Key Beaufort drainage ditch is clogged. Here’s the city’s $99,000 fix to protect 250 homes

A key stormwater artery in Beaufort is clogged, putting up to 250 homes in the Mossy Oaks area in jeopardy of flooding during severe weather.

The $99,000 dredging project began Wednesday on a short stretch of the seven-foot wide stormwater runoff ditch that carries water from Duck Pond to Battery Creek. That stretch, which is currently clogged with fallen trees, vegetation and silt, could potentially result in major flooding during hurricanes, tropical storms and “microburst rain bombs,” project manager Neal Pugliese says. Like a bathtub, the clogged area fills up with water.

“We’re deeply concerned about extreme weather or destructive weather events,” Pugliese said.

Between 200 to 250 homes on Battery Creek Road, Jane Way, Center Drive East and Elizabeth Lane, will be at less risk after work is completed in about two weeks, Pugliese said.

“You’ve got to make sure the water stays at 5.4 feet or below so you don’t have homes that are flooded,” Pugliese said.

The tidal gates near the Spanish Moss Trail, where the Duck Pond area water ends up, are activated when the tide reaches 5.4 feet, Pugliese said.

On Wednesday, Lowcountry All Works, the contractor, was planning to put down matting along the work area to protect the ground from the heavy equipment, the city said.

Reach Pugliese at npugliese@cityofbeaufort.org or 843-986-5609 with questions.