Dorchester County reports nearly complete interconnect, wastewater plant expansion more than half finished

During county-administrator time on Nov. 17, County Administrator Ward provided an extensive update on water and sewer capital projects across Dorchester County.

Ward told the council the Dorchester Regional Water Interconnect Phase 1 has "approximately 95% of the mainline pipe installed," with three jack-and-bore sections remaining and service-line work next. He said Phase 2 plans are 100% complete and that a remaining South Carolina Department of Health/Environment permit is expected within 30 days, with easement acquisition underway.

Ward also reported on the Lower Dorchester wastewater treatment expansion: "That project is 56.7% complete based on the latest pay application," and he said, "As of, this time, we've expended a $113,900,000 towards the completion of the project." He described ongoing interior work, form-and-pour activities at multiple receiving stations and tanks, and upcoming contractor tasks.

Ward reviewed numerous pump-station upgrades, force-main work, and waterline extensions across the county and noted easement, permitting and coordination issues with utilities and other agencies as active items.

Why it matters: these projects affect regional water reliability, sewer capacity and future growth; the water interconnect and the wastewater expansion involve multiagency permitting and substantial capital spending.