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

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?

Along with the Coastal Conservation League, we are opposing the potential issuance of a permit to dredge up to 75,000 cubic yards of sand from Midway Inlet to rebuild the south end of Litchfield Beach. We find the permit fundamentally flawed, as it neglects to address impacts on endangered species, overlooks critical habitat considerations, lacks a comprehensive plan for beach scraping and fails to justify an emergency need for this work. “The permit should be denied until the BiOp provides adequate assurances that the scraping will not negatively affect the current species living in the proposed scraping area and the neighboring Clubhouse Creek and Pawleys Island,” said our staff attorney Monica Whalen. Read more about this sand dredging project in the Coastal Observer article: https://lnkd.in/eCAiCQv3 #SCELP #ForTheWildSide

February may be a short month, but we’ve made progress in a couple of our coastal cases! In this e-news, our subscribers will read about the recent hearings for our coastal septic and Ten Mile cases. We also touch on our collaborative work to protect wetlands and Paris Mountain! ???? Join our community to stay informed: https://lnkd.in/gnyhX7zQ #SCELP #ForTheWildSide?

Let’s talk about ordinances! ?? Through ordinances, local government can enforce laws to address the specific needs of their community. Read through these slides to learn more about how these laws get passed. You’ll also learn about a wetlands ordinance that our team worked on with the Town of Bluffton, which is on tonight’s Bluffton Planning Commission meeting agenda! #SCELP #ForTheWildSide?