Wattsville Stormwater Infrastructure Project Completed
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Laurens County
Darbi Jackson - Public Information Officer
864.681.3156
DarbiJackson@laurenscountysc.gov
South Carolina Office of Resilience
Kevin O’Dell – Public Information Coordinator
839.250.0318
LAURENS, SOUTH CAROLINA – Following the collaborative efforts of Laurens County, the South Carolina Office of Resilience, KCI Technologies, and HRH Engineering & Construction LLC, we are pleased to announce the completion of the stormwater infrastructure improvements in the Watts Mill Neighborhood. These improvements provide an upgraded stormwater drainage system along Jesse Street and Swygert Street, along with a detention basin on Gallon Street, which will help manage stormwater runoff quantity and quality. This project was funded through a $2.3 million award from SCOR’s American Rescue Plan Act (‘ARPA’) Stormwater Infrastructure Program (‘ASIP’).
”Flooding causes issues beyond immediate safety concerns during a storm,” states Senator Danny Verdin (District 9). “Minimizing flood risks will also reduce mobility disruptions for emergency responders, residential traffic, and transport of children on school buses during storm events. I am proud to see issues like this addressed through the project.”
At the request of Laurens County, specifically for the benefit of the residents within the community, the contractor installed approximately 625 linear feet of new concrete curb and gutter along the southwest side of Swygert Street. Along the entire length of the curb and gutter work, contractors installed new driveway aprons, an additional 18 inch high-density polyethylene (‘HDPE’) pipe, and corresponding catch basins. Contractors also performed asphalt resurfacing and installed a new crown along Swygert Street. These additions were added to address flooding and ponding of water along Swygert Street.
“The project’s incorporation of green infrastructure harnesses the ability of the floodplain to naturally retain and slowly release stormwater in a controlled manner,” says Chief Resilience Officer Ben Duncan. “Not to mention, incorporating nature-based solutions has positive impacts for the environment and water quality.”
“I am encouraged by this important investment in our community’s stormwater infrastructure,” explains Representative Luke S. Rankin (District 14). “These improvements will help protect homes and roadways, improve water quality, and strengthen Wattsville’s future readiness – bringing peace of mind and helping ensure a safer, healthier community.”
The improvements are designed to reduce local riverine flood risks during a 25-year, 24-hour storm event. This has been accomplished by upsizing existing pipes and by digging a new detention basin to store stormwater during and immediately following rain events. The improved system’s ability to retain and channel stormwater will reduce instances of water pooling on roads, flooding out of roadside inlets, and potential water damage to nearby residences and structures.
“This is more than a stormwater infrastructure improvement,” expresses Laurens County Council Chairman Jeffrey Carroll. “This is a quality-of-life improvement to a long-established community within our County. We are grateful for the diligence and efficiency shown by Laurens County staff, SCOR, and the work crews to complete this project, which will minimize flood risks, allow for safer travels, and provide additional protection to residents.”
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Pictured Above, the intersection of Jesse Street and Swygert Streets before the completion of the Wattsville Stormwater Infrastructure Project
Pictured Above, from the intersection of Jesse Street and Swygert Street after the completion of the Wattsville Stormwater Infrastructure Project
Pictured Above, concrete curb and gutter along the southwest side of Swygert Street.
Pictured Above, Google Maps image of Gallon Street and Swygert Street before detention basin for Wattsville Stomwater Infrastructure Project.
Pictured Above, detention basin located at the intersection of Gallon Street and Swygert Street, which features bermuda grass and riprap stone to support drainage.
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