A new set of eyes on the waters
By Bo Petersen
Past story
Watching over the waters, published 08/31/08
Charleston's waters now have one plucky keeper. After working singlehandedly for months to take on the role as a pollution watchdog, Cyrus Buffum has been named to the job by a national alliance.
The Waterkeeper Alliance is a network of more than 120 independent groups across the country and the world who patrol in boats looking for polluters, dumpers and anybody else who's dirtying the rivers and streams, then reports them to authorities.
Conservationists say they fill a gap in protecting water quality — eyes, ears and a nose out on the water day and night.
Buffum's Charleston Waterkeeper would join the Waccamaw Riverkeeper in Horry County and affiliated groups on the Catawba and Savannah rivers. They run as nonprofit foundations supported by contributions.
Buffum, 24, has a physics degree from the College of Charleston, and he also teaches sailing. He must now ratchet up community involvement, recruit research and legal expertise, raise an estimated $100,000 to start up and operate the first year, and buy a boat.
He spent his first day as Waterkeeper on Tuesday out on the Edisto River, described the feeling as incredible, a weight off his shoulders and the beginning of the real work.
"A lot more to-do lists, a lot more goals," he said.
S.C. Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, a division of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, the chief coastal regulator, welcomed Buffum's stewardship. Dan Burger, communications director, said the agency looked forward to working with him.
Reach Bo Petersen at 745-5852 or bpetersen@ postandcourier.com.
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eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
It doesn't look like it CB. However, if he and his organization raise funds via private/corporate donations as opposed to public funds, then I don't have a problem with it.
It does seem as though he would have no more jurisdiction than the average boater. The difference being he will be out on the water more often than the average bear.
Perhaps the goal is to be able to clearly and consisely turn over information to regulatory and law enforcement agencies.
September 24, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Charleston_Waterkeeper (anonymous) says...
Thank you all for your comments, they are greatly appreciated. Charleston Waterkeeper is an advocacy organization striving to improve Charleston's water quality through hands-on community involvement, scientific monitoring, and legal action. The beauty about our country is that there are laws in place that give average citizens authority to make a difference. The "Clean Water Act," allows U.S. citizens to file suit against a Clean Water Act violator if the EPA or the state fails to take enforcement action. Charleston Waterkeeper will strive to represent Charleston's citizens and act as a voice assuring that violations are enforced, responsible parties are held accountable, and your rights are protected. Most importantly Charleston Waterkeeper is invested in the best interest of Charleston's future, the health and livelihood of its citizens and its waterways. For more information visit our website www.charlestonwaterkeeper.blogspot.com or the Waterkeeper Alliance website, www.waterkeeper.org.
September 24, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rggr (anonymous) says...
Good work, Charleston_Waterkeeper! This is important.
September 24, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
localoyster (anonymous) says...
Good job CB.
Early, it is intracoastal, not inter.
September 24, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newbattleaxe (anonymous) says...
So glad we have an Official Charleston Waterkeeper now. Lots of us have been Waterkeepers for years, watching over our little stretches of creeks and rivers. Let's all of us join with Mr. Buffum to make Charleston Waterkeeper work!
September 24, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hightide (anonymous) says...
What a wonderful thing! Cyrus is an awesome guy. I knew him when he was an undergrad and am proud of what he is doing today.
September 25, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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