Massive water line project in Bluffton will cut down 137 trees. What’s coming?
A massive water main line project in Bluffton’s New Riverside area along S.C. 46 is expected to begin in the next few months — a project that will remove 137 trees, including some deemed “significant.”
The town of Bluffton is working with Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority and Beaufort County to install a 12,200 linear foot — about 2.3 miles — water main to connect a surface water treatment plant near the entrance of Heritage at New Riverside to Gibbet Road.
The water main is intended to provide safe drinking water to a part of Bluffton that’s bustling with new growth along the busy highway. Several development projects are planned in this area such as the Publix at May River Crossing and the new Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks age-restricted community.
But, some town officials say they are concerned about the removal of so many trees along a S.C. Department of Transportation-designated “scenic byway” that’s known for its wetlands, oak canopies and picturesque views.
“That’s going to be a huge effect and detriment to that area, removing that amount of trees,” council member Bridgette Frazier said when the plans were presented to town council Tuesday night.
The project will “address water quality issues” and improve water pressure in the area, according to town documents.
Construction of the line will directly affect the tree-lined canopy along the highway, which includes the town’s New River Linear Trail Park, St. Matthew’s Church and the New Riverside Park.
A total of 137 trees are expected to be removed along the highway — 10 of which are deemed “significant,” according to the town’s code.
Trees with trunk diameters of 24 inches or more are considered “significant,” according to town documents.
Among the significant trees slated to be removed are six pine trees, one maple tree and three oak trees, according to the development plans. No live oaks are expected to be cut down.
The project has not yet been approved by Bluffton. Town staff is still reviewing the proposal.
Once Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority resubmits the plans to the town, it must receive permits from Bluffton and SCDOT before construction can begin.
If the permits are approved, construction is expected to start in two to three months and will take about nine months to complete, according to the development plans.
During construction, SCDOT may close lanes along the highway from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. The highway will not be closed during the day, according to the development documents.
At Tuesday’s town council meeting, Heather Colin, Bluffton’s director of growth management, said the town will work with BJWSA to install tree protection fencing along the highway to reduce the number of tree removals. She also said a certified arborist will oversee the construction.
Due to the number of trees being removed for the project, BJWSA is paying Bluffton $70,840 to go toward the town’s tree removal mitigation fund.
“We will continue to work with them to preserve as many trees as possible and replant where possible,” Collin said.
This story was originally published September 9, 2020 at 4:05 PM.
