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Johns Island reuse pipeline operational; staff outlines backwash treatment plan
Summary
Staff said the Johns Island reuse pipeline and canal intake are operational though automation issues remain; a jar demonstration showed backwash siltation and staff described an alum dosing approach to settle silt before lagoon discharge.
Rob Bolton (S4) told the commission the Johns Island reuse pipeline is live but not fully automated; the canal intake and associated pumps are functioning while programming and a suction‑priming fix remain to be completed.
Bolton passed around jars showing raw canal water, post‑filtered water and settled backwash solids, and he described the expected operational profile: roughly 50,000 gallons of backwash per cycle and a plan to add alum (about 20–25 pounds per backwash) to enhance settling before lagoon discharge. He said post‑treatment cost per 50,000‑gallon backwash would be modest (on the order of tens of dollars in consumables) and that the team is designing an injection point at the duck‑pond suction to mix alum with backwash prior to lagooning.
Bolton said remaining work includes automation programming and minor repiping; staff expects the system to be fully automated within about 30 days. He said the pipeline will be used for irrigation on Barrier Island and to reduce potable demand when possible. No formal action was taken; staff will continue to monitor operation and return with any material changes.
