South Carolina is undoubtedly one of the best places to call home in the Southeast. Cities like Charleston boast a rich history, pleasant climate, delicious food, friendly locals, and a laid-back atmosphere that captures the essence of southern hospitality. However, for homeowners and business owners, living in Charleston comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining the appearance of your property.
The humid weather in the area often results in mold and algae growth on surfaces like wood and concrete, which can make your property look unkempt and neglected. Fortunately, Peppers Pressure Washing can help restore your property's beauty and prevent future growth and grime.
When it comes to pressure washing in Wadmalaw Island, SC, our #1 goal is delivering exceptional pressure washing services by going above and beyond to make sure our clients are satisfied. We ensure their satisfaction by prioritizing good old-fashioned hard work, honest pricing, ongoing communication, advanced training, and industry-leading customer service.
Our pressure washing company in South Carolina is the perfect choice to protect your home or business from mold and mildew across various surfaces. In doing so, we can help minimize unsightly objects like bird's nests and spiderwebs while protecting your property from damage to windows, gutters, roofing, and more. As a licensed, insured pressure washing company, our customer's health and happiness always come first - no questions asked.
So, when you hire Peppers Pressure Washing, you can rest easy knowing our experts will treat your home as if it were our own. When they need the highest quality pressure washing services, clients come to us because our team is:
If you're looking for a dedicated professional that will do the job right, you're in the right place. With over 10 years experience, we have learned to improve our skills and keep our equipment up to date for the best results.
Living in the Lowcountry often means that your home's exterior will suffer from harsh elements such as mildew, dirt, and pollen. If left uncleaned, these contaminants can cause damage to surfaces like brick, stucco, and vinyl over time. At Peppers Pressure Washing, we offer a safe and effective cleaning solution that utilizes time-tested techniques to remove hazardous contaminants from your home's exterior so that it remains uniquely beautiful year-round.
Unlike some pressure washing services in Charleston, however, we have the capability to perform traditional pressure washing as well as low-pressure washing for residential properties.
Most often known as "soft washing," this process involves washing and rinsing your windows and gutters using gentle pressure. Unlike high-pressure tactics - which can cause damage when used by amateurs in inappropriate spaces - soft wash cleaning for your home is specifically designed to remove mildew and algae from porous surfaces without causing harm. With soft washing, you won't have to worry about losing curb appeal or reducing the resale value of your home due to stripped paint or ruined siding.
Our techniques use gentle water pressure and an environmentally friendly cleaning solution to remove contaminants without causing harm to your plants or landscaping. That's why many homeowners ask for a combination of soft washing and pressure washing in Wadmalaw Island, SC - to address the hard-to-clean areas as well as the more sensitive areas.
Once the cleaning agent has removed the mold, algae, and other contaminants, our team thoroughly rinses the exterior of your home, leaving it looking squeaky clean and envy-worthy to your neighbors. Some additional benefits of Peppers Pressure Washing's soft washing approach include:
Curious if our team can remove the mold and mildew from your driveway, walkways, back deck, and more? Give our office a call today - every estimate we provide is 100% free.
Experienced professionals can enhance your property's curb appeal with well-laid driveways and patios. The same goes for the fencing around your backyard, which can be painted and installed meticulously by experts. However, it's only a matter of time before stains, peeling paint, and other tough-to-remove items begin to sully your home's appearance. Fortunately, with an experienced pressure washing company by your side, you can bring life back to your home, even if it's been plagued by something like graffiti.
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Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Entrepreneurs understand the importance of presenting a positive image for their brand and business. A first impression is often the only opportunity to showcase what you have to offer. Neglecting the cleanliness and appearance of your warehouse, apartment complex, or storefront could lead to lost revenue. Put yourself in your customers' shoes: If a business owner fails to maintain walkways and other heavily trafficked areas around their location, they may not put much effort into providing quality products.
Every aspect of your building, entrance, parking lot, walking path, or storefront presents an opportunity to impress customers. With commercial pressure washing, you can capitalize on that opportunity and even help retain the same customers you initially impressed. The bottom line? If cleanliness and curb appeal are non-negotiable in your line of business, it's time to call Peppers Pressure Washing for a free estimate.
Don't delay - waiting to have your business pressure washed can end up costing you money. That's why our pressure washing company offers convenient monthly cleanings. We can arrange routine maintenance washing to help keep your business fresh and clean, helping you set the stage for success year-round.
Investing in exterior cleaning is a wise decision for any business owner. Services like pressure washing enhance curb appeal, attract new and returning customers, and show you care about the appearance of your business. But if you're like other hardworking entrepreneurs who are stretched thin as it is, keeping up with cleanliness is easier said than done, especially outside your property.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
If you notice unsightly stains, mold, or mildew on the outside of your business, it may be a sign of standing water issues or simply a lack of regular cleaning. Sure, you could make your own bleach solution and try to tackle the problem yourself. But you run the risk of damaging your property and even harming yourself in the process. The alternative? Contact Peppers Pressure Washing for thoroughly effective pressure washing in Wadmalaw Island, SC.
At Peppers Pressure Washing, one of the most common questions we receive is why a homeowner or business owner should or should not hire professionals to handle pressure washing. We get it - most folks are on budgets and must be careful about spending frivolously on chores that they may be able to do on their own. And while we're big proponents of DIY projects at home and at work, pressure washing in Wadmalaw Island, SC, should always be performed by trained professionals. Here's why.
Safety
Cost Effectiveness
Quicker 
Eco-Friendly
Avoid Damage toPressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
At Peppers Pressure Washing, we evaluate every pressure washing project with a fresh eye, knowing that no two situations are ever the same. As a licensed and insured pressure washing company in South Carolina, our goal is to leave your home and property looking its best, whether you need a one-time cleaning for your driveway or recurring services for your business. Whatever your needs may be, you can always rely on Peppers Pressure Washing for high-quality power washing at cost-conscious prices.
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County leaders have been working to improve traffic congestion on Johns Island and the area of Maybank Highway and River Road will soon be much easier to travel on.The county has been working on improvements to Maybank Highway since 2004 and will soon have the third and final phase of these improvement projects completed. P...
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County leaders have been working to improve traffic congestion on Johns Island and the area of Maybank Highway and River Road will soon be much easier to travel on.
The county has been working on improvements to Maybank Highway since 2004 and will soon have the third and final phase of these improvement projects completed. Pitchfork Road connects Fenwick Hall Alle to River Road and will serve as an alternative route to Maybank Highway.
Drivers traveling from James Island to Johns Island will be able to bypass the light at Maybank Highway and River Road by using the new Pitchfork Road. This will also apply to drivers coming in the opposite direction. This road can be used as an alternate route to get to James Island. Pitchfork Road will be officially open for use on the afternoon of March 25 and county leaders encourage everyone to use it.
Construction on Pitchfork Road began in 2022 and leaders are excited to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the official opening of the road. This will take place on March 25.
County Construction Project Manager Sheila Parker says that they are really looking to improve safety and relieve traffic in the area.
“I think the people in general are looking forward to, you know, new infrastructure come into John’s Island to help alleviate traffic. We see, you know, development coming and so we need the infrastructure to really accommodate all that,” Parker says.
Parker says that the county has recently made some other changes to the intersection of Maybank Highway and River Road to further improve the flow of traffic.
“We recently restriped Maybank at the intersection of Maybank and River Road, really to accommodate more storage to the left turn lane,” she says. “Previously the left turn lane would stack up with cars and it would block the through lane going straight and so, that would cause traffic backups. Now with more storage, the left turn lane traffic flow improves, and more people can get into the left turn lane.”
Parker says that all of this work is to benefit the residents and drivers of the community and to make traveling on these roads a little easier.
“It’s great to see headway and, you know, the improvements are coming slowly but surely. We’re looking to relieve traffic and improve safety of this area. This has been a big focus for the county,” Parker says.
The county has some safety improvements coming to River Road soon as well. Crews will be working on the addition of reflective markings and rumble strips to the road. This work will lead to some nighttime closures on River Road from Main Road to Maybank Highway. This will take place from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Friday for about the next two weeks.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
The youngest child welcomed to family through adopted embryoWADMALAW ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, one Lowcountry family has 21 special reasons to be thankful.The Thornley family on Wadmalaw Island has 21 children, all adopted from around the world. But the youngest little Thornley traveled a different route to join the family – and it all proves a family simply requires love and not necessarily DNA.News 2 first introduced you to the Thornley family back in 2017; at the time, t...
The youngest child welcomed to family through adopted embryo
WADMALAW ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, one Lowcountry family has 21 special reasons to be thankful.
The Thornley family on Wadmalaw Island has 21 children, all adopted from around the world. But the youngest little Thornley traveled a different route to join the family – and it all proves a family simply requires love and not necessarily DNA.
News 2 first introduced you to the Thornley family back in 2017; at the time, they had 12 children who were adopted from countries around the world. Now, George and Diana Thornley have 21 children aged 12 months to 23 years.
Having this many mouths to feed comes with a hefty price tag when it comes to buying groceries. “It is roughly a little over $4,000 a month,” said Diana. “That is watching what we spend, having a couple of vegetarian meals a week. We are lucky to get some donations from Panera every other Friday night, so that helps out a lot.”
And the pair make it work. The family also has two passenger vans, and the older kids have cars and jobs.
“Our “why” for doing it, is because kids need families. Kids need homes. No child asked to not have a family,” said Diana.
“I think it’s amazing to see how I get supported with everybody. They care for me a lot, and I love them all,” said 12-year-old Carlee Thornley.
George is an engineer with the Department of Defense and has three biological children from his first marriage. He designed their nine-bedroom Wadmalaw Island home, and they make use of every inch.
The youngest Thornley, Chance, joined the family by way of a different adoption method.
“We have baby Chance, and we adopted his embryo, and he was in Tennessee. Right now, in America, there are about a million embryos just sitting frozen that are potentially children, and we decided we wanted to bring another child in the home, and I had friends who had done embryo adoption,” Diana explained. “I said I would look into it. I want to get the word out about embryo adoption because everywhere I go, people do not realize that is an option, and clearly, I needed help getting pregnant.”
She went on to say, “I was 48, the day before 49. He was born the day before my birthday, and so it’s a great conversation piece because people have no idea, and so it’s a great option for some people to know there are so many embryos out there that need a chance.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, from 2004 to 2019, there were 21,060 frozen donated embryo transfers in the United States, resulting in 8,457 live births.
“It certainly is being utilized more and more,” says Dr. Jeris Cox, founder of Adore Fertility.
She helped the Thornleys conceive. “Embryo adoptions have been around since the 1980s, but I would say that probably has not been utilized until the 2000s for the most part,” said Dr. Cox. “Egg donation, sperm donations, and embryo adoptions are all being utilized more and more. I think embryo adoptions are becoming more popular because there is less cost, and sometimes a little less obstacle for couples to be able to go to an embryo that’s already been created. There’s more testing sometimes that’s done, so they know that embryo from the family that created that embryo had healthy kids, so we know that embryo has a very good likelihood of creating a healthy child. All of those factors in to give parents a little more reassurance, especially if they have to choose between donated eggs, and sperm to create their own embryo, or if an embryo is already created.”
Dr. Cox says the cost could run around $20,000 per embryo.
Most clinics have age limits between 50 to 60. “I think for patients, a couple of different things make this an option. For older patients, older women unfortunately our eggs run out of use in our early 40s, and for older women who want to have families later in life, it’s a great option, because they either have to use a donor egg from someone, or they can choose to take a donor embryo of life created and give full life to that by carrying that pregnancy. Some couples who have fertility issues that are younger and have egg and or sperm issues have to use a donor egg and donor sperm, or they can choose to adopt an embryo and carry that embryo to give life as well. Those are typically the patients we see who are doing embryo adoptions,” she explained.
“I went through all the prep work to get my body ready. I was able to carry him successfully. They induced me at 37 weeks due to me being older, and it was absolutely amazing,” said Diana.
“I think what she has done in her life as for as donating her life to adopting and fostering children is amazing. I also think she always wanted to be able to carry on her own, but life circumstances did not work out that way for her upfront, so embryo adoption was an amazing way for her to continue to get to adopt children,” says Dr. Cox.
The older Thornley siblings say the more the merrier. Izzy Thornley, 16, says “Seeing him be born, and being so loved and how he came to be with our family was pretty awesome.”
The eldest Thornley sibling, 23-year-old Thomas Thornley, recently graduated from the College of Charleston. He says, “It’s more of a blessing. Learning about embryo adoption, that’s actually really cool. I didn’t know you could do that. With all that’s going on in the world today, that’s one way to make the world a better place. I want the world to know, that our family is like God’s family, very diverse, and we do our best to love each other.”
The Thornleys say they have not completely ruled out welcoming more children in the future, but for now, it’s 21.
“At this point, we’re very happy with him and very happy with our family,” said Diana.
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A woman neighbors describe as a staple of the community has a new home thanks to a group of volunteers.Sea Island Habitat for Humanity celebrated another closing on Johns Island Friday, handing over the keys for the second house they completed this year to Clareatha Matthews.Matthews says she has been waiting for this day to come. She previously lived in a trailer right behind her new home for almost 40 years. On average, trailers are only supposed to last 10 to 15 years.Matthews is an active ...
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A woman neighbors describe as a staple of the community has a new home thanks to a group of volunteers.
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity celebrated another closing on Johns Island Friday, handing over the keys for the second house they completed this year to Clareatha Matthews.
Matthews says she has been waiting for this day to come. She previously lived in a trailer right behind her new home for almost 40 years. On average, trailers are only supposed to last 10 to 15 years.
Matthews is an active member of the community and has been a resident of John’s Island since 1989. She is involved in multiple Bible studies and has worked at the John’s Island Subway for 20 years now.
“Oh my god today means so much to me. I have been blessed and truly blessed for this day. I have been waiting for this day,” Matthews says.
The project to build her home began in September. When a new homeowner is picked, they are required to work a certain amount of “sweat equity” hours by working with volunteers to help build their own home. Matthews was required to work 300 and volunteers say she continued to come out and work on her house even when her required hours were completed.
“She is just a staple. She is a very active part of this community, and she was also very involved in her habitat sweat equity hours. Continuing to come out and help work on her house even after she finished her hours,” Construction site supervisor Kali Tanguay says.
She also said that they have seen some new homeowners in the past fall short on their hours or not want to commit, but that Matthews went above and beyond.
Her friends and family came out to celebrate and help Matthews move in. Her daughters said their mother worked three jobs when they were growing up and that she never complained. They said that she deserved this greatly.
“We owe our entire life to Habitat for Humanity. It’s very special because my mom is such a dependable, hardworking, and deserving lady and it’s good to see her just totally happy,” Matthew’s daughter, Veronica Huggins, says.
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity completes an average of five to six houses per year and they are hoping to see that number continue to grow.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
South Carolina boasts nearly 200 miles of ocean coastline. Yet, it has one of the highest rates of households without enough to eat. Now struggling fishermen are teaming up to help feed those in need.Daniel LaRoche watches as his crew, who’s just returned from nearly two weeks at sea, hoists dozens of giant swordfish from the belly of a boat. Some are real whoppers, weighing more than 200 lbs.Fishing is a way of life for LaRoche. It’s all he’s ever known.“Yes, I am technically fourth generation,...
Daniel LaRoche watches as his crew, who’s just returned from nearly two weeks at sea, hoists dozens of giant swordfish from the belly of a boat. Some are real whoppers, weighing more than 200 lbs.
Fishing is a way of life for LaRoche. It’s all he’s ever known.
“Yes, I am technically fourth generation,” says LaRoche. “My father actually built this facility here in the late 70s.”
LaRoche owns Cherry Point Seafood on Wadmalaw Island, just south of Charleston, selling fresh fish and shrimp from his dock. But making a living, he says, has never been harder. He wrestles daily with the rising costs of fuel, boat repairs and lures.
Then, there’s that tidal wave of cheaper, frozen shrimp from foreign countries that the South Carolina Shrimpers Association calls a crisis. LaRoche’s dock was once home to more than a dozen shrimp boats, long iconic to the Lowcountry. Now there are three, including two he owns.
“Shrimp are extremely hard to get rid of right now,” says LaRoche. “The only thing that's really keeping us going is we're catching a lot of them.”
LaRoche says he must sell even more shrimp to compete with imports as he struggles to keep up. Now, a new program promises help, by providing monthly pre-paid orders for 160 pounds of his shrimp and swordfish.
So, who’s picking up the tab? The South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston.
It may seem like an unlikely partner. But the aquarium promotes sustainable seafood as part of its mission to inspire conservation. The state boasts nearly 200 miles of ocean coastline. Yet, it has one of the highest rates of households without enough to eat.
Conservation director Sara McDonald says their latest project, part of the Good Catch program, connects fishermen with people who are hungry.
“Everyone deserves to have a healthy meal that is hand prepared with care and that is locally sourced,” says McDonald.
The project, for now a 2-year pilot, works like this. The swordfish the aquarium buys from Cherry Point Seafood, with the help of donors, is first delivered to the Culinary Institute of Charleston. Department head Michael Carmel says the sizeable fish gives students much needed practice while teaching a valuable lesson.
“It helps our students become more aware of the challenges we all face,” says Carmel. “Because food is expensive and probably more so now than ever before.”
The shrimp, meantime, is taken to 180 Place, a homeless shelter tucked behind high rises in downtown Charleston. Community Kitchen Chef Maddie Bojarski can’t wait to cook it. She relies almost entirely on donations and salvaged food to crank out hundreds of daily meals. Protein can be hard to come by.
The shelter provides meals, not only for people who have a bed there, but many who do not. Bojarski serves lunch through a kitchen window to anyone who might otherwise go hungry.
“We see new faces every day,” says Bojarski. “I see, you know, someone that could be me or you or any of us.”
In another kitchen, at the Lowcountry Food Bank in North Charleston, those newly cut swordfish filets are pulled from an oven. Then, they’re carefully packaged with colorful fruit and vegetables.
This is the first time Executive Chef Emily Cookson has prepared swordfish in the food bank’s kitchen. It’s inside the same giant warehouse where truckloads of donations are unloaded and continually sorted.
Cookson hopes the fish will not only provide nutrition, but comfort.
“You know, sometimes, I think people who need assistance feel very marginalized,” says Cookson.
The swordfish meals will be delivered to people who are homebound. And it’s not just seniors, says the Executive Director of Summerville Meals on Wheels Crystal Bovell.
“You know, because of Covid, because of the current economy, we’re having lots of different kinds of people call,” she says.
Chip and Beth Strickland volunteer for Meals on Wheels and see all kinds of people who are homebound. They say some have been physically injured, others recently widowed. The couple hand delivers food door to door from the trunk of their car.
“It’s just very rewarding just to see people so grateful for such a simple thing,” says Chip Strickland.
The couple regularly visits Patricia Craven who’s clearly struggling as she opens the door in a housecoat. Her heater is no longer working, and she can’t afford a new one. The Stricklands recently helped her get a new front door.
Craven seems grateful for the company and breaks down in tears as Chip says goodbye while giving her a hug.
“Thank you. God bless ya’ll,” she says.
The Stricklands say they never knew there is so much need until they volunteered and asked how they can help. And they do it, not just during the holidays, but all year long.
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — Clean-up efforts are underway after vandalism resulted in a 60-gallon diesel fuel spill on Johns Island, officials with Charleston Water System said Monday.The diesel fuel spilled into a stormwater ditch behind homes along Colonel Harrison Drive that leads to the Stono River. Residents initially discovered and smelled the fuel spill over the weekend. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control was called on Sunday to help with the spill.Read more: ...
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — Clean-up efforts are underway after vandalism resulted in a 60-gallon diesel fuel spill on Johns Island, officials with Charleston Water System said Monday.
The diesel fuel spilled into a stormwater ditch behind homes along Colonel Harrison Drive that leads to the Stono River. Residents initially discovered and smelled the fuel spill over the weekend. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control was called on Sunday to help with the spill.
Read more: "Successful oil spill cleanup in Charleston by Coast Guard, no marine life threats."
“Our contractor cleaned up a portion of the spill, immediately called in a professional environmental remediation company, and notified SC DHEC and the EPA’s National Response Center,” said Mike Saia, Charleston Water System's public information administrator. “It may take several days for them to recapture all remnants of the fuel.”
This is the third instance of vandalism to contractor equipment in recent weeks, and the Charleston County Sheriff's Office is investigating.
“I mean it is a very, in depth vandalism. It's not just a rock through the window. It’s someone who came out here to destroy this 200-something thousand-dollar machine,” said Chad Hunter, owner of Hunter Landworx Construction, the contractor onsite.
Hunter showed up to his Johns Island job site Monday expecting to quickly finish a project he’s been working on since October. Instead, he found his machinery completely vandalized.
“There are wires in there, cut and hidden like that. We wouldn't be able to find it if we didn't see that all the fuel around it, my guys would've gotten in the machine. He put rocks and all in our engine to try to blow the engine up,” Hunter said.
But the damage doesn’t stop there.
Read more: "Suspicion arises over two Colleton County mobile home fires in three days."
The vandalism led to a 60-gallon diesel fuel spill into the surrounding area along the Stono River. Charleston Water System owns the construction project, and its staff says they’ve never seen damage this bad.
“We don't see a lot of vandalism. If we do, it's very, very minor, and easy to repair. But this is a different situation because not only did the person damage the equipment related to the job, but they've also damaged the environment,” Saia said.
Saia said they were able to soak up as much of the liquid fuel as possible and the Coast Guard confirmed to CWS that the spill didn't reach the river.
Now, Hunter must pick up the pieces.
He said the damage to his machine alone will cost a few hundred thousand dollars and his crews are now behind on all their current projects.
“We're out here to clean up somebody's mess as well as take time from our family and slow down the project. I mean, it's hurting everybody, the neighborhood, everything around us is just getting messed up from one person,” Hunter said.
“One hour's worth of work is causing weeks of fix-up.”
News 4 has reached out to CCSO for more information.
