Latest news with #CharlestonWaterkeeper
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
High bacteria levels found in Lowcountry water. Where to avoid.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Many locals and visitors might have the urge to play in coastal waters this weekend, but Charleston Waterkeeper highlights some spots to consider avoiding. The group notes that higher levels of bacteria are present after heavy rains and on lower tides, and suggests waiting 48 hours after rainfall before jumping in the water. On June 6, a water quality report from Charleston Waterkeeper states some popular spots have higher levels of Enterococcus bacteria. Those areas include Filbin Creek at Hendricks Park, three areas of Shem Creek, a portion of Hobcaw Creek, and a portion of James Island Creek. Why do you want to avoid Enterococcus bacteria? The presence of the bacteria above certain levels suggests that swimming and other recreational saltwater activities might be a risk to human health due to possible contamination by fecal waste, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Charleston Waterkeeper reports that Hobcaw Creek is safe near the mouth, but suggests proceeding with caution as you move up the creek, as it is showing high levels of bacteria near I'on. Also, the James Island Creek is showing a similar pattern. The creek is safe near Harbor View, but recreational activities are not recommended as you move up the creek, especially areas by Folly Road, according to the report. Where is it safe to swim? Beachgoers are in luck because the Charleston Waterkeeper reports that Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island Beach, and Isle of Palms are all safe to dip in the waters. Some other popular spots that are also good to go to are the Charleston Harbor, the Daniel Island Waterfront, the Cove in Mount Pleasant, Clark Sound, Folly River, and Sol Legare, according to the report. To stay updated on the Swim Alert map, visit the site here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
High bacteria levels found in several popular Charleston area waterways. Here's where to avoid this Memorial Day weekend
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — If you're looking to hit the water for Memorial Day this weekend, Charleston Waterkeeper says there are a few popular spots you may want to avoid. The group identified multiple sites in its May 23 water quality report where high levels of Enterococcus bacteria were found: Northbridge Park, Hendricks Park, Hobcaw Creek, two areas of Shem Creek, and a portion of James Island Creek. Elevated bacteria levels can indicate possible contamination by fecal waste and may mean that harmful pathogens are present in the water, according to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES). Exposure can lead to an increased risk of serious health infections, such as Cholera, Tuberculosis, Staph, and Vibrio, among others. Charleston Waterkeeper reported good news for boaters in the Charleston Harbor, as all tested sites meet the state standard for recreational activity. Spots around the area, including Brittlebank Park, are considered safe for swimming. Further up the Ashley River, Filbin Creek — a consistent problem spot — continues to register high bacteria levels, as did Northbridge Park. Opt for a splash in the Wando River near the Daniel Island Children's Park instead. Report identifies 10 US beaches that are 'hotspots' for bacteria The group found mixed results in Mount Pleasant, too. Swimming in Hobcaw Creek or Shem Creek north of Coleman Boulevard is not advised. Though bacteria levels appear okay at Shem Creek Park, swimmers should use caution. The Cove is a good option for water-based activities this weekend. The mixed results continue on James Island, where the creek near Folly Road is considered unsafe for swimming. Further down by Harbor View Road is clear, as is the rest of the island at rest of the island at Sol Legare, Clark Sound, and the Folly River. It's a green light for beachgoers this Memorial Day weekend as SCDES' latest data shows no signs of trouble from Isle of Palms to Seabrook Island. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mount Pleasant Town Council discusses plan to protect wetlands
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – The Town of Mount Pleasant is discussing how to protect wetlands at the local level. The flood resilience committee agenda item comes as the Town of Bluffton has lost nearly 500 of acres of wetlands. Officials are attempting to take a proactive approach on one of the town's most valuable natural resources. 'You cannot wait on resiliency issues until you need it because if you wait until you need it, you're years behind the curve,' said Will Haynie, mayor of Mount Pleasant. The ordinances the town is considering includes zoning permits, development restriction, enforcement, and staff to facilitate this initiative. 'Two things. One is wetlands are important even quote isolated wetlands because they can hold a million and a half gallons of water. So, they're important one – as part of our ecosystem, but also part of green infrastructure,' Haynie said. 'If that water gets displaced, guess who has to pay for it to be managed, collected, and dispersed – and that's the taxpayers.' The mayor added he has spoken to his constituents, who prefer these potential ordinances rather than bearing the cost of losing these wetlands. Environmental organization, Charleston Waterkeeper, said this is a step in the right direction. 'This great news, the Town of Mount Pleasant should be commended for this great effort. At the federal level, we're losing protections for wetlands and as everybody knows – the Lowcountry is one big wetland,' Andrew Wunderley, executive director of Charleston Waterkeeper, said. 'So, anything we can being doing at the local level to protect wetlands from being destroyed is going to be wonderful for our community both in terms of water quality and habitat quality. But also in terms of resiliency.' Additionally, in San Francisco v. EPA, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Clean Water Act applies to continuous connections of bodies of water. This is what states used to protect water quality, but officials said the ruling puts more of the Lowcountry at risk for losing protections. 'I think it's also important for folks to remember what it was like before the Clean Water Act. Before the Clean Water Act, we had no sewage treatment. Raw sewage was discharged straight into the Charleston Harbor. Rivers in the industrial Northeast and Midwest often caught on fire because they were so polluted,' Wunderley said. 'Over the last 50 plus years, the Clean Water Act has done a lot to protect water quality at the local level.' Haynie believes by moving this initiative forward, it will allow other municipalities to follow suit. 'A lot of things of resiliency are done this way. One municipality takes the lead and others see it and follow. That was the case when we did plastic bags, six-seven years ago,' Haynie said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
