I-85 sewer expansion in Oconee gets approval to operate

SENECA, S.C. – An infrastructure project 45 years in the making got approved Thursday afternoon.

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services gave final approval to the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA) for the operation of a wastewater treatment/collection system in the southern part of the county.

Known as the I-85 Corridor Expansion, this project has been on the planning documents for almost 45 years, said Chris Eleazer, Executive Director of the OJRSA. 

The project consists of approximately 8,400 linear feet of gravity sewer, two pump stations, and 16,500 linear feet of force main pipe to serve the areas near exits 1 and 2 on Interstate 85.

The OJRSA will start contacting potential customers in January 2025 about connecting to the system.

About the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority:

The Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA) is a governmental agency providing wastewater treatment service to the cities of Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, the town of West Union and their surrounding areas. In 2025, it will also provide wastewater conveyance and treatment to the southern portion of Oconee County. Learn more about the agency and its expanded coverage area at www.ojrsa.org.