Residents Plead with County to Stop Sewage Flooding

Last week's rain event was the last straw for residents of Trotters Club Way in Trotter's Ridge. 

This Monday, two residents addressed Dorchester County Council, telling councilmembers there needs to be a fix for the chronic flooding of sewage that occurs whenever heavy rains come to Summerville. It's been something they've battled with since 2008, and in that time they've brought the concerns to the staff of Dorchester County.

"I've been very patient waiting for a fix," Evyonne Thurman said. 

But a neighbor told council, the patience has run out: "After three years, we're getting a little impatient." 

While the properties in question are in the jurisdiction of the Town of Summerville, it's the sewage pipes owned by the county that are at issue. 

Several members of the Dorchester County Council seemed visibly upset by the residents' complaints. They asked Dorchester County Water and Sewer Director Kristen Champagne to speak to the issue.

"I can appreciate the concerns of the residents in the area," Champagne said. She added that an agreement and permits are in the works to divert 103,000 gallons of sewer to Summerville CPW. 

Councilman Larry Hargett put Champagne on the spot, asking for action.

"I feel very, very badly about this. What else do we have that is more important than this?" Hargett said.

Champagne responded there are some stormwater issues and homes within a floodway. Hargett asked her to make this issue a high priority.

After the meeting, Thurman wasn't completely sure her longstanding issue would be resolved.

"It's going to remain to be seen," Thurman said. "But I'm willing to give them a chance ... I'm cautiously optimistic."