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Stormwater crews pumped 400 million gallons after Tropical Storm Debbie; residents praise response
Summary
County staff reported that four pump stations moved about 400,000,000 gallons during Tropical Storm Debbie, crews handled mechanical issues, maintenance projects were described in detail with small-project cost figures, and residents from AllJoy publicly thanked crews for rapid response.
Beaufort County stormwater staff told the utility board on Aug. 21 that crews pumped roughly 400,000,000 gallons across four pump stations in response to Tropical Storm Debbie and that maintenance work and local inspections limited additional flood damage.
A county public-works representative reported, "Across 4 pump stations, we pumped out 400,000,000 gallons of water. That was pre, during, and post." Staff acknowledged some mechanical issues but said crews sustained operations and that support from the EOC and field teams was critical.
Steven Carter, Stonewaller superintendent, gave a maintenance update describing specific completed projects: a Community Center rural channel improvement that cleaned and cleared 651 linear feet with a total project cost of $29,436, and a Hilton Head vacuum-truck operation that improved 223 linear feet, cleaned four catch basins and included jetting and driveway pipe work at a cost of $5,487.
Residents from AllJoy, speaking during public comment, thanked the crews and said the difference was visible in the community’s recovery. Laura Wilson said staff and crews "made a difference" and offered to submit photos; Karen Doughty seconded the thanks and said neighborhood ditches had been cleared.
Staff also proposed a field trip in December to observe installation of a new WACRO valve at a Beaufort County-owned pond in Backache Acres and said they would coordinate broadcast and AV support if the installation timing could be confirmed.
The board recorded appreciation for staff and maintenance crews and directed no additional formal action beyond acknowledgements and ongoing project work and follow-up on identified problem areas (e.g., Needle Rush, Pepper Hall, Tuxedo Park).
