The Edisto River – the longest free-flowing blackwater river in North America – is facing another industrial threat. On the banks where a coal plant operated for decades, a new gas-fired power plant is now proposed: the Canadys Station Combined Cycle Generating Plant.

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is hosting a public availability session, meeting and hearing on the project’s Stormwater application and Coastal Zone Consistency (CZC) request. While this permit application and accompanying certification focus on stormwater and coastal-zone issues, they are part of a much larger project with wide-ranging implications for water quality, wildlife habitat, nearby communities and the long-term health of the Edisto River and ACE Basin.

SCDES needs to hear from you!

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Take Action

Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Walterboro Wildlife Center, 100 S Jefferies Blvd., Walterboro, SC 29488
5:00-6:00 pm: Public Availability Session (informal conversations with SCDES staff)
6:00 pm: Public Meeting 
7:00 pm: Public Hearing on the Stormwater application and Coastal Zone Consistency request

You can pre-register for the event and learn more on the Canadys Station Project SCDES webpage: Canadys Station Project | South Carolina Department of Environmental Services

Can’t attend? You can still submit written comments to DES through September 29 at: Public Notice – Details – ePermitting

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Talking Points

SCELP and our partners are urging SCDES to carefully consider the full range of impacts before moving forward with any permits for Canadys. We invite you to do the same. You may wish to raise one or more of the following concerns in your comment:

• The Edisto River has already suffered decades of pollution from the former coal plant; adding a large new gas-fired facility risks further harm to water quality, wildlife and downstream impacts within the ACE Basin.
• The Coastal Zone Consistency review should fully consider how this project aligns with protecting coastal resources, especially given the Edisto’s ecological significance and existing contamination.
• Nearby communities deserve a comprehensive, transparent review that accounts for cumulative impacts on health, water, land and quality of life.
• DES should require robust safeguards, monitoring and enforceable conditions to protect the Edisto and surrounding areas before approving any permits.

Add your voice to the record and help ensure the Edisto’s future is not decided without meaningful public input.