• Over 5,000 gallons of sewage spilled into Jeffries Creek on May 6th, prompting a public health advisory.
• The spill was caused by a blockage at the Florence Wastewater Management Facility.
• The city is working to contain the spill, clean up the area, and conduct water quality testing.

On May 6th, a wastewater overflow resulted in the discharge of more than 5,000 gallons of sewage into Jeffries Creek, downstream of Freedom Boulevard in Florence, South Carolina. The city of Florence issued a notice on May 8th, advising residents to avoid the affected area of the creek. The spill was caused by a blockage in the collection system near the Florence Wastewater Management Facility, leading to water backing up and overflowing. Crews are working to contain the spill and mitigate its effects through cleanup and water quality testing.

• What: A wastewater overflow caused a sewage spill of over 5,000 gallons into Jeffries Creek.
• Who: The city of Florence, Florence Wastewater Management Facility, S.C. Department of Environmental Services, residents of Florence.
• When: The spill occurred on May 6th, 2024. The city notified the public on May 8th, 2024.
• Where: Jeffries Creek, downstream of Freedom Boulevard in Florence, South Carolina. Approximately 300 yards from where Freedom Boulevard intersects with Jeffries Creek.

The sewage spill into Jeffries Creek raises concerns about water quality and potential health risks for residents who use the creek for recreation. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining wastewater management infrastructure and responding promptly to spills to minimize environmental impact. The delay in public notification, while explained by the city, could raise concerns about transparency and public safety. The previous large spill in March suggests potential systemic issues with the wastewater system.

Typically it is a shorter process. It's not an ongoing thing.

Due to the location and the depth underground where this blockage has happened, it's taken us a little bit of time to locate it and then resolve it.

A sewage spill of over 5,000 gallons contaminated Jeffries Creek, prompting a public health advisory. The city of Florence is working to contain the spill and mitigate its effects. The incident underscores the need for robust wastewater management and prompt responses to environmental incidents. Water quality testing and cleanup efforts are underway, and the situation is expected to be resolved soon, though the long-term environmental impact remains to be seen.