Citizens Group Stops Proposed Williamsburg County Megadump

Posted 04/23/09

A group of Williamsburg County citizens and property owners has succeeded in its efforts to keep a proposed “megadump” out of the county. Despite earlier approval of a proposed 2.375-million tons per year landfill, Williamsburg County Council voted unanimously to declare any contracts for waste disposal facilities with the North Carolina landfill company MRR Southern null and void. The county will pay $750,000 to remove itself from all previous agreements with MRR.

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SCELP Appeals Permit for Development Along Kiawah River

Posted 03/05/09

SCELP is representing the Coastal Conservation League in appealing a critical area permit issued by the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to Kiawah Development Partners, II (KDP). The permit authorizes a 270' long revetment/bulkhead system along the banks of the Kiawah River. Revetment structures like this harden the shoreline and effect the movement of water and sand. Click HERE to view an informative video on this controversial project, courtesy of the Coastal Conservation League.

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"Lawyers Weekly" Spotlights SCELP

Posted 02/18/09

"Lawyers Weekly" writer Fred Horlbeck came by in early January to write a story about the SC Environmental Law Project.
His featured article did a great job at covering some of what SCELP does, how SCELP does it and even a little insight as to why.

Please click HERE to read the full story.

SCELP Says Farewell to Two Long-time Supporters

Posted 02/17/09

SCELP Lost two long-time supporters in recent months.

Dr. Pat Worrell of Murrells Inlet ended his battle with cancer in January of 2009. Dr. Worrell was an tireless advocate for coastal protection, particularly in the Murrells Inlet area. His dedication and passion will be sorely missed.

H. C. Edens of Little River passed away peacefully on February 11, 2009. Mr. Edens was an avid horticulturist and a loyal supporter of SCELP's work. He was also a life member of the Garden Club of South Carolina, and an honorary member of the Yaupon Garden Club.

SCELP Will Not be Hosting the 2009 Pawleys Pavilion Reunion

Posted 01/17/09

Sadly we must inform everyone that our organization will not be hosting the 2009 Pawleys Pavilion Reunion. We had a wonderful time in 2008 and we look towards 2010 with hopes that we may be able to again host this beloved event. Several factors, including the economy, contributed to this decision. Please note, we see this as a postponement - not a cancellation of this cherished event. You can check back here and at www.pawleyspavilionreunion.com for further updates and information.

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

Posted 01/16/09

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

Winter 2008 - 2009 Newsletter is Now Available Online

Posted 01/08/09

Our most recent newsletter is now available on-line.

Inside find information on our victory in Federal Court regarding the Congaree National Park as well as a spotlight on Landfills in South Carolina. We are currently working on some interesting cases which are highlighted in our Case Updates. Finally, don't forget to read about how we participated in a major land protection initiative... All of these issues are covered in detail inside the issue.

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.

» Download available: Winter-Spring2009.pdf

The State Newspaper's Story on The Riddle Dairy Farm Case

Posted 01/01/09

The Riddle Dairy Farm has been polluting for years.
Thanks to a Riddle Dairy Farm neighbor, Wayne Windham, DHEC has known about this pollution and disregard to state regulations for years as well but nothing had been done.
SCELP took on the case in early 2008 and the agency finally levied a $4,000 fine to the polluting farm in November.

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» Download available: RiddleArticle.pdf