Town of Edisto Beach Tuesday 10/11/16 Update

I know everyone is confused and frustrated regarding the delays in entering the beach.   We are scheduling re-entry as quickly as possible to allow owners back to assess damage and begin cleanup.

The schedule was developed based on road access (debris, water),and safety and damage assessments.  We had to clean debris off roads and have power lines secured. We have scheduled access away from work that continues to be done by electric crews and the national guard. There are over 178 national guard on the beach working 24 hours a day.  The national guard is using heavy equipment to remove the feet of sand on palmetto Blvd and cross streets in the first 11 blocks.  We are having to accommodate, feed, provide facilities etc. for these recovery workers.

We had power partially restored today.  Jungle, dock site, and yacht club roads all had power restored. That is great news!  With the restoration of power we can work on getting our water and sewer system online.

The sewer system was inundated with storm water and the wastewater plant and holding ponds are full. Until we can get our 15 wastewater lift stations working to pump the wastewater and the irrigation system that disperses the treated wastewater on the golf course repaired,  we cannot have additional wastewater put into the system. We know everyone wants to clean, repair and resume their lives, but our utility system cannot handle it until repairs are made.

We have water connections on the beach side  that are broken in the first 7 blocks of Palmetto.  Once the sand is removed, we can access these water meters to shut them off. Also we have a 6″ water line break on Jungle Shores we are working on getting repaired and/or isolated. So even with power, we do not have water in most places and the sewer system is not ready for additional loads.  Until these issues are resolved we cannot allow residents to stay.

Even with these repairs, some residents will still not be allowed to stay because they either will have no water, wastewater or their damages are too severe.

Although most properties have minor or no damage, our neighbors on the beachfront in some areas were not so fortunate. We are sending them pictures and working to get them onto the beach to begin repairs. We are also answering requests for information as quickly as possible.

Please keep in mind we are working as quickly as possible to get everyone home.

I commend our staff and volunteers who have put aside their needs to address those of the Town. It is truly astounding that with a staff of 35 we have owners coming back within 3 days of a devastating storm.

Iris

Update from Southern Community Services Regarding Ocean Ridge Access

Access to Ocean Ridge is still limited to essential personnel. The Town is attempting to clear roads in Ocean Ridge but many are still impassable. Representatives of SCS are in frequent contact with EB police to gain access as soon as possible to assess conditions, hopefully on 10/12/16. When this occurs, additional information will be immediately posted.

Horace Kinsey, Community Association Manager

Hurricane Matthew Town of Edisto Beach Update

As many of you have seen from news reports, Mother Nature was not kind to our beach. Emergency workers worked on safety and damage assessments today. We are grateful to our National Guard and other fellow state and local agencies who have helped.

DOT is working 24 hours a day to clear state roads. Staff, local volunteers and other jurisdictions are helping clear local roads and feed the relief workers.

Beach erosion is severe as well as debris and flooding Sand covers much of the first 11 blocks of Palmetto Boulevard. Power is still out and we just got part of the water system up and running. A boil water notice is in effect.

We have been getting many calls from residents who are concerned about their properties. Town hall is fielding these calls and tomorrow we will have staff available to check properties and take a few pictures and respond back about these requests. We will also be allowing owners by zones to access the beach on a limited time basis to check properties beginning Tuesday, October 10. The schedule will be posted tomorrow.

We are still working in many areas and everyone’s safety is paramount.

Hurricane Matthew Edisto Beach Police Department Update

Folks, we are aware that Governor Haley stated that the evacuation has been lifted for Colleton County. This DOES NOT apply to Edisto Beach. Due to the damage we suffered and the hazards that still exist, we are continuing the evacuation for the beach at this time. We hope to expedite your return but please bear with us for a while longer. Due to the conditions that exist, even some who stayed for the storm are now choosing to leave.

Just to let you know a little of what is going on here on the beach. There is no electricity. There is no water. Many roads are impassable due to downed trees, power lines and water (some of which is very deep). There are hazards on the roads including wood, nails, large propane tanks, etc. Driving through standing water is dangerous due to hidden hazards under the water. Many structures, while standing, have been weakened or compromised by the impact of Hurricane Matthew. We are trying to assess structural integrity as well as clear roads to allow entry as soon as possible. We are also trying to check on the welfare of those who chose to remain on the island during the storm. The mayor and town officials are working around the clock to expedite the processes required. Outside agencies have generously offered assistance during this time. We ask your patience and prayers as we all come together for our common goal.

From the Edisto Beach Police Department Facebook Page