2020 Milestones & Accomplishments
December 22, 2020
As we all know, 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. However, despite this year's hurdles, we've continued our work to protect the Broad, Saluda and Congaree Rivers. Here are just a few of the this year's accomplishment and milestones:
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- Organized volunteer cleanups that removed more than 7,000 pounds of trash from our rivers and streams.
- Helped lead and conduct local water quality monitoring efforts, including weekly sampling and public notification by the Midlands Rivers Coalition (HowsMySCRiver.org).
- Continued our legal and advocacy efforts to compel Dominion Energy to clean up its toxic coal tar from the Congaree River, which is now making significant progress.
- Filed an amicus brief with the South Carolina Supreme Court opposing efforts by Blue Granite Water Company (Carolina Water Service) to charge their customers more than $400,000 in attorneys' fees for the lawsuit we won in federal court.
- Successfully advocated for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement as part of relicensing the Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel Facility in Lower Richland County.
- Joined other conservation organizations to sue the current Administration for their efforts to roll back one of the country's bedrock environmental laws, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
- Responded to dozens of citizen pollution reports, including sewer spills and illegal dumping.
- Engaged with thousands of citizens through our outreach and education activities.
- FERC issued a new license for the Parr Hydroelectric Project on the Broad River.
This license, which is the result of years of study and negotiations, should bring significant improvements to the Broad River.
- The Town of Lexington took ownership of Blue Granite Water Company's Watergate Sewer System, setting the stage for the elimination of another sewer discharge in the Lower Saluda River watershed.
Despite these important accomplishments, our rivers still face many threats, and we know we'll be busy in the coming year. But, with your support we'll face those challenges and continue our work for clean water and healthy rivers.
