Overview

In recent sampling, state officials have discovered that the groundwater in Mc Bee in Chesterfield County contains higher than recommended levels of two toxic chemicals - Ethylene Dibromide (EDB) and Dibromochioropropane (DBCP). The chemicals have been found in both public and private wells in the area. The levels of the chemicals are higher than the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is investigating to determine the extent of the contamination.

What are these chemicals?

EDB is a clear heavy liquid with a sweet odor. Before the EPA banned all agricultural uses of it in the 1980s, EDB was widely used to control bugs in stored products, on fruits and vegetables, in flour mills and in soil. It was used in leaded gasoline and airplane fuel. Industries use it as a solvent in making dyes and drugs.

DBCP is a thick yellow or amber liquid with a sharp odor. Before the EPA banned it in the late 1970s, it was used as a pesticide on soybeans, peaches, cotton, tomatoes and other crops. It was also injected into soil to control thread-like worms that damage crop and plant roots. DBCP was also used on lawns and golf courses.

The EPA banned EDB and DBCP for agricultural use because the chemicals were found to cause health problems.

Is my drinking water safe?

DHEC has tested all of Alligator Rural Water System's wells, of the Alligator Rural Water System wells currently in use, none show levels of EDB or DBCP that exceed the EPA's maximum contaminant level. Alligator Rural Water System's wells that were above the MCL for the chemicals have been taken out of service. DHEC will continue to monitor these wells to ensure that drinking water is safe. Alligator Rural Water is working closely with DHEC to address this concren.

DHEC has also sampled some private wells in Mc Bee area. In the samples, the level of EDB in some of the private wells exceeded the MCL. If you have a private well that you would like to have tested or if you have any questions, please call the Florence DHEC office at (843) 661-4825. You can buy in-home water treatment units to remove EDB. National Sanitation Foundation-approved granular activated carbon filters are the most affordable and efficient treatment available. Most home improvement stores stock and sell the filters. The filters can be connecter directly to most kitchen faucets and cost between $20 and $50.

Follow up to the meeting

At the meeting on Feb 28, 2008 we learned that there are a few thing you can do about the water.

First if you have a well have it tested. Then if it test contaminated you can put a filter on the faucet where you drink water from or put one on the whole house. Or you may hook up to the city water. Alligator water told us that the government has stepped up and granted a fund to pay all but $100.00 of the cost of hooking up. Then they told us that even if your well is safe right now that on a first come first serve bases the fund would handle all but $100.00 of your hook up too if you want to go on the city water system.

If there is any more information I will post it here.