Laurens County Demonstrates Unmatched Resilience and Unity in Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Laurens County Comes Together in Heroic Response to Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene might have flexed its muscles, but the unwavering spirit of Laurens County, South Carolina, shone brighter. It’s a cloudy start today here, but even the skies are making way for bursts of sunshine, hinting at the resilience of our community. Peeking at nearly 70°F with light and variable winds, the weather this Monday, October 28, 2024, slightly reflects the calm after the storm.

When Helene sashayed with her brutal force across Laurens and its neighboring western South Carolina counties, what took everyone by surprise was not the storm’s intensity, but rather the steadfast resolve of our county’s local heroes. Among them, the Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission (LCWSC) was a beacon of hope and reliability. It’s astonishing when you think that with just a single operator at the Lake Greenwood Water Treatment Plant, they never paused or interrupted services, ensuring that every home had access to safe-to-drink water.

Outstanding Prep and Response by LCWSC

Thanks to the collective camaraderie demonstrated during this challenging time, the LCWSC board issued an official resolution of thanks. The shoutouts weren’t limited to just their own, but to all the incredible electrical suppliers, businesses, and individuals who played a pivotal role in the Hurricane Helene response efforts. Despite being stretched thin, their operations were solid, as displayed by Lake Greenwood’s near full pool levels, yet never breaching it.

The numbers alone tell a story of resilience. At the peak storm phase, a gargantuan 16 BILLION gallons per day of water cascaded through four major rivers crisscrossing Laurens County. In usual circumstances, the water treatment plant handles about 2.1 million gallons per day. Hit with the test of being “maxed out”, running solely on generator power, they didn’t falter.

Everyone Played a Part

September 27 stands as a date marked with tests and triumphs. Power flickers heralded the storm’s peak early that morning, triggering generators that would work tirelessly for five days straight. More than just water, these machines powered pumping stations, crucial for ensuring that water even reached our county jails and the duo of Clinton and Laurens campuses.

Field operators and technicians rolled up sleeves, tackling fallen trees and debris on their paths. Imagine the torrent of calls met with compassionate communication from office personnel reassuring residents worried about water availability amidst power outages. Truly, a monumental “all hands on deck” approach.

Prepared for the Future: Lessons Learned

While commendations echoed in the LCWSC boardroom, attention also turned to improvements. From considering a 500-gallon diesel fuel tank for vehicles during such storms, to building an additional clear-well at the Lake Greenwood plant, planning is underway for bolstered resilience. Discussions were also woven around potentially incorporating solar energy and backup communication methods considering the electronic device glitches experienced.

Heartfelt words were shared by Engineering Manager KC Price, emphasizing, “We won’t make that mistake again,” referring to having minimal staff during such drastic events. A nod from Executive Director Jeff Field reflected a shared belief in the team’s phenomenal response, even as they eyed the next steps in preparedness.

The Community Spirit is Undeniable

As Laurens joins hands with other regions in calculating the storm’s cost, FEMA’s assistance comes as a boon. Meanwhile, Spartanburg County has pegged cleanup costs at over $10 Million, setting the stage for discussions on allocations and reimbursements. The community’s spirit of cooperation and gratitude lit rooms during FEMA assistance events, as showcased at local institutions like the MS Bailey Municipal Building.

While only time can heal the losses registered—a heartbreaking three lives lost in our county—the community’s resilience is undeniable. As the LCWSC’s resolution poignantly commends, “efforts helped ensure the continuation of clean water and reliable wastewater services preventing further hardship.” It’s a shared strength and unity, encouraging the rebuilding of not just infrastructure, but community ties.

So, residents of Laurens, keep looking out for each other and stay resilient. As always, your stories of courage remind us all of the strength cloaked within community bonds. Here’s to brighter days ahead.