Anderson County, S.C., Hires New Storm Water Manager

Anderson County, S.C., hired a new storm water manager, an applicant with six years experience in the field of environmental quality control.

Jonathan A. Batson, former health manager for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control in Anderson, was selected over 27 other candidates, said Joey Preston, county administrator.

"He was by far the best fit," said Preston. "His credentials and experience will be an asset as we progress towards compliance with these new federal and state mandates for storm water management."

Batson will assume his new duties Oct. 8, and the health department will continue overseeing storm water regulation in the meantime.

Anderson County officials recently established the storm water management department in order to keep compliant with new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency runoff and water quality regulations.

Batson, a Clemson University graduate with bachelor's and master's degrees in aquaculture, fisheries and wildlife biology, will work with two full-time inspectors and a plan reviewer.

The county has budgeted revenue for the storm water department from an existing sewer tax levied on unincorporated areas. Residents will pay $4 a month toward the program, and commercial property owners will pay based on the amount of their land that promotes runoff.

Source: Anderson Independent-Mail