The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) set a temporary safety zone on the waters of the Waccamaw River in the vicinity of the Santee-Cooper ash pond in Conway, S.C., effective 7 a.m., Saturday through Oct. 19 or waters recede.
State and federal authorities have determined that potential hazards associated with and resulting from high waters of the Waccamaw River are present in the area and that vessel traffic will increase the potential of severely degrading flood berms adjacent to the Santee-Cooper ash ponds. The safety zone will cover all navigable waters of the Waccamaw River between U.S. Business Highway 501 and U.S. Highway 501 in Conway.
To seek permission to enter the safety zone, contact the Coast Guard via VHF-FM channel 16, or through Coast Guard Sector Charleston’s command center at 843-740-7050. Those in the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP’s designated representatives.
