EPA, Timmonsville sewage reach deal in sewage suit

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The federal government has reached an agreement to settle allegations that the town of Timmonsville has been risking residents’ health by improperly discharging sewage and wastewater. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control said Tuesday that they had reached a deal with Timmonsville and the City of Florence. The EPA sued Timmonsville in June, asking a federal court to order the town to address what it said were Clean Water Act violations. Problems include failing to properly clean sand filters, causing partially treated wastewater to overflow and ultimately flow into surrounding waterways. The deal needs a judge’s approval before it becomes final. Earlier this year, Timmonsville voters approved a referendum to shift water and sewer services to Florence. ___ Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP