FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — Residents in Florence said a strong, foul odor that has lingered for months in parts of the city’s west end may finally have an explanation.
Images and videos circulating online appear to show sewage spilling into Jeffries Creek, raising concerns among neighbors who said they’ve seen raw sewage flowing through the waterway behind their homes.
People living near the creek said the overflow includes fecal matter and toilet paper, which they believe may be coming from the city’s sewer system.
Many suspect the issue could be the source of the unpleasant smell that has affected the area for months.
Photos and videos shared on social media over the weekend show what appears to be sewage flowing from manholes into the creek.
Florence resident, Andy Evans, said the odor has become hard to ignore, especially along one of the city’s busiest corridors.
“It’s an embarrassment, David McLeod Boulevard is a major thoroughfare coming into Florence, and when you reach Golden Corral between Kimbrell’s furniture, the stench is so bad it almost makes you want to regurgitate,” Evans said.
According to reports from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), Jeffries Creek has experienced more than a dozen water overflows since 2023.
The most recent incident was documented less than two weeks ago. A report from the state agency indicates approximately 100,000 gallons of water were released into Jeffries Creek from a manhole, though the discharge description was listed as unknown.
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Officials noted that about half an inch of rainfall, along with inflow and infiltration into the sewer system, may have contributed to the overflow.
SCDES said the city is monitoring the site, has applied lime to the affected area, and has begun water sampling.
Jeffries Creek is also protected under Florence’s Unified Development Ordinance as part of a “non-development overlay district,” which is intended to protect water quality and preserve wildlife habitats.
Evans says the continued overflows are concerning, especially in an area meant to be environmentally protected.
“It’s simple,” Evans said. “I simply want them to stop releasing raw sewage into the Jeffries Creek wetland area.”
ABC 15 reached out to SCDES and Florence city officials, asking about the timeline and potential solutions for addressing residents’ complaints about sewage overflow into the creek.
Florence City Manager Scotty Davis responded, saying he plans to provide an update to the city council during their Monday meeting.
This is not the first sewage overflow reported in the area in recent months.
In October of last year, the city said about 5,000 gallons of sewage overflowed into Jeffries Creek following heavy rainfall.
Officials at the time said the incident was addressed with water testing, vacuum truck cleanup, and disinfection of the affected area.
ABC 15 will continue to follow the latest reports and provide updates as more information becomes available.