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Residents urge county help to treat Lake Watery algae; council declines immediate earmark but has funds in budget
Summary
Speakers from the Lake Watery Association asked council to fund a treatment program for a cyanobacteria/algacy problem; council discussed a possible $30,000 contribution and ultimately left the specific allocation to administration though $30,000 was included in the budget line items.
Residents and members of the Lake Watery Association asked Kershaw County Council on Tuesday to help fund a program to treat and manage an algal (Lyngbya/Lengbia) infestation in Lake Watery.
Speaker Ken Koth described an organized, volunteer-driven approach that included surveying, volunteer training and technical advice from retired Clemson faculty members and Duke Energy weed-control staff. Koth urged council to include support in the county’s upcoming budget to preserve fisheries, recreation and public health.
During council deliberations later in the meeting, Councilman Russell Bridal proposed a motion to commit $30,000 directly to the Catawba/Watery management group to underwrite treatment work. Council discussed whether funds already included in the budget could be used; county staff said a budget line exists for contracted services that could support treatment up to $30,000 but described plans to coordinate any county contribution with neighboring jurisdictions, utilities and Duke Energy to ensure dollars are matched and targeted to Kershaw County shoreline priorities.
A motion to explicitly direct $30,000 to the group failed on a 3–4 vote. Council members who opposed the explicit motion said they preferred administration to coordinate a multi-party approach, including county utilities, the City of Camden and other counties, and to allocate funds only once a shared plan and matching commitments were identified. Administration said the budget adopted on second reading does include up to $30,000 in a contracted-services line that can be allocated after the administrator confirms other partners’ contributions and a detailed work plan.
Residents said they want the county to act quickly: speakers said treatment is more effective and less costly if carried out early. Council members asked staff to continue coordinating with lake stakeholders and to return with a recommended funding plan once partner contributions and an implementer are confirmed.
