General Statute 143-215.1C requires that the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.

In accordance with that regulation, the following news release has been prepared and issued to media in Polk County.

The City of Saluda had a discharge of untreated wastewater on Sept. 26-29, of an estimated 214,000 gallons at the Laurel Drive lift station, located on Laurel Drive near the intersection of Laurel Drive and Howard Gap Road. The untreated wastewater was discharged into an unnamed tributary to Cove Creek.

The City of Saluda is taking action to prevent further discharge. An additional pump is added to the lift station, pump trucks are on standby and leak detection is in progress to determine cause. Planning is in process for repair, modernization and maintenance of the lift station and contributing manholes and sewer lines.

The Division of Water Resources was notified of the event on Sept. 29, and is reviewing the matter. For more information contact the City Administrator, City of Saluda at 828- 749-2581.

– Submitted by Jonathon Cannon