Latest news with #TravisRose
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Upstate city prepares for largest sewer project since 1980s: Replacing aging clay pipes
Easley Combined Utilities is planning a multi-phase sewer project with construction set to begin in late summer 2026. The project will address the Brushy Creek, 18 Mile Creek, and Middle Branch sewer interceptors. Easley Combined Utilities has developed its wastewater master plan, which involves key stakeholders, including the City of Easley, Pickens County, East Carolina University (ECU), and community representatives. The plan outlines long-term objectives and strategies for managing and improving wastewater infrastructure in Easley. The multi-phase sewer project will focus on replacing aging clay pipes to mitigate infiltration and inflow problems and increase capacity to handle wet weather events. Given Easley's current population of 28,620 residents and its rapid annual growth rate of 4.06%, it is crucial that wastewater infrastructure keeps pace with this expansion, according to officials. The sewer interceptor project plans include: Reduction of I&I (infiltration & inflow) from old, leaking clay pipes. Increased capacity to handle wet weather events. No addition of new service areas. No new service areas are included in the design as the focus is on maintaining and improving existing infrastructure. Tyler Morgan, operations engineer for Easley Combined Utilities, said this is the most significant sewer project the city has embarked on since the 1980s. "While this is a very exciting endeavor, we also want to ensure we communicate clearly with the community to make this the best possible experience for everyone involved, from project kickoff to final construction," he said. According to a press release, Easley Combined Utilities will share information about the process and next steps via their social media channels (primarily Facebook and Instagram), a quarterly digital newsletter, and their website. A designated meeting for property owners and the public is planned for early fall 2025. For questions or concerns regarding the project, contact Tyler Morgan at 864-644-8169 or tmorgan@ According to a press release, the project involves associated pipes with diameters ranging from 16 to 36 inches, requiring a large construction area. Easley Combined Utilities will use its existing easements where feasible. However, it will also seek approximately 70 additional construction and/or permanent easements from property owners. Impacted property owners will be contacted starting in November 2025 to discuss easement requirements. Design contract approval: May 2025 Begin contract easement process: November 2025 Construction begins: Late summer 2026 Funding for the project will be provided through a state revolving loan fund. According to a press release, the sewer revolving fund program provides low-interest loans specifically for the repair and improvement of water and wastewater plants and distribution systems, such as those managed by ECU. Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@ This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What to know about Easley's largest sewer project since 1980s
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Live updates on wildfires at Table Rock State Park, Persimmon Ridge; evacuations ordered
The fires at the Table Rock State Park in Pickens County and Persimmon Ridge in northern Greenville County have been burning for six days. According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, a new round of evacuations and rapid expansion of both wildfires occurred on Wednesday for the second straight day. The Table Rock Fire nearly doubled in size Wednesday, measuring 4,556 acres, according to infrared data obtained from a surveillance flight at 2 p.m., according to the SCFC. The Persimmon Ridge Fire grew to 1,553 acres Wednesday, according to infrared data obtained from a surveillance flight Wednesday at 2 p.m., according to SCFC. SC State Fire now has 148 firefighters on the scene through Firefighter Mobilization, according to SCFC. The agency's contingent also includes five special-purpose vehicles (UTVs and others), 20 engine companies, nine tankers, 19 brush trucks, and three battalion vehicles. Five State Fire staff are on scene, along with two communication technicians from SC-TF1. The weather conditions on Wednesday included relative humidity dropping to an extreme low of 14% and continued gusty winds, which contributed greatly to the fires' growth, according to the SCFC. Winds diminished overnight and are expected to be lighter on Thursday, but relative humidity will drop to 22% in the afternoon. Dry conditions overall are expected to continue through Saturday, with rain chances increasing late this weekend into early next week. Aviation support in the form of water drops was provided by a SLED helicopter (Bell 412), two SCFC single-engine air tankers, two SCNG Black Hawks, and two SCNG Chinooks, according to the SCFC. Incident command staff ordered a 'Super Scooper' aircraft, but the order was not filled; the request for a large air tanker (LAT) was not fulfilled because of poor visibility. Wind gusts dramatically increased fire activity, resulting in greater visible fire intensity and much more smoke, according to a press release from the South Carolina Forestry Commission. Additionally, Hurricane Helene's abundant downed timber remains dry due to the lack of significant rain, contributing significantly to extreme fire behavior on Wednesday. This dry timber acts as fuel, allowing the fires to spread rapidly and making containment efforts more challenging. Greenville County Emergency Management Division issued mandatory evacuations for over 50 communities along the Pickens and Greenville county borders Wednesday night. Terry Benjamin and Travis Rose More: Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge fires force communities to find shelter away from danger More: Wildfires spread at Table Rock Complex and Persimmon Ridge: Evacuations ordered The South Carolina Forestry Commission reported that extreme fire behavior in both incidents prompted immediate mandatory evacuations in Greenville and Pickens counties. This escalation in fire activity has led to a significant expansion of both fire perimeters, further threatening nearby communities and resources. Evacuation orders have been issued for communities to the east and northeast of the Table Rock Fire and for regions surrounding the Persimmon Ridge Fire. Additional evacuation orders have been issued for residents living along Oil Camp Creek Road east to River Falls Road, south to Highway 11, and west to West Gate Road. Residents should report to the designated evacuation shelter at Marietta First Baptist Church, located at 2936 Geer Hwy, Marietta, SC. Travis Rose According to a press release from the South Carolina Forestry Commission, residents in affected areas are urged to leave immediately and seek shelter in designated evacuation centers to ensure their well-being. All relevant information has been posted on the South Carolina Forestry Commission's Facebook page for those needing directions or updates on road closures. If you are affected by the Table Rock or Persimmon Ridge Fires, also known as the Table Rock Complex, you can obtain evacuation information by calling 864-467-3428. A wildfire at Table Rock State Park ignited on Friday. It has already consumed over 1,000 acres and continues to grow. The Pickens County Sheriff's Office reported that four teenage hikers had started the fire. The teenagers allegedly ignited the blaze out of negligence, and due to the dry conditions, it quickly spread out of control. Authorities are investigating the incident and assessing potential charges against the individuals involved. Deputies said they initially discovered the blaze while conducting a search operation for missing hiker Stephanie Womacks. Travis Rose Stay up to date with the location and size of fires with our interactive South Carolina wildfire and smoke map. The map is updated hourly and provides detailed information on each fire. Todd Runkle On Friday, March 21, the South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a State Forester's Burning Ban for all counties. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, and campfires. Forestry Commission officials said the current weather conditions, including high winds and gusts, dramatically increase the risk of wildfires. These conditions led to the issuing of a Red Flag Fire Alert, signaling the severe potential for fire spread. Additionally, extremely low relative humidity—below 30% in most areas—increases fire danger. SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones said gusty winds and low relative humidity create ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread quickly. Travis Rose The City of Greenville posted on Facebook that the "flames are not a threat to the City of Greenville, but the smoke from a 3,000-acre fire at Table Rock State Park and a 1,000-acre fire near Caesar's Head are having an environmental impact." The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services issued an Air Quality Alert in parts of the region through noon Thursday, saying, "Fine particulate concentrations may approach or exceed unhealthy standards due to wildfire smoke." The Greenville County Fire Department had this advice: --Avoid outside activities when possible. --Keep windows and doors closed. --If you suffer from chronic respiratory illness, use caution and contact your healthcare provider for individual care instructions. The Tablea Rock Public Information Line is 864-467-3428 and has been opened for wildfire evacuees, according to SCFC. The line will be monitored from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you have an emergency, call 911. Greenville County Emergency Management and Pickens County, SC are providing more information on Facebook and Instagram. Fire Background: Table Rock Fire:Human-caused on March 21 at Table Rock State Park Persimmon Ridge Fire: Human-caused on March 22 at Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area southeast of Caesars Head State Park Fire Size: Table Rock Fire:4,556 acres and growing Persimmon Ridge Fire: 1,553 acres and growing Containment Table Rock Fire:0% containment Persimmon Ridge Fire: 0% containment Injuries:No injuries have been reported. This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Live updates on wildfires at Table Rock State Park, Persimmon Ridge
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
Williamston Police find two firearms in 16-year-old's vehicle; student transported to DJJ
Williamston police officers discovered two firearms- a Taurus 9mm handgun and a Scout .44 caliber rifle- during a search of a student's vehicle Wednesday at the Anderson District 1 and 2 Career and Technology Center. According to the Williamston Police Department, officers received a tip about a 16-year-old student possessing firearms at the Anderson District 1 and 2 Career and Technology Center. Officers investigated the situation and searched the student's vehicle, according to a press release from the Williamston Police Department. The firearms were confiscated, and the student was immediately taken into custody and transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice Holding Facility in Columbia. Williamston Police Department said the situation was an isolated incident. Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@ This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Police says student had two firearms at Anderson Career and Tech Center
