The 18 Mile Creek basin is a large area with rapid population growth that was previously served by five existing wastewater plants.  All of these plants were in violation of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s (DHEC) discharge requirements and effluent standards. The discharges into the small streams were affecting the quality of the water with high levels of phosphorus and ammonia along with quite a few algae blooms causing the water to turn green and using oxygen from the water. Also, high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) were found in fish caught in Lake Hartwell.  PCB studies have linked some developmental effects in children to mothers who ate PCB contaminated fish while pregnant.

When the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for each of the five facilities expired, DHEC would not issue new permits until a plan of action was developed to resolve the problems.  Municipal and industrial growth in the basin was suspended due to the repeated discharge violations of the existing wastewater treatment facilities.  Local leaders formed the 18 Mile Creek Committee to study various options and make recommendations to solve the water quality problems in the 18 Mile Creek embayment at Lake Hartwell.  As a result, the Committee recommended construction of new regional treatment facilities with direct stream discharges.

USDA Rural Development determined that the construction of two new plants was needed in order to provide sewer in this rural area and to improve the quality of water being discharged into 18 Mile Creek to meet DHEC requirements.  With Rural Development funds of $2.7 million in grants and $5.6 million in loans, the new “middle” and “upper” plants were constructed which enabled Pickens County to close the five existing plants that were in violation of DHEC standards.  The new sites are in the general vicinity of the towns of Liberty, Easley and Clemson.

The improvements corrected water quality problems in the 18 Mile Creek as required by DHEC.

The adverse environmental impact on these small streams was removed and the biology of the streams improved.   Wasteload amounts were reduced by about 70%, and the phosphorus levels decreased by 85%.  Potential for algae blooms was reduced for a better quality water.  Reducing the number of discharges into the streams that feed Lake Hartwell could also play a role in reducing the contaminants affecting the fish in the Lake.

All 18 Mile Creek Basin lakes and streams are classified as freshwaters, suitable for recreation and for drinking water after treatment. Residents of the area benefit from a public sewer service that replaces existing septic tanks.  The 18 Mile Creek Basin watershed has improved surface and ground water quality.  The 18 Mile Creek and Lake Hartwell areas benefit by the elimination of the septic tank systems, reducing the possibility for pollution and thereby improving the fish habitat.  For more information on USDA Rural Development water and sewer programs, contact (803)765-5573 or visit this web site:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.