Lower Richland Residents Protest Sewer Project

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Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — Several Lower Richland residents protested the Lower Richland Sewer project outside the Federal Building Monday afternoon. For several months, residents in the area have been speaking out against the project and calling on local officials to release more information about the grant application for the sewer project. Residents against the Lower Richland Sewer Project want to be heard. On Monday, they paraded outside the Federal Building to voice their stance. The group was looking to get a copy of the grant application for funding of the project, which would put in place a sewer line connecting to a county sewer plant. Residents said they think the grant was given without community input. “We feel like they didn’t get it the right way and if they did it the right way then they need to present some evidence,” said resident Helen Taylor-Bradley. “If they used our community then we need to see what they said about us.” Residents of Lower Richland have been fighting the project for several months, citing cost and unwanted future development it could create. “I don’t want the sewer project, I don’t need the sewer project,” said resident Sarah Prioleau. “We just think it’s about what developers want to do and not about what the community needs,” said resident Wendy Brawley. Earlier this year, ABC Columbia spoke with local leaders about the project and residents concerns. County Councilman Kelvin Washington said the project is worthwhile to fill a major need. “When you take it in totality, lagoon systems and failing septic tanks, it contributes to the problems in this area and we have to address it,” said Washington. Officials are expected to keep moving forward with the project. In the meantime, residents said they will keep fighting.