DHEC probing particles in water

CANADYS -- State environmental officials sampled wells next to a coal-fired power plant here Tuesday, two days after a Post and Courier Watchdog report raised questions about whether coal particles are getting into the area's aquifer.

Employees of the state Department of Health and Environmental Control collected samples from five homes, scooping sediment from the tanks of commodes and collecting water from well pump spigots.

"They're doing their jobs," said Raymond Lewis, one resident who had his water tested. "They said they're trying to get to the bottom of it, and I told them I appreciate it because all I want is clean air and clean water."

Lewis and other residents along Maple Ridge Road have long wondered about the black particles they sometimes find in their water.

To solve that mystery, Watchdog asked College of Charleston geology professors to examine the particles. They looked at the material under an electron microscope and used a machine to identify its chemical fingerprint.

These tests showed the black particles had a similar chemical makeup to a chunk of coal found in a public right of way near the gates of the South Carolina Electric & Gas Canadys Station power plant.

Vijay Vulava, an assistant professor in environmental geochemistry at the college, said he thought the particles likely were coal, but that more tests should be done to confirm his results. He said that additional tests also would help determine whether the particles are dangerous to drink.

On Tuesday, a four-person crew from DHEC's Beaufort office traveled to Canadys, which is between St. George and Walterboro. Adam Myrick, a DHEC media relations specialist, said the agency will do a full scan of the samples. Test results should be ready in two to three weeks.

SCE&G officials have challenged the validity of the College of Charleston tests but said that if "we discovered a problem tied to the operation of our plant, we would certainly address it as appropriate."

Residents who had their wells tested Tuesday were pleased with DHEC's quick response.

"I think it's a start," said Danny Coe. "But we've had this problem for a long time, so what they're doing is a long time coming."

Previous story

• Health and safety concerns bring to light a longtime issue for Canadys residents living near coal-fired plant, published 10/18/09

Reach Tony Bartelme at 937-5554 or tbartelme@postandcourier.com.