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Committee investigates Buckskin Creek discoloration; county inspection finds sediment basins functioning
Summary
Residents reported red-stained runoff in a Buckskin Creek tributary; county environmental staff inspected the site's sediment basins and outfalls, found no obvious failures and said the discharge is likely red clay/turbidity-related, recommending continued monitoring and possible DEQ referral if data show exceedances.
Residents and committee members presented photographs and eyewitness reports that a tributary entering Buckskin Creek carried distinctly red-stained water. "The branch coming from the landfill is red," one resident said, noting the discoloration extended for about a mile and a half before clearing.
Royce, county environmental staff who inspected the site, told the committee he checked stormwater controls and settlement basins at the named outfalls and "didn't see where there was any failures of it." He said the basins appear to be implemented correctly and that some red staining can come from naturally erodible red clay soils; he noted that properly implemented sediment controls still achieve only limited removal efficiency and that discolored runoff does occur after heavy rains.
The committee discussed the appropriate investigative pathway: county stormwater inspection first, then DEQ involvement if the county identifies a point source or permit exceedance. Royce and others emphasized that color alone does not prove a permit violation and that testing for total suspended solids (TSS) and other parameters at each outfall and at the property boundary is the correct protocol; Ben confirmed routine testing at each outfall and at the point where surface water leaves the property.
The committee agreed to continue monitoring, gather photos and date/time information, and follow county/DEQ inspection protocols before making regulatory requests. If monitoring or lab results show exceedances of TSS or other permit limits, staff said they would pursue formal DEQ inspection and enforcement routes.
Next steps: staff will continue routine outfall testing, compile recent photos/reports, and monitor the affected tributary; the committee asked staff to consider whether additional sampling is warranted and to report findings at the next meeting.
