| IT ALL STARTS WITH PEOPLE AND PLANNING
Sea Pines fared pretty darn well during this last weather event.
Normally, with this much rainfall in such a short period of time, we fear the flooding of properties and streets and consequent damage to homes and businesses. I hope you agree with me that this level of flooding did not occur.
Why do I say it starts with people? Our Sea Pines CSA operations staff monitored the weather ahead of the storm. To prepare for the anticipated heavy rainfall, the lagoons were lowered (and they will remain lowered a few more days to allow underground water drainage into the lagoons).
To provide drainage during the rise and fall of the tide, a system of tidal control structures are used to restrict the backflow from the ocean into the lagoons and to allow the outflow from the lagoons to the Sound. Some of those devices are manually operated. During heavy rains that becomes a 24-hour job.
In addition to the large high-volume dewatering pumps Sea Pines CSA owns, several portable pumps were rented to assist in water removal. Crews ran these pumps day and night. Moving them from one site to another as needed.
The Sea Pines CSA maintenance department operated with a day shift and night shift to do this work. In addition to monitoring the pumps and tidal control structures, crews continuously patrolled the community inspecting and clearing nearly 3,000 catch basins, drainage pipes, and stormwater ditches.
In one instance at night, they had to bring heavy equipment in to quickly remove debris that had accumulated in a key control structure. By doing this, they prevented a number of houses and properties from flooding. This is just one example of what they did throughout the day and night to protect our community.
To have crews available to work these kind of hours, Sea Pines CSA provided accommodations for 20 team members to stay on-site during the duration of the storm (Monday-Thursday).
As many of you have noted, the Sea Pines CSA staff did a commendable job. There are too many names to give individual thanks. So, I thank you one and all.
Why do I say it starts with planning? If you have followed the Sea Pines CSA newsletters over the past few years, you know that substantial roadway work, stormwater drainage replacements, ditch cleanouts, etc. have taken place. To get to this point, we had to have the engineering done for critical infrastructure work and then the funding to do that work.
Thanks to those who came before us, that engineering work was completed. The issue then became where to get the funding to do the critical infrastructure improvement work needed.
They presented the community with a Critical Infrastructure Referendum to approve an assessment to help fund this critical infrastructure work over a period of years.
Thank you for overwhelmingly approving that critical infrastructure assessment, with 87.77% returning their yes votes. While that assessment is under litigation, on appeal, Sea Pines CSA decided it had to start the work to protect our properties.
These critical infrastructure improvements will be done throughout Sea Pines. It takes time and money. It is worth noting that due to increased inflation since the 2020 Critical Infrastructure Referendum was approved, the critical infrastructure assessment funds buy less each year. A fact of reality but a fact none the less.
While we saw some positive effects during this rainfall, it is only a fraction of what must be done. Your ongoing support remains vital as we continue the necessary work to address the critical infrastructure needs of our community.
Together, we can ensure that Sea Pines remains a cherished and resilient community for generations to come.
Sincerely, |
