
Other players in the arena include Big Creek Water, several municipalities, including Williamston, Anderson, and Pendleton. The Powdersville Water Authority, as well as the Anderson Joint Regional Water System, which serves approximately two hundred thousand customers, are both involved in the effort.
The meeting is scheduled for November 29, at the Anderson Joint Regional Water System offices , located at 998 Hunter’s Trail, in Anderson.
