News Summary
The Pocotaligo River in South Carolina has been reported to have the highest levels of PFAS in the U.S., raising health concerns for local residents, especially fishermen. Advocacy groups are urging stricter regulations on industrial discharges to protect the community and the environment. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services faces criticism for its lack of regulatory limits on PFAS, putting vulnerable populations at further risk due to contamination from nearby wastewater treatment plants.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The Pocotaligo River has been identified as having the highest levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the United States, raising significant health concerns for residents, particularly those who fish from its waters. A recent report from the Waterkeeper Alliance highlights alarming levels of these harmful “forever chemicals” in the river, located between Beaufort and Jasper counties.
Residents who engage in fishing activities may unknowingly expose themselves to serious health risks due to PFAS contamination. These substances are known for their persistence in the environment and human body, accumulating over time and potentially leading to adverse health effects, including cancer and immune system deficiencies. The findings have triggered a call to action, particularly from advocacy groups urging for stricter regulations on PFAS discharges.
Attorney Carl Brzorad has expressed concerns regarding the industrial discharge of PFAS into the Pocotaligo River, particularly from the Sumter wastewater treatment plant. This facility, which serves around 51,000 residents, has been flagged for its inability to effectively treat these troublesome chemicals as it primarily focuses on bacterial pollution and other typical contaminants. Currently, the plant processes wastewater from various industrial sources and discharges an average of 15 million gallons of treated water per day into the river.
Regulatory Challenges
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES) has faced criticism for its failure to set any limits for PFAS in discharge permits under the Clean Water Act. Without proper regulation, the gap in oversight enables continued industrial contributions of PFAS into local waterways, compounding the problem. A study revealed that 11 out of 24 industrial users discharging into the Pocotaligo River are potentially handling or releasing PFAS, contributing to the contamination levels reported.
Health Risks and Community Impact
The average PFAS levels found in the Pocotaligo River surpass 228 parts per trillion, significantly exceeding levels observed in North Carolina’s Haw River and California’s Santa Ana River, which recorded peak PFAS levels of 144 parts per trillion and 117 parts per trillion, respectively. The accumulation of these chemicals in fish poses a direct threat to subsistence fishermen and families who rely on consuming fish from the river. Consistent consumption of contaminated fish can have dire health implications, making the situation increasingly alarming for vulnerable communities.
According to the EPA EJScreen assessment, a concerning 65% of the population living within a mile of the Sumter wastewater treatment plant are people of color, and 42% belong to low-income households. This demographic is particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of industrial pollution and highlights a broader issue of environmental justice in the region.
Widespread PFAS Contamination
The Waterkeeper Alliance report underscores a national crisis, indicating that 98% of U.S. rivers have detectable PFAS levels, predominantly attributed to wastewater treatment plants. Among the most hazardous compounds are PFOS and PFOA, which were found in the Pocotaligo River at concentrations well above pending federal safety limits. These alarming findings have complicated discussions about establishing new drinking water sources from the river, given its contamination status.
In light of these findings, advocacy groups are pressing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt stricter regulations pertaining to PFAS and to implement better protections for affected communities. The public’s awareness of the situation is growing, with more individuals seeking accountability and action to ensure the health and safety of the area’s residents.
The situation surrounding the Pocotaligo River serves as a critical reminder of the pressing need to address industrial pollution and safeguard public health, particularly for those living in at-risk communities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Carl Kilpatrick Joins Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority Board
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: PFAS
- Greenville Online
- Google Search: PFAS Contamination in Rivers
- EcoWatch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
- Post and Courier
- Google News: PFAS in Sumter South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
