South Carolina Environmental Law Project

Need Our Help? Did you know you could submit a Help Request anytime, directly from the #SCELP website? If you are interested in our services for an environmental problem affecting you or your community, fill out this form. https://lnkd.in/eZRACM3A

Is choosing between a hotel or hundreds of apartments the best we can do for Paris Mountain? Greenville County residents may have heard that if the Inn at Altamont project falls through, the Divine Group might instead build nearly 800 apartments on the site. This has sparked anxiety as many residents grapple with the question of whether a hotel or apartments would be worse for this beloved Greenville landmark. But we shouldn’t settle for choosing between the lesser of two evils. We can, and must, demand what this iconic place truly deserves – protection. We choose Paris Mountain. Read more in this commentary by our Staff Attorney Emily Poole: https://lnkd.in/erqXNicG?

Please join us in welcoming our newest Staff Attorney, Kenzie Poole! ?? Kenzie served in the prestigious Presidential Management Fellowship program with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC. She earned her J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 2023. During her time in law school, she was an Arthur R. Morgan Human Rights Fellow and William S. Richardson Champion for Public Service. Kenzie received her B.S. in Law and Public Policy from Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, with honors. Kenzie is happiest when spending time in nature – hiking, kayaking and snorkeling are her favorites – and with those she loves. She enjoys practicing yoga, reading and pottery, and lives in Charleston with her partner, Dan, and cat, Charlie. #SCELP #ForTheWildSide?

Sediment that has been left undisturbed for decades in Georgetown Harbor could be hiding potential threats. On behalf of the Coastal Conservation League (CCL), we are raising concerns about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) dredging project in Georgetown Harbor. We believe the current environmental assessment falls short and are calling for a supplemental environmental impact statement that thoroughly examines the risks of unearthed toxins and chemicals, which could jeopardize public safety. “[CCL is] concerned about the water quality impacts it can have when you are stirring up all these sediments that have been settled for approximately 15-20 years since there has not been a dredging project in a while, and there also hasn't been studies done fully by the army corps in a while,” said staff attorney Monica Whalen. The USACE and Department of Environmental Services are taking public comments until April 4. Questions and comments can be submitted to?[email protected] Learn more about this dredging project in this story by WPDE: https://lnkd.in/eX4dKHEc #SCELP #ForTheWildSide?

From the graceful heron to the elusive salamander, South Carolina's rivers teem with life. Unfortunately, freshwater ecosystems are the most threatened on Earth, with an alarming 83% decline in species since 1970 – double the rate of loss in oceans or on land. We cannot afford to lose these vital habitats and the creatures that depend on them. We’ve been fighting for South Carolina's rivers for decades. We've pushed to prevent septic pollution in the Upstate’s Reedy River, fought industrial waste in the Midlands and preserved countless other waterways in our state. This ongoing effort to protect our rivers and the wildlife that depend on them is fueled by the generous support of supporters like you. Together, we are safeguarding South Carolina's rivers and the wildlife that call them home. ?? #SCELP #ForTheWildSide #InternationalDayOfActionForRivers?

We’re excited to celebrate Lowcountry Earth Month again this year by cleaning up Gadsden Creek! ?? Join us on April 22 as we clean up one of Charleston's last tidal creeks. We'll supply everything you need and provide instructions before we begin cleaning the waterway and surrounding roads. We can’t think of a better way to spend Earth Day! ?? Sign up for the event here: https://lnkd.in/eHRrVGwb #SCELP #ForTheWildSide #EarthDay

On behalf of South Carolinians for Responsible Agricultural Practices (SCRAP), we are appealing the South Carolina Administrative Law Court's dismissal of their case, which contested the permits for 16 new industrial poultry barns in Mountville. The proposed barns, which would contain more than half a million broiler chickens and generate 3,220 tons of manure annually, would significantly worsen the already problematic air and water pollution in the area. SCRAP was denied its opportunity to present evidence of the impending harms. The Administrative Law Court dismissed their case before any arguments could be heard, citing a 2018 state statute that effectively prevents challenges to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) permits. This dismissal violates their constitutional right to due process and equal protection, rights which cannot be overridden by a state statute. “For far too many years, the Mountville community and its natural environment have perished because of the over-proliferation of poultry farms in this area,” said staff attorney Emily Poole. “SCRAP’s members, all of whom are right on the doorstep of these proposed CAFOs, challenged these additional permits in an effort to protect the environment and community they call home from the water quality problems, air quality problems, odors, pests, and other negative impacts to health and welfare that would result from the operation of these facilities. SCRAP and its members have a constitutional right to present their case in court, and we will continue to advocate for that right until they are heard.” Learn more about this case here: https://lnkd.in/eg5fJctG #SCELP #ForTheWildSide

On this International Women’s Day, we’re recognizing the powerful impact of our predominantly female team, all of whom share an unwavering passion for South Carolina's land, water and communities. Explore these slides to learn what fuels their fight to protect the state we call home. ?? #SCELP #ForTheWildSide #IWD2025?

We have seen firsthand how much pressure explosive development can put on a local government and the services it provides. Today, the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Ad Hoc Subcommittee considered S.227, a bill offering a vital solution: concurrency programs. At this morning’s hearing, our staff attorney Emily Poole explained that S.227 empowers counties and cities to ensure infrastructure and services, like roads, schools and emergency services, keep pace with growth. Concurrency fosters collaboration between local governments and developers, leading to proactive solutions to prevent infrastructure overload and avoid costly conflicts. Passing S.227 gives local governments the tools they need to manage development effectively and protect their public resources. #SCELP #ForTheWildSide?

We celebrate South Carolina’s wild side every day. But today, on World Wildlife Day, we’d like to take some extra time to highlight some of the flora and fauna that fill our state with wild wonder. ???????? #SCELP #ForTheWildSide?