Health Social and Environmental Affairs Committee — Columbia, SC
Date: 2025-04-22
Time: 18:00

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025


The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a meeting on
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737
Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. Members of the public may view
the meeting online at www.columbiasc.gov. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at
(803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have questions regarding this
meeting.

 The Honorable Aditi Bussells, Chair
 The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., District II  The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large

 Prior to entering the meeting please silence all electronic communication devices. All
 presenters are asked to speak directly into the microphone for recording purposes.


CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of January 28, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs
 Committee Meeting Minutes

PRESENTATIONS

2. Sanitary Sewer Overflow Update – Mr. Frank Eskridge, Director of Utility
 Operations, Columbia Water

3. Solid Waste Division Route Growth/Efficiency - Ms. Samantha Yager,
 Superintendent/Solid Waste Division

4. Undergrounding of Utilities – Ms. Viola Hendley, Chair, Columbia Tree &
 Appearance Commission

ADJOURNMENT




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HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING AGENDA
 TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025


The Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee will conduct a meeting on
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737
Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. Members of the public may view
the meeting online at www.columbiasc.gov. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at
(803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have questions regarding this
meeting.

 The Honorable Aditi Bussells, Chair
 The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., District II  The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large

 Prior to entering the meeting please silence all electronic communication devices. All
 presenters are asked to speak directly into the microphone for recording purposes.


CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of January 28, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs
 Committee Meeting Minutes

PRESENTATIONS

2. Sanitary Sewer Overflow Update – Mr. Frank Eskridge, Director of Utility
 Operations, Columbia Water

3. Solid Waste Division Route Growth/Efficiency - Ms. Samantha Yager,
 Superintendent/Solid Waste Division

4. Undergrounding of Utilities – Ms. Viola Hendley, Chair, Columbia Tree &
 Appearance Commission

ADJOURNMENT




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MEETING DATE: April 22, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Approval of January 28, 2025 Health, Social, and
 Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  #a: HSEAC_MN_012825 (DOCX)




Updated: 3/14/2025 10:10 AM Page 1
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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025


CALL TO ORDER

The Columbia Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee conducted a
meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737
Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. The Honorable Aditi Bussells, Chair
called the meeting to order at 1:01 p.m. and the following members were present:


 Attendee Name Title Status
 Aditi Bussells Chair Present
 Edward H. McDowell Member Present
 Tyler D. Bailey Member Absent

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. December 17, 2024 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee
 Meeting Minutes - Approved

Upon a motion made by Dr. Bussells and seconded by Mr. McDowell, the Committee
voted unanimously to approve the December 17, 2024 Health, Social, and
Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes.

PRESENTATIONS

2. Environmental Priorities and Strategies for 2025 - Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E.,
 Assistant City Manager of Columbia Water and Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf,
 Sustainability Facilitator – Received as information.

Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager of Columbia Water emphasized the
continued importance of maintaining compliance with drinking water, wastewater,
and stormwater regulations. This includes addressing sanitary sewer overflows,
improving water quality, and investing in infrastructure upgrades. He shared about
the efforts to extend project timelines with the EPA due to challenges like the 2015
flood and COVID-related delays. The team is working on more consistent notifications
to customers, especially during water main breaks. Infrastructure upgrades are
ongoing, with a focus on replacing old pipes to reduce service disruptions.

There was discussion about time extensions; metal plates on the streets and
backlogged work orders; line replacing; internal staff communications; and proactive
approaches.


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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025


Dr. Bussells suggested the additional option of an “Active Alerts” button to the
MyColaSC mobile application with the same functionality of reporting concerns or
paying utility bills. If a water concern has information that has changed rapidly, it
can be seen on the app in real time.

Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager of Columbia Water said that ongoing
litigation regarding the regulation of perfluorinated substances in drinking water, with
the team continuing to study the potential impacts and costs. Recently, a proposal
for regulating wastewater effluent and bio solids was frozen under the new
administration, but the team remains committed to pursuing litigation to ensure that
polluters are held accountable for removing these substances. The team is also
exploring value engineering to mitigate costs while maintaining progress on essential
projects.

There was discussion about process of biogas recovery; embankment repair and head
gate replacement at the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant; and anticipated timeline.

Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator shared the most recent grant
opportunities received by the city:

  Community Development Block Grant- $105,165 for decorative street lights
 in the Edisto Court community through June 30, 2025.

  Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act - $290,015, funding
 covers tree costs, tree diapers, and catering for free tree planting lunch and
 learn events through June 30, 2029.

  Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) - $198,460 will retrofit
 city streetlights to LED bulbs through March 28, 2027.

  Climate Pollution Reduction Grant - $9 million to develop a climate action
 plan for the region, with implementation funds potentially supporting a solar
 farm.

  Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Grant – $100,000 through October 31,
 2025.




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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025


Ms. Tina-Marie Sandoval, University of South Carolina student and Youth Climate
Action Fund recipient organized a service day with fellow students in North Columbia's
Meadow Lake neighborhood. They weatherized six homes to improve energy
efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by air-sealing, caulking windows, and installing
door weatherization strips. Thirty students volunteered, gaining hands-on experience
and connecting with the community. If selected for the next round of funding, the
project will return to these homes to update attic insulation with a third-party
contractor.

There was discussion about servicing different locations.

Ms. Beata Dewitt, SC Carolina Public Health Association and Youth Climate Action
Fund recipient shared about the launch of College Climate Action Resilience Week.
Events included a Climate Café discussing urbanization, a Tree Planting Initiative at
MLK Jr. Park on Election Day, a "Don’t Waste Food SC" cooking demo, a Sustainable
Art exhibit on issues like fast fashion, and a Green Networking Breakfast focused on
youth and sustainability. A total of 45 students participated.

There was discussion about collaborative efforts in organizing the events throughout
the week.

Ms. Mary Pat Baldauf, Sustainability Facilitator highlighted ongoing initiatives with
CPAC, including bi-weekly core group and monthly full committee meetings. The team
is focused on implementing the Ready for 100 Project Resolution 2.0, developing a
tracking dashboard for upcoming launch, and prioritizing energy audits and efficiency
improvements. The city’s 45-year Tree City designation is also a key focus, with the
application for the 46th designation being processed, and 500 trees planted annually
to maintain the status.

There was discussion funding for additional tree planting.

3. Greenway and Trails Update - Ms. Dana Higgins, P.E., LEED AP, Director of
 Engineering for Columbia Water – This item was discussed. No action was
 taken.

Ms. Dana Higgins, P.E., LEED AP, Director of Engineering for Columbia Water shared
an update on the city’s trail and greenway connections, including key projects and
future opportunities. Phase 3 of the Vista Greenway is progressing from Elmwood to
North Main, with Phase 4 planned to extend to Page Ellington Park. Richland County’s


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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025


Penny projects, including the Gill Creek, Crane Creek, and Rocky Branch Greenways,
are ongoing, with Crane Creek expected to finish by next spring. The River Alliance
is working on a project connecting Boyd Island to Riverfront Park, set for completion
by 2027. The team is also exploring grant funding to enhance connectivity.

Dr. Bussells requested staff for a walkthrough of Finlay Park.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 1:58 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk




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MEETING DATE: April 22, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Sanitary Sewer Overflow Update – Mr. Frank
 Eskridge, Director of Utility Operations, Columbia
 Water
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  #a: 2025-04-22 Columbia Water Update to Council_2024SSOReview
 (PPTX)




Updated: 4/16/2025 3:35 PM Page 1
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 Columbia Water
2024 Sanitary Sewer Overflow
 Discussion and Analysis
 Frank Eskridge, Director of Utility Operations– Columbia Water
 April 22, 2025




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 Overview & Agenda
• Sanitary Sewer Overflow Multi-Year Recap
• 2024 Sanitary Sewer Overflows
• Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant Review
• Hurricane Debby
• Hurricane Helene
• SSO Causes
• SSO Mitigation Efforts
• Questions
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Multi Year Look at SSO’s




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SSO’s by Month 2020 - 2025




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2024 SSO Volumes




 5




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SSO Activity in 2024




 6




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 SSO Activity in 2025




IRR GROUP 1 IRR GROUP 2 IRR GROUP 3
 Deadline = Deadline = Deadline =
 3/18/2028 3/18/2030 3/18/2032
 2 Projects 4 Projects 14 Projects
 2 Complete 2 Complete 6 Complete
 2 Design 5 Construction
 3 Design




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Metro WWTP Layout




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 Effects of Hurricane Debby
• August 9, 2024
• Heavy Rain and high flows to Metro
• Problems at Metro WWTP due to
  Electrical Switchgear Failure
 • Switchgear caught fire
 • Emergency transition to portable generators
• Electrical Improvements became an
  Emergency Priority
• All activities coordinated with SCDES


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 Effects of Hurricane Helene
• The Storm arrived Friday September 27, 2024
• Floodwaters from Western North Carolina and the Upstate of SC began arriving in the
  Columbia area the evening of Sunday, September 29, 2024
• Congaree River peaked just after noon on Monday, September 30, 2024
• Problems at the Metro WWTP due to flooding
• Partially treated effluent overflowed the disinfection basins and flowed off the WWTP
  site to the Congaree River
• All activities were coordinated with SCDES


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Sanitary Sewer Overflows - Cause




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Sanitary Sewer Overflows – Efforts to Address
 and Mitigate in the Future
• Multiple Projects Under
  Design and Construction

 • SS7568 Saluda River Force Main
 Extension

 • SS7646 Metro WWTP Electrical
 Reliability Improvements

 • SS7615 Broad River LS
 Improvements + SS7497 Mill
 Creek LS Improvements

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2024 Sanitary Sewer Overflow
 Discussion and Analysis
 Questions




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MEETING DATE: April 22, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Solid Waste Division Route Growth/Efficiency - Ms.
 Samantha Yager, Superintendent/Solid Waste
 Division
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  #a: Solid Waste Reroute Council Presentation (PPTX)




Updated: 3/14/2025 10:10 AM Page 1
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 Solid Waste Division
Route Growth/Efficiency




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Route Balance
 • 1991- last route adjustment
 • Recycling Program
 • Twice per week collection
 • Technology Advancements
 • Rear loader
 • Automation
 • Three lever system
 • Joystick
 • Improved joystick and button controls
 • Auto Pack vs. Manual Pack
 • Balance density and services per day to optimize route efficiency

2




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 Total new
 services: 12,978

 Monday-3,997

 Tuesday-2,494

 Thursday-871

 Friday-5,616




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Route Balance
 • Balance density and services per day to optimize route
 efficiency
 o Safety
 o Vehicle maintenance and cleanliness
 o Employee morale
 o Unbudgeted overtime
 • Allows for future growth of City
 • Trucks were funded and ready
 • Funds for 4 positions, vehicle maintenance and operating
 supplies
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Current Routes
 • Total Services: 41,585
 • Monday: 10,283
 • Avg. per route: 1,028
 • Tuesday: 8,966
 • Avg. per route: 1,121
 • Thursday: 9,432
 • Avg. per route: 1,179
 • Friday: 12,904
 • Avg. per route: 1,173
 • Industry Standard
 • 800-1,000 homes per route
 for 10-hour shift



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New Garbage
Routes

 Total Number of
 Affected Customers

 10,722

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 Garbage
 Changes

 Total
 Changes:
 6,465




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Route Balance Communication Plan
 • Mail letter to specific addresses
 • 45 days from start date
 • Includes kitchen magnet
 • Reminder postcards
 • 30 days out and 15 days out
 • Update ReCollect notifications
 • Update forward-facing GIS and Cityworks
 • Update City website with maps
 • Potential neighborhood/business district meetings
 • Service
 • Week 1- service old routes and new routes
 • Week 2- only one collection on new routes
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Questions?




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MEETING DATE: April 22, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Undergrounding of Utilities – Ms. Viola Hendley,
 Chair, Columbia Tree & Appearance Commission
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
  #a: CTAC Health, Social & Environmental Committee (PDF)




Updated: 4/16/2025 3:31 PM Page 1
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HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025


CALL TO ORDER

The Columbia Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs Committee conducted a
meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737
Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. The Honorable Aditi Bussells, Chair
called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. and the following members were present:

Attendee Name Title Status
Aditi Bussells Chair Present
Edward H. McDowell Member Present
Tyler D. Bailey Member Present

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Approval of January 28, 2025 Health, Social, and Environmental Affairs
 Committee Meeting Minutes - Approved

Upon a motion made by Mr. McDowell and seconded by Mr. Bailey, committee
members voted unanimously to approve the January 28, 2025 Health, Social, and
Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes.

PRESENTATIONS

2. Sanitary Sewer Overflow Update – Mr. Frank Eskridge, Director of Utility
 Operations, Columbia Water – Received as information.

Mr. Frank Eskridge, Director of Utility Operations/Columbia Water presented a 2024
year-in-review on Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs), noting a long-term decline due
to consent decree improvements. Hurricanes Debbie and Helene caused a
temporary spike. Debbie triggered a major power outage and Helene led to flooding
at the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant. Emergency electrical upgrades have
been completed and early FY25 data shows progress. Ongoing efforts include
capital projects, root control, and preventive maintenance.

There was discussion about high SSO’s at the plant; upgrades to switchgear;
maintenance of performance numbers; system vulnerabilities; investment in
capacity and rehabilitation projects; and sun-setting the consent decree.




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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025


3. Solid Waste Division Route Growth/Efficiency - Ms. Samantha Yager,
 Superintendent/Solid Waste Division - Endorsed for City Council
 Consideration.

Ms. Samantha Yager, Superintendent/Solid Waste Division announced an Earth Day
event on April 22, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Boyd Plaza. She shared that
the last garbage route adjustment occurred in 1991 despite the addition of 13,000
services since 1995. A hybrid collection system is currently in place and staff are
working to analyze growth and balance routes by running an equal number of
trucks daily. A proposal to adjust route days and implement a color-coded recycling
schedule was presented along with a communications plan.

There was discussion about how services are added; route efficiency; grace period
for adjustment; code enforcement; and additional ways of messaging to customers.

There was consensus to target a September 1, 2025 implementation date for the
proposed route changes.

4. Undergrounding of Utilities – Ms. Viola Hendley, Chair, Columbia Tree &
 Appearance Commission – Received as information.

Mr. Jim Irvin, member of the Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission presented
a proposal for a comprehensive tree inventory, emphasizing the importance of the
recent tree survey. He noted the challenge of many trees maturing simultaneously
and highlighted a draft ordinance addressing funding, project identification,
preservation, and enforcement. The long-term goal is consistent investment in
undergrounding utilities. A USDA grant provided over 1,200 trees, with 700
allocated to the City of Columbia and the remainder distributed to Richland,
Lexington, and Cayce.

There was discussion about the use of request for proposals by other municipalities
to manage tree canopy and the role of canopy coverage in neighborhood health and
equity.

Councilor McDowell emphasized the urgency of prioritizing diabetes and kidney
health. He announced that on May 17, 2025, Black Expo will feature a health-
focused narrative funded by Prisma Health, Johnson & Johnson, and Novartis.




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 HEALTH, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
 MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025


ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 2:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk




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