The various impacts that Charleston Water System's operations have on the environment are called aspects and include everything from the disposal of paper waste to the proper use of water treatment chemicals.
While we manage many environmental aspects, some have a greater potential for substantially impacting the environment, and these are called significant aspects. Charleston Water evaluates our environmental aspects annually in accordance with our Environmental Management System (EMS). This helps ensure we have adequate control methods to prevent adverse impacts on the environment.
Our 2008 environmental aspects are listed below by department. For more information about our environmental aspects or our EMS program please contact the Managers Office at (843) 727-6856.
Charleston Water System's
2008 Significant Environmental Aspects
Wastewater Collection
Infiltration and Inflow (I&I)
Water Distribution
Infrastructure integrity and protection
Infrastructure rehabilitation
Aerial water mains
Wastewater Collection
Infiltration & Inflow (I&I)
Groundwater that leaches into Charleston Water System's wastewater collection system is called infiltration and stormwater that finds its way into the collection system is called inflow.
This excess water consumes the hydraulic capacity of wastewater collection mains, pump stations, and treatment plants, resulting in higher treatment costs and capital expenditures to increase the size of these facilities.
In extreme cases, infiltration and inflow can cause sewer system overflows, which occur when rainwater floods a sewer line and causes diluted wastewater to overflow sewer manholes. To help prevent such overflows, Charleston Water System has developed detailed standard operating instructions for identifying and removing sources of infiltration and inflow. Charleston Water System crews can identify these sources – cracked manholes, improper connections to the sewer system, etc., through a number of methods, including video inspections, smoke testing, and dye testing.
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Water Distribution
Infrastructure Integrity, Protection, and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitating aging water infrastructure is necessary to ensure reliable service and water quality. Charleston Water System prioritizes infrastructure upgrades based on need, regulatory requirements, and hydraulic modeling.
Learn more about capital improvement projects
Aerial Water Mains
Aerial water mains are mains located above ground, typically over marshes. Some aerial mains are aging and in need of replacement or rehabilitation. Charleston Water System now constructs water mains by directionally drilling under a marsh or waterway, which protects the pipe against above-ground hazards.
For more information about Charleston Water System's Environmental Management System or Significant Aspects, please contact the Managers Office at (843) 727-6856.
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Environment>Environmental Impacts |
