SANTEE -- Residents of the Lake Marion area will soon have an opportunity to learn more about water quality by attending a public information meeting.

The meeting will address a research study focused on improving water quality in Chapel Branch Creek and its entrance to Lake Marion.

The session will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, at the Cultural Arts Center located at the Santee Town Hall Complex. Snacks and drinks will be provided for participants.

Sponsored by a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Section 319 Grant through the South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control, the project will run through 2011. Local partners for the project include private landowners, representatives from area golf courses, the Town of Santee, Santee-Cooper, Santee State Park, the Orangeburg Soil & Water Conservation District, U.S. Forest Service, Clemson University, The College of Charleston and the S.C. Department of Transportation.

An important fishing and boating area for residents and visitors, Chapel Branch Creek drains nearly 4,000 acres of land and flows into Lake Marion.

"The study is being conducted to learn about the connection between activities on land and the quality of the water in Chapel Branch and the nearby section of the lake," Dr. Dan Hitchcock of Clemson University said.

At the Santee Town Council Meeting on April 2, Hitchcock explained that when a storm occurs, the rainwater that flows off of hard surfaces like highways, streets, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and rooftops enters creeks, eventually flowing into Lake Marion. This water, known as stormwater, can carry chemicals to local bodies of water. High levels of chemicals from stormwater may be affecting fishing and boating in and around Lake Marion, he said.

The goal of the project is to find any possible sources of nutrients (such as nitrogen found in fertilizers and wastewater) that may be flowing into Chapel Branch Creek. Once any sources of nutrients are found, a plan will be developed to reduce the amount of these chemicals that enter Chapel Branch Creek and Lake Marion. A part of the project will be devoted to educational activities for the public, local businesses and school children.

"We hope to see a large turnout of residents so that we can learn more about this important issue," Santee Mayor Silas Seabrooks said.

For more information, contact Dr. Dan Hitchcock, Clemson University, at 843-546-1013, ext. 236, or the Town of Santee at 803-854-2151.

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