I-TEAM: A look at broken water systems within Aiken County
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The aftermath of any hurricane sets off a storm of complaints from frustrated homeowners dealing with stormwater damage.
Aging infrastructure and lack of maintenance are the most common causes of stormwater problems in Richmond County. But across the river in Aiken County, our I-TEAM found a different cause for concern.
The I-TEAM found the state agency responsible for overseeing wastewater systems rarely inspects them.
South Carolina Environmental Services is the oversight agency responsible for water systems, but the I-TEAM found state law allows for the agency to the buck to the very same people they’re supposed to be holding able.
Lori Degenero felt the warm southern hospitality vibes as soon as she saw this newly built home on Clemson Drive.
“I take care of my elderly mother,” said Degenero.
It has a curbside appeal with the practical features of a forever home.
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Degenero: “I had my life savings here. I was going to retire here.
Liz: “When did you realize you had issues?”
Degenero: “July 29, when we had a rainstorm.”
Water runoff gushed into the yard like an angry creek during a storm.
“There was water coming out by the road. It was at least a foot off the road. It was flooding my backyard and the neighbor’s yard,” she said.
Degenero became even more alarmed when the Director of College Acres Public Works Davis Atkins told her that her brand-new home was built in the path of a drainage culvert.
Atkins: “The problem is basically stormwater runoff.”
Liz: “How did this a county code inspection?”
Degenero: “That’s my question.”
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Atkins: “The septic system, the original system has to be approved by DHEC.”
Atkins can only warn contractors of stormwater problems in the area.
It’s up to the South Carolina Environmental Services, formerly DHEC, to stop them.
The department is required, under state law, to do an on-site inspection before giving final approval for a water system. Aiken County requires final approval before a contractor can begin residential construction.
Liz: “Perking is not twerking, so what is perking?”
Atkins: “Perking is making sure the residue comes off the septic tank and is able to percolate through the ground naturally.”
Liz: “What’s the concern if it doesn’t?”
Atkins: “You can have a septic tank.”
Liz: “Why?”
Atkins: “It won’t go anywhere.”
Liz: “So, it will just sit there?”
Atkins: “Yeah.”
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People have voiced their frustrations regarding the cleanup for more than two months after Helene hit our area.
Degenero: “Flooded yard. My septic went under my foundation.”
The I-TEAM discovered that the Department of Environmental Control had given final approval for the water system on Clemson Drive without ever setting foot on the lot.
Liz: “Was it DHEC that came in and inspected it?”
Atkins: “I don’t know the answer.”
SCDES issued the approval based on this final inspection, self-reported by the installer of the system, and submitted by the builder.
Not only does state law allow for self-reported inspections, but only requires SCDES to conduct a final inspection for a minimum of 3% of the previous year’s total installations.
“If I had to do it over, I would dig deep,” said Degenero.
The I-TEAM did dig and found out that the 440 water systems were installed in Aiken County from January through August of this year.
The state approved 410 without ever setting on the property, but instead relying on information given to them by a person or company paid to install the water system.
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“The water is not only affecting my house but it’s affecting my next-door neighbor because when it runs through my yard it runs into their yard and their house is sinking and mine will which mine will too and my septic take will fail,” said Degenero.
Its failures caused by a failing system.
Here’s where Degenero’s story becomes even more frustrating.
The state is responsible for street maintenance, except they say for the portion in front of her home.
The county is responsible for stormwater maintenance, except they say for the pipe causing her problems.
Degenero pays both county and state taxes. So, why is there no protection for her? How could this have happened?
The I-TEAM is now reaching out to lawmakers for answers.
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