Smell of Raw Sewage Permeates Upstate Town

Residents in the town of Ware Shoals in Greenwood County complained to "7 On Your Side" about a foul smell eminating along a mile stretch of Highway 25 N between Ware Shoals and Hodges.

Business owners and people who live in the area say the smell is that of raw sewage and it's making them sick to their stomachs.

The town of Ware Shoals Public Works Supervisor, Toby McAlister, says the smell has been ongoing for several years and stems from a 7-mile sewer line that is too big. McAlister says the line was built for a textile plant and designed to handle 5 million gallons of flow a day, but since the plant shut down, there is not enough flow to keep the system flushed out.

Hodges resident Rodney Rogers says, “It's odor that makes you feel sick to your stomach if you get it real strong.” Resident Paul Coleman describes the smell, “Rotten eggs, sewer, it's like your septic tank.” 

The smell is causing a lot of problems for people who live on a mile long stretch of Highway 25 North between Hodges and Ware Shoals. Rogers says, “It makes it hard to run a business. People don't wanna smell stuff like that.” Coleman says, “I bought my place about 16 years ago, raised two children, and now I lay in bed and choke at night.” 

The sewer line is owned by the town of Ware Shoals. The town’s Public Works Supervisor, Toby McAlister, tells “7 On Your Side” the sewer line is too big, that it was built for an old textile plant.

After the plant shut down years ago, there hasn't been enough waste flowing to flush out the line, leaving the sewage sitting at nearby lift stations, stinking. 

Rogers says, “It's been going on five years, something needs to be done.” The town says a permanent fix would cost millions of dollars to install a new line. McAlister says the town does not have the money. 

Coleman says, “I can't breathe because they're broke? Is that what this country's come to?” 

DHEC says they have not done any air quality monitoring on the site because they don't believe there is a health risk. Spokesman Adam Myrick says it does not appear the town of Ware Shoals is violating the law. 

Myrick calls the smell a “nuisance.” But it's more than that to people who live there. Rogers says, “If you own something, it's your responsibility. You need to take care of it, instead of hurting other people's health.” 

DHEC sent an inspector to the area Wednesday after “7 On Your Side” contacted the state agency. Myrick says the inspector did not notice any sewage spills or overflow. He says they will continue to field any complaints from residents. The DHEC office number in Greenwood is 864- 223- 0333. 

McAlister says the town of Ware Shoals is trying to minimize the smell by routinely flushing out the sewer lines, adding lime and other chemicals to dissipate the smell, and installing vents on homes and businesses.