WHEREAS, an industrial accident occurred at Milliken Company in the City of McCormick, South Carolina, on the morning of March 18, 1998, resulting in a chemical release from the plant; and,

WHEREAS, this release inundated the primary water supply system of the City of McCormick, thereby rendering it unsafe for public consumption and generally inoperable; and,

WHEREAS, this system is the primary water supply for the citizens of the City of McCormick and they are solely dependent upon for potable water; and,

WHEREAS, the system was closed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and therefore could not be used as a drinking water supply for the City; and,

WHEREAS, to assist the City in maintaining an adequate supply of drinking water, alternative sources and support are required from the South Carolina National Guard.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution and laws of the State of South Carolina, I hereby place the South Carolina National Guard on state duty and order the utilization of the South Carolina National Guard's personnel and equipment to assist in the maintenance of adequate drinking water supplies for the area.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 25TH DAY OF MARCH, 1998.

DAVID M. BEASLEY
Governor

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 11:19 A.M.