City looks to reverse erosion in Sand River
Erosion in the Sand River at Hitchcock Woods that was caused by storm water runoff from downtown development has been an issue the City of Aiken has faced for decades.
Officials are hoping that a new “green infrastructure project” that is currently being developed will help to alleviate the problem and eventually restore Sand River.
The City was recently awarded a $3.3 million federal stimulus grant from the Department of Health and Environmental Control to begin the work, which involves taking a more environmentally friendly approach to ease erosion in the forest.
Dr. Gene Eidson, director of the Center for Watershed Excellence at Clemson University, is working with the City on the project, along with DHEC, the South Carolina Department of Transportation and Woolpert Inc.
Eidson recently talked with City Council members about the undertaking, which will involve installing rain gardens, bio swales and pervious pavement – which absorbs storm water – in downtown streets and parkways. Officials hope the measures will lessen the amount of storm water and pollutants that run into Hitchcock Woods.
Larry Morris, director of the City’s Public Works Administration and Engineering department, is optimistic about the proposal.
“The City has been working on trying to solve this problem for many, many, many years,” Morris said. “Any water that we can remove from Sand River certainly will help.” More details.
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