Feb 7 Notice from DHEC provides update on FRED-Walther Farm settlement

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Information Update
February 7, 2014

Consistent with an agreement, Walther Farms will reduce surface water withdrawals from
the Edisto River.  On February 3, 2014, Walther Farms received a modified surface water
withdrawal registration from the Department for their Aiken County farm. The registered
maximum monthly withdrawal of 805 million gallons per month has been reduced to 400
million gallons per month. Walther Farms also cancelled their request for a surface water
withdrawal registration from the Edisto River for their Barnwell County farm. On
February 4, 2013, the Department received a Notice of Intent (NOI) under the
Groundwater Use and Reporting Act for two wells to be installed for irrigation at the
Aiken County farm location and six wells to be installed for irrigation at the Barnwell
County farm location.  The NOI is required to be filed with the Department at least 30
days prior to well construction.  Groundwater withdrawals from the wells are proposed
from deeper aquifers about 400 to 500 feet below land surface.   Please note this NOI to
the Department is not subject to Department review, approval, or permit; therefore, this
update is being provided for information only. If you have any questions, please contact
Paul Bristol at (803)-898-3559 or [email protected].