[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 87 (Friday, June 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SOUTH CAROLINA SEWER DIVERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. HENRY E. BROWN, JR.

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2003

  Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in South Carolina, a new 
breed of heroes are saving the city of Charleston from a potentially 
catastrophic sewage explosion and subsequent environmental disaster. It 
will take years and millions of dollars to replace the aging Charleston 
sewage tunnels. Until then, the Commissioners of Public Works are 
calling upon divers to repair the existing pipes and tunnels. Already 
two sewage tunnels have suffered minor cave-ins, but these divers were 
able to prevent the dumping of millions of gallons of wastewater into 
the harbor. Sewage divers are crawling more than 120 feet underground 
into a mire which is so dark and filled with murky sludge that even the 
strongest light is unable to reveal what surrounds them.
  Daily, these brave men risk their lives to protect the well being of 
other citizens in their community. Although their job has a high level 
of difficulty, the divers do not complain but fearlessly complete what 
they believe is ``just their job.''
  On behalf of the residents of South Carolina and especially 
Charleston, I would like to commend the sewer divers for their bravery, 
selflessness, and dedication to the historic city and its overall 
welfare.

                          ____________________