Woodruff Fighting Back Against Water Contamination
WOODRUFF — Residents of Woodruff are diving deep into a brewing storm concerning their local water supply. The Woodruff-Roebuck Water District has taken a bold step by filing a lawsuit against 14 companies, claiming they have polluted the rivers that feed into the area’s drinking water. It’s a move that could shape the future of water safety in Spartanburg County and put the spotlight on a pressing environmental issue.
What’s at Stake?
So, what exactly is going on? The Woodruff-Roebuck Water District is gearing up for some serious changes as federal rules regarding water contamination are set to hit hard in 2029. These regulations imposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will limit levels for certain manufactured substances known as forever chemicals or PFAS in drinking water. For context, these substances can remain in the environment for an extremely long time and have been linked to various health issues, such as serious cancers and developmental harm in children.
According to a health report from 2020, officials discovered that the district’s water source had pollutant levels exceeding what the EPA finds acceptable. Specifically, some limits are set at a minuscule 4 parts per trillion — think four drops of food coloring dispersed in over 100 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
A Legal Push
In response, the water district has turned to the courts in a bid to make those responsible for the pollution pay for the necessary water treatment technology, which they’ll need to comply with the new federal rules. The lawsuit was filed mid-June and directs its claims against these companies for allegedly dumping hazardous materials into the North, Middle, and South Tyger Rivers. Kermit Johnson, general manager of the water district, has emphasized that taxpayer money isn’t being used to pursue this legal route; instead, lawyers are working on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if the district wins.
A Heavy Financial Burden
What does this all mean in terms of costs? The Charleston Water System has projected a staggering $130 million to upgrade its filtration systems. Similar costs could be reflected nationwide, potentially reaching an astronomical $1.5 billion each year. Given this burden, the Woodruff-Roebuck Water District is hoping that the companies named in the lawsuit will cover the costs of new filtration technology.
The Respondents
Three companies have already stepped forward concerning the allegations. GTI Chemical Solutions, Toray Composite Materials America, and Waste Management of South Carolina argue that they’re not responsible for any contamination and are seeking to have the case dismissed. The suit identifies the companies and the specific sites linked to the contamination, which could get a bit complicated as a judge is currently determining whether the case will be heard in state or federal court.
Look Ahead
Legal counsel for one of the companies, Roy Shelley, expressed that it could take anywhere from one to two years for the case to see its way through the courts, depending on the information exchanged and discussions held. Current circumstances mean residents may have to brace themselves to follow this legal saga for quite some time.
Local Implications
The Woodruff-Roebuck Water District has been highlighted as the only water utility in Spartanburg County not currently compliant with the upcoming EPA rules. Spartanburg Water has managed to avoid contamination issues by securing cleaner water sources since it began testing for PFAS in 2020. Yet, Guy Boyle, CEO of Spartanburg Water, raised concerns about the cost implications of the new regulations that could lead to increased water bills for customers.
Boyle critiqued the EPA’s focus, suggesting that most PFAS exposure arises from everyday products rather than tap water itself. He voiced frustrations shared widely among many water utilities regarding the looming costs and regulatory complexities.
Community Impact
As Woodruff residents wait for updates on the lawsuit and potential changes ahead, one thing is for certain: the battle for cleaner water is far from over. The community’s health and safety hang intricately in the balance, and pundits across the region will be watching how this situation unfolds in the months and years to come.
Stay tuned for further developments!
