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Situation Report for Hurricane Dorian- September 5, 2019, 1:30 pm

The JIPSD FD Emergency Operations Center continues to operate at OPCON 1 as crews have worked tirelessly through the night to keep roads as open as they can. Crews have been assigned to areas and have been cutting down trees and tree limbs enough to open roadways for emergency vehicles to pass.

Crews have cut and removed over 100 trees and large limbs as of 1:30PM. They have not been able to remove all trees from the road, as some have power lines tangled in them. For safety, crews can not cut those trees until Dominion power removes the lines and declares them de-energized.

Hurricane Dorian is now immediately off our coastline, with winds of 110 MPH and gusts of 132 MPH. The storm is now tracking NNE at 7 MPH and headed out of the area. This does not mean it is over however, as the effects of the storm will be felt into the evening.

Please do not leave your residence if you did not evacuate. Stay in your home. Emergfency crews are working hard to ensure the safety of all our residents. Additional vehicles on the roads only adds to the risk of both responders and residents. BE aware of standing water, and do not attempt to drive through it.

Please check out our social media pages as well as our website for more information, including road closures due to downed trees.

Situation Report for Hurricane Dorian- September 4, 2019, 1:00 pm

The JIPSD Emergency Operations Center is at OPCON 1, fully staffed and in 24-hour operation through the duration of the storm. The members of the EOC participated in the Charleston County Emergency Management Divisions 12:30 PM conference call and received updates on the storm and county operations, as well as provided updates about the status of the JIPSD.

The JIPSD offices are still closed. The JIPSD FD will increase its staffing at 1:30PM, to bring in the shift assigned to work Thursday. This provides for a safe transport for all personnel into work and increases available manpower as the storm begins to move into the area this evening.

Hurricane Dorian is currently 185 miles South of Charleston and is moving NNW at 8 MPH. Winds are 105 MPH with gusts of 127 MPH, and a barometric pressure of 964 mb. The projected path has Dorian passing off the South Carolina coast Thursday morning into the evening.

Coastal areas are still under evacuation orders, and 4-7’ flooding is projected above the astronomical high tides, which will be approximately 1AM and 1PM Thursday. Residents are urged to remain off the roads if they have not evacuated by this evening. Residents are always cautioned to not drive through standing water and use caution. Once sustained winds reach 50 MPH, emergency response crews will not be dispatched, and residents will have to wait for the winds to subside before crews will be dispatched. 9-1-1 will take down all information, and the calls for assistance will be queued based on need and priority.

The Charleston County Citizens Information line is staffed for questions from citizens about the storm and county operations.

Please do not approach any downed power lines should you come across one. Assume all lines are energized, even if the area you are in is without power. Lines may re-energize without warning. Do not wade through or allow your children to play in standing water, as the potential for sewage back-up is present. Should you see water bubbling from a manhole, stay out of the water.

And lastly, please stay safe. Stay tuned to your local and regional weather channels and news channels for up to date information. The JIPSD will post updates as available in its Social Media platforms.

For more information, please also see our JIPSD Hurricane Info page here: https://www.jipsd.org/hurricane-info/

Situation Report for Hurricane Dorian- September 3, 2019, 1:30 pm

The JIPSD Emergency Command Group met today at Noon to discuss plans for the operation of the JIPSD during the next several days as Hurricane Dorian moves into our area. The ECG took part in the Charleston County Emergency Management Division conference call at 12:30PM.

Hurricane Dorian lost strength during the evening, and is currently a Category 2 Hurricane with wind speeds of 110 MPH and gusts of 132 MPH. Barometric pressure is currently 958 mb, and the storm is moving NW at 2 MPH. Dorian is 400 miles SSE of Charleston and is expected to track off the coast of the United States for the next 48 hours. Winds and rain are projected to begin affecting the area Wednesday, with the storm passing by on Thursday. Rain amounts of 6-10” with heavier rain on the coast are expected, as well as flooding of 4-7’. Be caution of areas that are prone to flooding.

The evacuation order the Governor of South Carolina issued is still in effect, and lanes are still reversed on I-26. The CCEMD has four shelters open, with one being a pet shelter, and information about those shelters can be found at the Charleston County Citizens Information Line, 843-746-3900. CARTA services have been suspended as they support the transportation pick-up for shelters. Information about transportation can also be found at the Citizens Information Line.

The JIPSD has closed its administrative offices as well as all non-emergency services effective today. Offices are expected to reopen Monday September 9, at normal hours. There will be no trash pick-up this week. Residents who needs sandbags can contact the Town of James Island, as there are no sandbags available at local fire stations. All non-emergency services are now closed.

Stay tuned to your local and regional weather channels for further updates on Dorian, and also the JIPSD social media sites and web page for more information about services.

For more information, please also see our JIPSD Hurricane Info page here: https://www.jipsd.org/hurricane-info/

Situation Report for Hurricane Dorian- September 2, 2019, 1:30 pm

Currently, Hurricane Dorian is still a Category 4 Hurricane with wind speeds of 155 MPH and gusts of 190 MPH. Barometric pressure is currently 922 mb, and the storm is moving WNW at 1 MPH. Dorian is 425 miles SSE of Charleston and is expected to begin turning towards the North this evening. Winds and rain are projected to begin affecting the area Wednesday, with the storm passing by on Thursday. Rain amounts of 6-10” with heavier rain on the coast are expected, as well as flooding of 4-7’. Be caution of areas that are prone to flooding.

The Governor of South Carolina issued an evacuation order for coastal areas this morning, with lane reversals of I-26 beginning at Noon today. Residents who access I-26 can not exit off the interstate until they reach Columbia. Residents are urged to evacuate in anticipation of the storm possibly making landfall in the area. The CCEMD has opened four shelters, and information about those shelters can be found at the Charleston County Citizens Information Line, 843-746-3900. CARTA services have been suspended as they support the transportation pick-up for shelters. Information about transportation can also be found at the Citizens Information Line.

Stay tuned to your local and regional weather channels for further updates on Dorian, and also the JIPSD social media sites and webpage for more information about services

Situation Report for Hurricane Dorian- September 1, 2019, 1:00 pm

The JIPSD Emergency Command Group (ECG) participated in the 12:30 Charleston County Emergency Management Division’s conference. The JIPSD is currently operating under OPCON 2 (Elevated) mirroring the CCEMD as well as the SCEMD. Currently there are no changes to the operations at the JIPSD, with Monday being a holiday. We are closely monitoring any decisions from the Governor’s office regarding evacuations and will alter our operational plan based on that decision.

Hurricane Dorian is now a Category 5 hurricane, with sustained winds of 180 MPH, with a barometric pressure of 913mb, and is moving to the West at 6-7 MPH. While the overall track is uncertain, the consensus is that Dorian will take a Northerly turn over the next 24 hours and begin moving up the coast, with the storm off our coastline between Wednesday and Thursday. As of now, we can expect 6-10” of rain and tropical storm force winds coming into the area late Tuesday into Wednesday.

The JIPSD is closely monitoring the storm, and will keep its associates and citizens informed of any changes to the storm, and to our operations through our various social media outlets. Additional information can be found through local and regional weather channels, as well as the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center. Charleston County has activated its Citizen Information Line, and can be reached at 843-746-3900.

Please make plans now for a potential evacuation order. Do not wait until the late Tuesday to have a plan as to where to go, or to stock up on supplies. Dorian is expected to be a Category 2 storm when it is off our coast but that could change.

For more information, please also see our JIPSD Hurricane Info page here: https://www.jipsd.org/hurricane-info/

Situation Report for Hurricane Dorian- August 31, 2019, 1:00 pm

The JIPSD participated in the fourth Charleston County Emergency Management Division conference call today at 12:30PM. Hurricane Dorian has begun to take a Northerly turn and is expected to follow the coastline Northward over the next several days. Estimates have it off the South Carolina coast between Tuesday or Wednesday evening. The CCEMD and the JIPSD are in preparations for a potential strike and are making plans for such. The Governor of South Carolina has declared a state of emergency for South Carolina. This allows for more rapid Federal assistance as well as the activation and deployment of the South Carolina National Guard if needed.

Hurricane Dorian is currently 575 SSE of Charleston, and is currently moving West at 7 MPH. Maximum sustained winds are now 150MPH, with gusts of 185 MPH with a barometric pressure of 945 mb. It is currently a Category 4 storm, however there is potential it may weaken slightly over the next two days to a Category 2/3 storm when it makes it to the South Carolina coast. Models do show it shifting to the East, however there are too many variables this far out to accurately predict that it will continue that shift.

The JIPSD Emergency Command Group will meet Sunday to determine the course of action to be taken over the next few days. The JIPSD has moved to OPCON 2 to mirror the Charleston County EMD’s move at 1:00PM today.

Rains have already begun in the area, and coupled with the King Tide, will cause coastal flooding over the next two days in advance of the storm itself.

Residents are urged to continue preparations for the storm and advised to fuel vehicles in anticipation of an evacuation order from the governor. Stock up on food and water and make sure you have an evacuation plan in place and ready to act on it.

Stay tuned to your local and regional weather channels and be sure to check out the JIPSD webpage and social media sites for information about what the JIPSD is doing, and what you can do as well. Preparedness information is available at https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

For more information, please also see our JIPSD Hurricane Info page here: https://www.jipsd.org/hurricane-info/

Situation Report for Tropical Storm Dorian- August 30, 2019, 1:15 pm

The JIPSD participated in the third Charleston County Emergency Management Division conference call today at 12:30PM. Hurricane Dorian is still under close scrutiny and will continue to be so by the CCEMD for the next several days. Forecasts still have it striking the Florida mainland Tuesday, but projections after that point are varied, and it could take a turn towards the South Carolina coastline.

Hurricane Dorian is currently 850 SSE of Charleston, and is currently moving to the NW at 10 MPH. Maximum sustained winds are now 110MPH, with a barometric pressure of 972 mbar. It is expected to increase in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before striking Florida.

Residents are urged to continue to watch the storm path and continue to make plans in the event the storm turns this way. Heavy rains will begin moving into the area this weekend as mentioned previously, with the possibility of 10-15” of rainfall. Coastal flooring is still a concern with the upcoming King Tide as well.

Stay tuned to your local and regional weather channels and be sure to check out the JIPSD webpage and social media sites for information about what the JIPSD is doing, and what you can do as well.

For more information, please also see our JIPSD Hurricane Info page here: https://www.jipsd.org/hurricane-info/

Situation Report for Tropical Storm Dorian- August 29, 2019, 2:00 pm

The JIPSD Emergency Command Group met this afternoon at 12:15 in order to participate with the Charleston County Emergency Management Division’s County-wide conference call. Charleston County EMD is closely monitoring Hurricane Dorian and its movements. The JIPSD is also monitoring Dorian and evaluating how it may impact services on the Island.

As of 11:00AM, Hurricane Dorian is approximately 1100 miles Southeast of Charleston, moving at 13 MPH to the NW. Winds are currently 85 MPH and are expected to increase significantly over the next few days. Its current track is expected to make landfall in Florida Tuesday as a Category 4 Hurricane. However, there is still much that could change over the next few days.

The JIPSD is currently at OPCON 3 (Normal Operating Conditions) and will remain so until a significant change of course is seen. We will be watching the storm closely over the weekend.

Charleston may not receive a direct strike, but the effects of Dorian will be felt here, and have already started. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect and should be throughout the weekend. Expect flooding in the usual flood prone coastal zones with high tides. Stay out of standing water, and do not drive through it. When in doubt, turn around. As the weekend progresses, there is a chance of heavy rains, bringing more potential flooding to areas. Dangerous surf may be encountered this weekend and into early next week.

As always, stay tuned to your local and regional weather services for more up to date information, and check out the social media pages for the JIPSD for important information pertaining to the storm, as well as services effected by the storm within the JIPSD. We urge everyone to stay alert, and to be prepared in case the storm takes a turn towards us. Now is the time to stock up on supplies and have an evacuation plan in place in the event it does turn. Do not wait until that time to begin, as supplies will run out quickly. Fuel vehicles, have water and food ready.

For more information, please also see our JIPSD Hurricane Info page here: https://www.jipsd.org/hurricane-info/

Situation Report for Tropical Storm Dorian- August 28, 2019, 1:30 pm

The JIPSD Emergency Command Group (JIPSD ECG) met today at 11:45AM in order to participate in the Charleston County Emergency Management Division’s first conference call at Noon. CCEMD reports they are closely monitoring TS Dorian’s movements and have been in contact with the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center. It is still too early to accurately determine a path for Dorian. The JIPSD ECG will be closely monitoring the storm over the next few days, and is planning a second planning meeting Thursday August 29^th, following the next CCEMD conference call.

The JIPSD is operating under normal conditions (OPCON 3) and will continue to do so until a more accurate path can be determined, at which time operating conditions will be changed to reflect the path if necessary.

TS Dorian is currently approximately 1500 miles Southeast of Charleston, moving at 13MPH to the Northwest, with maximum winds of 70mph, and a barometric pressure of 997mb.

With the upcoming weekend being a holiday weekend, and JIPSD offices and services being closed Monday September 2^nd, we would like to ask that yard debris accumulation be kept to a minimum, and that residents refrain from any unnecessary pruning or cutting, in preparation in the event that TS Dorian turns our way. This will allow crews to focus on removing debris from the Island and minimize any airborne hazards should TS Dorian make landfall in our vicinity.

Residents and associates of the JIPSD can follow us on social media, as well as our webpage for pertinent updates as to TS Dorian and our operations.

In addition, follow TS Dorian on the National Hurricane Center at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at5.shtml?start, as well as your local and regional weather channels. Preparedness information is available at https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

For more information, please also see our JIPSD Hurricane Info page here: https://www.jipsd.org/hurricane-info/

I would like to make corrections to the Editorial titled “James Island PSD must face budget realities” in the July 1 edition.

First, and most important, the Town of James Island and the James Island Public Service District are TWO separate and distinct entities. In fact, the JIPSD serves the City of Charleston, the City of Folly Beach, unincorporated Charleston County and the Town of James Island, all with equal dedication, expertise, and budgetary accountability. But be sure you are aware that JIPSD associates ARE NOT employed by the Town of James Island. They work for the James Island Public Service District and residents.

The JIPSD has been in existence since 1961 and was not formed to be “independent from Charleston”. It was formed to provide basic living services to island residents before the City of Charleston had any interest in acquiring any part of the island, and long before both J. Palmer Gilliard and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. began looking with avarice at this green island. It was in existence before the Connector was built. So, for the record, the JIPSD was in existence LONG before the Town of James Island was even considered.

The JIPSD is and has been a service organization. JIPSD provides the basic needs of fire and rescue services for the health and welfare of island residents; solid waste collection services to pick up the refuse of our daily lives and add to the welfare of the residents; and wastewater services for much of the island and parts of Folly Beach so septic tanks could be relegated to history and consistent sewage control and removal could add to the health of island residents where possible.

The Town of James Island has to depend on the JIPSD being able to keep its 50+ year old services up-to-date and in good working order to provide the services the Town promises to its residents.

The Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds created by you and me and everyone else who purchases goods and services in the county generates much more money for the Town of James Island than it requires operationally since it does not DIRECTLY provide traditional services including: law enforcement (Charleston County Sheriff’s Office), solid waste collection (JIPSD), fire protection (JIPSD), and wastewater services (JIPSD), as well as other municipal responsibilities. These are all by contract or agreement. The JIPSD budget discussions include the cost of services to the Town residents as well as the rest of the island.

General Fund income is 95% funded by property taxes and the rest from municipal agreements between JIPSD and agencies such as the Cities of Folly Beach and Charleston. The General Fund expenses include 45% for Fire and Emergency responses, 21% for Solid Waste and 18 % for capital expenses, all to keep us safe and to maintain our standard of life.

Wastewater services is a different animal. It affects many of us daily. If something goes wrong, we know it. Customers’ wastewater bill payments generate 88% of the Wastewater department’s revenues; they do not receive any tax revenues. The entire budget is then spent primarily as: 32% in wastewater treatment on Plum Island, 33% in operations and maintenance, and 13% in principal & interest on the loans we have incurred for the entire system. The JIPSD wastewater system includes 67 pumping stations, 81 grinder pumps (mostly at Bee Field and Battery Island), 3,246 manholes and over 150 miles of underground wastewater lines that keep wastewater flowing safely off the island.

Every time a new subdivision or apartment complex or business is added to the island, JIPSD’s resources are stretched a little thinner and loaded a little heavier. I am proud that the associates of the JIPSD realize that they have a responsibility to keep expenses as low as possible and keep undue burden off the customers while continuing to provide an exceptional level of service to all.

Regards,

Alan Laughlin

JIPSD Commission Chair

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