Federal Court Orders More Environmental Studies for Highway Through Congaree National Park

Posted 10/16/08

On September 30, 2008, Federal District Judge Margaret Seymour issued an order ruling in favor of Friends of Congaree Swamp, South Carolina Wildlife Federation and the National Audubon Society in their suit against the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The [order]( concludes that the Environmental Assessment issued by FHWA for the proposed reconstruction of bridges and causeways for the US Highway 601 crossing of the Congaree River floodplain did not comply with the National Environmental Policy Act. SCELP’s Jimmy Chandler argued the case in a hearing held on September 9.

The Highway 601 crossing runs through the authorized boundaries of the expanded Congaree National Park. Judge Seymour’s order concluded that the environmental assessment prepared by the FHWA “lacks the requisite scientific analysis and rigor. The FHWA has been enjoined from further actions on the bridge program until this deficiency is resolved.

» Download available: OrderJudgeSeymour.pdf

SCELP Completes Two Day Trial in Wedgefield II Case

Posted 09/02/08

SCELP's attorneys have reported that our appeal is on target after completion of a two day trial in our Wedgefield II case on August 25-26, 2008.

The appeal, filed on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Georgetown and the Coastal Conservation League, challenges a permit and certifications authorizing the placement of dredged spoil materials in 13 acres of wetlands adjacent to the Black River.

» More...

Summer 2008 Newsletter Now Available On-line

Posted 09/02/08

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project’s latest newsletter, Mountains & Marshes, Summer/ Fall 2008 is now available on-line.

This issue features our "Call to Arms" regarding the possible invalidation of our state's Coastal Management Program,

The newsletter is in an Adobe pdf format, and you will need the Adobe Reader - available free from Adobe.

Visit our downloads page for all issues available.

2008 Pawleys Pavilion Reunion a Great Success!

Posted 03/31/08

Despite almost being canceled and an early occuring thunderstorm that sent tents into a nearby creek, many have heralded this years event as "the best yet!" After the rain cleared up the band started playing and the good times began. The music, food, company and bathrooms (yes, the bathrooms and if you attended this year you know just what I am talking about) were enjoyed immensely by everyone.

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Farewell, Bill Marscher

Posted 01/30/08

It is with heavy hearts that we write of the passing of one of the Low Country's most respected environmental advocates, SCELP board member Bill Marscher. His tireless dedication to conservation will be sorely missed and hard to match. You can view two articles on Bill, from the Beaufort Gazette & the Hilton Head Island Packet or a tribute by Bob Bender.

Major Win in the Smiley Case, Helping Protect Citizen's Rights

Posted 01/11/08

On July 30, 2007 SCELP won a case making it clear that individuals who use and enjoy our state's natural resources can challenge agency permitting decisions that would harm that use. To read more on this and the issue of "Standing" see our Winter/ Spring 2007- 08 newsletter.