Charleston County is facing a pressing issue: its landfills are filling up quickly, and the county is now looking to acquire new land to build a landfill that can accommodate the needs of the growing population. The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is working to find a suitable location while minimizing environmental impact and addressing concerns from local communities.
Bees Ferry Landfill and the Need for Expansion
The Bees Ferry Landfill, one of the county’s primary waste disposal sites, is expected to be operational for about 30 more years before it reaches full capacity. According to Thomas Cue, the director of the EMA, there are possibilities to extend the landfill’s lifespan by expanding vertically, which could add another 10 years. However, it is clear that within the next 28 to 30 years, a new site will be needed.
The Process of Finding a Suitable Landfill Location
Choosing a new landfill location involves extensive testing to ensure it will not harm the environment. The process includes geological testing to ensure that the waste does not seep into the surrounding land or waterways, which could lead to contamination. This careful testing process can take up to 10 years, which is why the EMA is asking the Charleston County Council to approve hiring a consulting firm to help with the search for a new site.
The goal is to bring in experts with proven experience in selecting landfill sites and ensuring the environmental safety of these locations. Cue emphasized the importance of working with qualified experts who have a track record of successfully managing landfill sites.
Community Considerations in Landfill Selection
When selecting a site for a new landfill, the EMA places a high priority on minimizing the impact on the surrounding community. The county understands that landfills can affect people’s lives, and they are committed to ensuring that any new landfill has adequate buffers to prevent direct impacts on nearby residents. Cue reassured the public by stating, “But the fact is, there will be a landfill next to you. And there are big buffers that we put in, so nobody’s right next to it or on top of it.” He added that they will do everything they can to make the new landfill as unobtrusive as possible.
County Council’s Role in Approving the Search
To speed up the process of finding a new landfill site, the EMA is requesting approval from the Charleston County Council to bring in a consultant to assist with the search. The County Council is set to meet on Thursday, July 17th, at 5:00 p.m. at the County Council Chambers to discuss and potentially approve this request.
As Charleston County continues to grow, finding a new landfill site is becoming increasingly important. The Environmental Management Agency is working to ensure that the new site is environmentally safe and minimally disruptive to local communities. With the approval of a consulting firm, the county hopes to expedite the search for the perfect location.
