Florence Locals Expose Recurring Wastewater Overflow Problem
Clusters of Florence Residents Complain
Multiple residents of Florence living adjacent to Effies Lane have been consistently dealing with an overflow of wastewater from a local manhole. According to these concerned citizens, they have reached out to city authorities numerous times seeking a solution, but all they seem to get is a temporary fix.
Jimmy Pettigrew, a resident in the area for over three years, confessed to having witnessed his street’s submersion in wastewater more than ten times. Notably, during Tropical Storm Debby, Pettigrew observed the wastewater overflow yet again, prompting another appeal to officials for explanation and rectification.
Local people have reported substances such as toilet paper emerging from the sewer, accompanied by water overflowing across the entire street.
Efforts to Resolve Overflow Issue Seem Insufficient
Pettigrew revealed his frustrations, stating, “It is very frustrating to come out and smell the stench of a sewer and knowing you shouldn’t have to in a nice neighborhood like this, I’d really like to see somebody that knows exactly what’s going on to do some investigation why we continue to have this problem come out and talk to us if that is at all possible.”
Residents are beginning to question the efficiency of the cleanup crews, as the overflow remains a persistent issue. As Pettigrew explained, “It doesn’t necessarily have to be a storm or rain for it to happen, but it just knows at times we just start noticing water piling up on top of the manhole covering and at that point you know that there is something going on.”
A Call for Response from Authorities
When Florence City Manager Scotty Davis was contacted regarding the issue, he stated he was unaware of a constant overflow in the area, but this does not invalidate the statements by the citizens. He suggested that all grievances may not have reached his position. He did mention, however, that Tropical Storm Debby had resulted in a high infiltration of stormwater into the sewer system.
According to Davis, heavy rainfall sometimes causes flooding into the sewage system resulting in back-ups. In light of these concerns, Davis has promised to dispatch crews to Effies Lane to assess the situation and identify the cause of the reported smell and wastewater overflow.
Call to Action
With no solid solution in sight, the residents of Effies Lane continue to battle the recurring wastewater overflow. Their concerns and consistent flooding issues call for quick and effective action from the city officials. As they await results, one thing stands clear – immediate attention, thorough investigation, and a permanent solution is required to alleviate their concerns and improve their living conditions.
