Residents criticize Columbia-area utility’s sewage plan

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Midlands residents are urging state regulators to deny a permit for a Columbia-area utility’s sewage plans.

Nearly 300 people attended a public hearing Tuesday night in Columbia on a sewage discharge permit for Carolina Water Service.

Multiple media outlets report the Department of Health and Environmental Control is considering a permit that would allow the utility to continue discharging sewage into the Lower Saluda River.

Trout Unlimited’s Reuben Chandler said there have been too many improper discharges from Carolina Water Service.

DHEC has told the utility to connect to a regional sewer system. But the agency says it lacks the legal authority to force such a move.

Carolina Water services about 2,400 customers near Lexington. It did not send anyone to the hearing.

DHEC is taking comments through Sept. 1.