Saving the Saluda
by Karen Wynne

The Saluda River, which runs through the Upstate, into Lake Greenwood, has been named one of the top ten most endangered rivers in the nation by American Rivers. The problem? High levels of phosphorus from 10 wastewater treatment plants along the river. Lisa Wickliffe of Upstate Forever says high phosphorus levels lead to algae blooms, which, ultimately, lead to fish kills. One such fish kill occurred on Lake Greenwood about 10 years ago.

Eight of the ten wastewater plants along the Saluda have their permits up for renewal this year. The town of Williamston is making some changes. Mayor Carthel Crout says a 14 million dollar grant from the state of South Carolina will allow the town to start putting phosphorus from the waste water into the ground, instead of the Saluda. Crout says it's a win-win situation, with phosphorus serving as good fertilizer for pastures. The mayor says the process is also cost effective, about 10 million dollars cheaper than upgrading Williamston's current wastewater plant which was built in the 80's.

Upstate Forever hopes more wastewater treatment plants will convert like Williamston. Currently, there are no phosphorus limits for the Saluda, although there are for other South Carolina Rivers. Members of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control say that could change, soon.Saving the Saluda