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Officials attempt to rescue the May River
Supporters of the May River are singing the blues with the most recent declassification of the river’s headwaters to Rose Dhu from “approved” to “conditionally approved” for the oyster-harvesting season.
And so should we, say several county officials. The May River has long been a cultural fixture in Bluffton as a place to go boating, fishing and swimming, but it’s also a vital natural resource that contributes to Beaufort County’s economy. Local officials, environmentalists and long-time residents are concerned that if action isn’t taken soon, the next generation may not have the chance to partake in the May River’s legacy.
“Like many of you, my associations with the May River go back decades,” begins a letter to The Beaufort Gazette in February, written by Beaufort County Council Chairman Weston Newton. “Summertime shrimping and crabbing, and cool weather oyster roasts comprise some of my best childhood memories.”
Newton’s letter prophesized the unfortunate events to come. As of mid-May, the once-vital resource to the last working oyster factory in the state is under the supervision of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHE C) shellfish sanitation program and is subject to closure for at least 14 days following 1.1 or more inches of rainfall.
Why?
“Fecal coliform and humans don’t mix well,” said Garrett Budds of the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League (SCCCL).
“The greater Bluffton, Beaufort and Hilton Head waterways are demonstrating increased levels of bacterial contamination, specifically fecal coliform, as well as other contaminants, such as sediment,” Budds said. “Even excessive fresh water in our salt waters can be considered a contaminant, as it dilutes salinity, and that impacts species.”
A couple months ago, Broad Creek in Hilton Head Island was shut down due to the boats moored in the creek, because people living in their boats may have been dumping their toilets and other contaminants in the water.
“… And in Bluffton, the May, Okatie and Colleton are suffering for myriad of reasons and they are still studying the problems,” Budds said.
These recent contamination issues have not gone unnoticed by county officials. Newton pledged his support, saying that going green about water must top the community’s agenda.
“If our report card is the river, we have obviously failed,” Newton said.
However, Newton has hope. He said he believes the restoration of the May will involve “good science, persuasion, persistence and creativity.”
Amy Bennett, manager of the water quality standards and watershed planning section of DHEC’s Bureau of Water, said the Town of Bluffton recently received $483,000 from the Clean Water Act for developing and implementing ways to reduce loading of bacteria in the May River. She hopes this will aid in reducing storm-water runoff.
Budds said there is a direct correlation between land use and development patterns and water quality. Sprawling, disconnected development — due to its impervious surfaces, such as roads, rooftops and parking lots — increases storm-water runoff, contributes to the loss of natural filtration and plays a role in the loss of wildlife.
“…Taken in concert, (they) are significantly degrading our water quality,” he said.
Budds suggests the community take action by encouraging local governments to change current sprawl by restructuring how officials approach land development.
“Utilize smart growth principles, such as multi-use, multi-modal development, light imprint design such as impervious surfaces, rain capture, treatment and preserving existing vegetation; traditional neighborhood design, such as tight functional networks of streets, mixed use of commercial, residential, and civic,” Budds said. “And most importantly, preserve as much remaining green space as possible, retaining the ecosystem services it provides.”
Reducing Polluted Runoff Around the Home
- Properly maintain septic systems.
- Purchase less toxic cleaners and properly dispose of cleaners and paints.
- Bury or flush pet waste. Don’t leave it on the street or sidewalk!
- Sweep yard debris and trash out of the street.
- NEVER pour paint, solvents or cleaners into a storm drain.
Lawn & Garden
- Use plants native to your area. They often require less water and fertilizer.
- Landscape so that plants can filter pollutants and slow runoff.
- Keep fertilizers off driveways and walkways.
- Test soil to determine fertilization needs.
- Compost leaves, grass and yard waste.
- Cover bare soil with vegetation or mulch.
Automotive
- NEVER drain used motor oil or automotive fluids into storm drains.
- Service your car regularly.
- Wash your car on the grass or at a car wash, otherwise dirty wash water flows into storm drains.
- Clean up leaks.
- Drive less.
(SOURCE: DHEC)
