HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — A proposed landfill expansion in Horry County has sparked controversy and environmental concerns among residents.
The Horry County Solid Waste Authority plans to expand its landfill by more than 400 acres around Sterritt Swamp, filling in over 100 acres of wetlands.
Residents fear the expansion could lead to pollutants in nearby water sources and increased flooding.
Amelia Wood, a local resident, expressed her concerns, stating, “South Carolina laws are so minimal that they can be do something that’s lawful, but it’s still awful.”
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She added, “Sterritt Swamp is not just a swamp, it’s a tributary of the river.”
Board member Bo Ives acknowledged the sensitivity of the site and said the board has made plans to address potential issues.
“We’ve removed everything humanly possible,” Ives said.
“We put in engineered structures that work as detention structures to hold any kind of runoff so that evaporates and doesn’t get into our system beyond this site.”
The board estimates the current landfill will reach capacity in about 15 years.
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Ives explained, “We’re exploring all alternatives we can do on this site. Unfortunately, the only sites that are available do have environmental consequences.” He added, “We decided to do a Hail Mary pass and just say Army Corps, we’re running out of sites.”
The cost of the expansion project remains undetermined until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decides on the permit.
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A public meeting is scheduled for Feb. 23, offering tours and information from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Solid Waste Authority along Highway 90.