Greenwood County approves watershed study and automated flood-monitoring stations
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Summary
Council authorized a $6,000 study of emergency access-road options and approved Wolpert Engineering's $64,007.55 proposal for automated flood-monitoring stations, with HOAs expected to cover recurring cellular/maintenance costs unless the county assumes them.
The Greenwood County Council approved two watershed-related actions: a $6,000 study by Davis & Floyd to evaluate emergency access-road options in flood-prone neighborhoods, and a Wolpert Engineering proposal (approximately $64,007.55) to install automated flood-monitoring stations in Tier‑1 watershed areas.
Josh Skinner, who presented both items, said a 2016 watershed study identified seven high-priority flood areas; staff have about $1.4 million left from an original $1.7 million allocation and are proposing roughly $100,000 to address emergency-access roads. Because routes at Dry Branch Court and other sites are not yet finalized, Davis & Floyd recommended a $6,000 scoping and cost-analysis study to compare route options and easement needs. Skinner said MIGS, a commercial property owner, indicated willingness to allow a gated emergency easement through its parking lot for emergency use only.
On monitoring, Skinner presented Wolpert's proposal to install automated stations to measure pond and stream levels and send real-time alerts; the presented price came in at $64,007.55 against a budget of $70,000. He noted the proposal does not include cellular-connection fees (approximately $30 per month per station) and said HOAs had been told they would need to accept responsibility for ongoing monthly/maintenance costs unless the county chooses to assume monitoring.
Council members asked who would receive and manage station data; Skinner said counties typically receive feeds and emergency services or engineering staff would monitor them, and that integration with NOAA/FEMA is possible. Both the Davis & Floyd study authorization ($6,000) and Wolpert contract authorization were approved by unanimous votes.
Why it matters: The actions aim to reduce flood-related isolation of neighborhoods by improving emergency access and adding real-time monitoring so staff can lower pond levels ahead of storms. Funding comes from an existing watershed allocation; recurring costs and monitoring responsibilities will need to be assigned.
What's next: Staff will execute the $6,000 study and proceed with the Wolpert installation plan, subject to final contract terms and agreements with HOAs or property owners for ongoing cellular/maintenance fees.