Riverkeepers push wastewater outfall signs and urge action on state water plan

A coalition of river and water advocates asked the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry briefing to require visible signage at permitted wastewater outfalls and to act on a state water plan that has not been updated since 2004.

Bill Stangler, Congaree Riverkeeper, said a wastewater outfall-signage requirement — already introduced in legislation by Sen. Devine — would put facility names, permit numbers and an emergency phone number at points where treated effluent enters waterways. That signage, he said, would allow recreational users and riverkeepers to report concerns immediately rather than waiting for delayed notice.

"If you're floating down a river, and you see a pipe and there's something coming out of it, you can identify what that is," Stangler said. He cited similar signage programs in Georgia and Tennessee and said industry and boating groups have expressed support.

Stangler also urged lawmakers to consider recommendations from WaterSC, an executive-branch work group charged by the governor to finalize a state water plan. The state water plan, last updated in 2004, is expected to include recommendations to amend the surface water withdrawal law. Stangler told senators WaterSC will deliver a report to the legislature and noted a legislative surface water study committee will begin meeting.

The Congaree Riverkeeper framed the signage proposal as a transparency and enforcement tool that helps people spot unusual discharge — for example, foam or discoloration — and to report it to an appropriate contact immediately.

Senators asked procedural questions about the bill’s status; Stangler said Sen. Devine had already introduced related legislation and invited other lawmakers to sign on. No formal committee action occurred during the briefing.