As hurricane season progresses, Charleston County is preparing for potential storms by designating sites for debris disposal. However, a site in Ravenel has sparked controversy among local residents who are concerned about its future use.
Hurricane Debris Site in Ravenel
Charleston County has an agreement with a property owner on Hyde Park Road in Ravenel to use the land for hurricane debris. The site was last used in 2019 after Hurricane Dorian when the county burned debris, leading to complaints from residents about smoke in the area. In response, the county committed to ceasing future burning at the site.
Resident Concerns
Despite assurances, local residents like Andrea Dunn were under the impression that the site would no longer be used. Dunn expressed frustration over the lack of communication, asking why they weren’t notified about the ongoing agreement with the property owner. She questioned the county’s transparency and voiced concerns about more trucks on local roads.
County’s Explanation
The county explained that the Hyde Park Road site is still on the list of debris disposal locations due to its location within a quarantine zone for the invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle. This beetle species poses a significant threat to local forests, and having a designated debris site within the quarantine zone helps prevent the spread of infected trees.
Future Use of the Site
While the site has not been used for more than five years, the county confirmed that if it is used again, no burning of debris will take place. County officials emphasized that they are following regulations to manage the quarantine zone and prevent environmental damage.
As hurricane season continues, the county assures residents that the site will not be used for burning debris. However, concerns remain about the potential for future use, and some residents feel they have not been adequately informed.
