The peaceful waters of Cove Creek on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, are now becoming a serious concern for residents and town leaders. What used to be a popular spot for swimming, boating, and relaxing is now shallow, muddy, and potentially dangerous. On Monday morning, residents and town officials came together to talk about the possibility of dredging the creek to fix the growing problems.
How Cove Creek Has Changed Over the Years
In recent years, sediment has slowly built up in Cove Creek. This has caused the water to become shallow and murky. People living near the creek say it’s much harder now to use boats or reach their docks. Long-time resident Loren Ziff explained how the sediment has made life difficult. He said you have to plan your daily routine around the tides just to avoid getting stuck.
Safety and Health Risks Are Growing
Apart from boating troubles, residents are also concerned about pollution. Hannah Dodson, who has lived on Sullivan’s Island for 15 years, said her family used to swim in the creek and enjoy jumping off the dock. Now, she no longer feels safe doing that. Even during high tides, the creek remains filled with mud, making it unsafe and unpleasant.
Dodson added that she’s worried about pollution collecting in the mud. If left untreated, this could become a serious health issue for people and animals using the creek.
What Town Officials Are Planning
During the meeting, the town council discussed the steps involved in dredging the creek. Councilmember Carl Hubbard raised an important question about whether to get cost estimates first or apply for permits before moving ahead. The process seems long and requires careful planning, but both the council and the residents agreed that something must be done—and fast.
Residents Want Long-Term Solutions
Many locals spoke out, urging the town to not only dredge Cove Creek once but also to plan for regular dredging in the future. They believe ongoing maintenance is the only way to prevent the creek from filling up again. Residents like Dodson stressed that action is urgently needed to stop the pollution from getting worse.
Despite the concerns, there was hope in the room. People felt the meeting was a step in the right direction. The discussion will continue next Monday, and many hope that real action will soon follow.
Cove Creek is more than just water—it’s part of the community’s daily life and memories. But now, it’s becoming a place of concern due to shallow water, safety hazards, and pollution. The people of Sullivan’s Island are standing together, asking for quick and regular action. While challenges remain, the recent meeting gave residents a chance to voice their worries and push for a cleaner, safer creek. As talks continue, the community remains hopeful that change will come—before it’s too late.
