Nesmith landfill concerns residents
Last Updated on 12/1/2008
Published on 9/23/2008
By Clayton Stairs
cstairs@gtowntimes.com
Could a proposed landfill six miles west of the county line in Nesmith have a negative impact on the residents and natural resources of Georgetown County?
That is the question that concerns some local residents who say the transportation of garbage from other counties and other states, most likely by trucks and trains, will come straight through our area. Georgetown County officials are depending on state and federal regulations to protect the public on this side of the county line.
During a recent Williamsburg County Council public hearing about the proposed landfill, approximately 30 of 100 Nesmith residents present spoke out against the project. Williamsburg County Supervisor and other officials told the people in attendance that a contract between that county and Material Recovery and Reclamation (MRR) Williamsburg, LLC, will ensure protection for the landfill site and surrounding areas.
Jamie Jordan, a resident of Georgetown County who attended the hearing, stated in an e-mail to the Georgetown Times he feels the residents of this county will be "significantly affected" by the proposed landfill because "garbage trains" are not secure.
"I feel that the residents of Georgetown County should be at least made aware of the potential long-term environmental threats this landfill offers to us," Jordan wrote.
"It is my opinion that Georgetown County should at a minimum require Williamsburg County to provide environmental impact studies on each wetland and river that flows into our county that will be crossed by these garbage trains. Georgetown County is downstream and too close to this location not to have a say."
In his e-mail he states although "tremendous infrastructure is planned to prevent leaching from occurring within the landfill," his concern is the transportation of the garbage to the landfill.
"It's not a coincidence that the landfill is located beside a railroad track," Jordan wrote. "These tracks will be used to haul garbage into Nesmith from all over the United States. The water that fills our swamps and rivers will be crossed by these unsecured railcars daily for 30 years."
He adds that he had the "unfortunate opportunity" to witness a garbage train in route to a landfill near Bishopville.
"(I) witnessed first hand that these cars are not secure," Jordan wrote. "I saw trash hanging from several cars and liquids leaking from others."
Meredith Sims, another concerned Georgetown County citizen who attended the public hearing, also wrote an e-mail to the Georgetown Times. She states in her e-mail that people need to know about "this outrageous situation."
"The public has been largely in the dark about this matter until a few days ago," Sims wrote. "Despite Nesmith being a small community, there is a large and outspoken opposition to this and they would like to be heard."
Local officials
Georgetown County Administrator Sel Hemingway says the planned landfill is a Williamsburg County project, and Georgetown County has no jurisdiction to demand anything from its neighbors to the west.
"Certainly, as we've learned in other areas, there are a lot of permitting that has to be done for a project of this magnitude," Hemingway said. "I know there are many regulations for the facility itself and I'm assuming there are regulations for the transport of the material as well."
He says wherever Williamsburg County chooses to build a landfill to replace the outdated one in Salters will elicit a similar response from nearby residents.
"I understand their concerns, but this is one of those unfortunate situations that deals with one sector of public service," Hemingway said. "When you have a public utility that collects and disposes of waste, the landfill has to be located somewhere."
He adds that the only thing Georgetown County can do is to ask that all regulatory requirements are met, just as it would be required of Georgetown County in a similar project.
"I know it is a difficult situation for the leaders of Williamsburg County because they have an issue that needs to be addressed -- a solution to get rid of waste," Hemingway said. "They need to weigh through the alternatives and make the best decision to represent the needs of the majority of their citizens."
Georgetown County Councilman Austin Beard, who represents Andrews residents, says he has not heard a lot of concerns from his constituents about the proposed landfill. However, he feels it is the responsibility of Williamsburg County Council to communicate with Georgetown County officials.
"Obviously, I think it is common courtesy that they make us aware of what their intentions are and the regulations require them to do so," Beard said. "Six miles is a good distance when you think about it, as far as proximity to our county. I definitely think that Horry, Georgetown and Williamsburg counties need to keep each one apprised to projects such as this."
There will be a public forum about the proposed landfill on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m. at Nesmith Baptist Church. Another public hearing will be held before Williamsburg County Council on Thursday, Oct. 2, before third reading of the contract agreement with MRR Williamsburg.
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The residents of Nesmith and Williamsburg County deserve better from their elected officals. Evidently this deal was brokered in the dead of night between Williamsburg County, MMR and RMS who owned and sold the land to MMR. Resource Management Services and/or Red Mountain Timber, whatever name this fly-by-night organization operates under, sold the land to MMR for this proposed landfill. Shame on RMS for placing the almighty dollar ahead of long term environmental concerns. By selling this property to MMR it is more than evident that RMS placed their own selfish monetary concerns over any concerns of the local environment, long term environmental health of the local community and the citizens thereof. No doubt that land values surrounding this landfill will drop significantly if this proposed landfill is constructed and begins operation and will indeed never recover. Enviromental issues, ie water quality and air quality, are just two examples long term concerns steming from this landfill. Couple these concerns along with the health issues a landfill of this size will generate, in the short and long term. I urge all citizens of Nesmith and Williamsburg County to ban together, form a central group, and fight this landfill from coming into exsistance. Contact the local media, newspapers and TV, and get them involved. Have them investigate all parties concerned in this lanfill......Williamsburg County Council, RMS, MMR and bring to surface the details of this landfill to public knowledge. A landfill of this scope will be a blight upon Williamsburg County and the good citizens of Nesmith for generations to come. What a waste of a natural resource. Posted by Randolph Wilson on 9/27/2008
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This notice is for the citizens of Nesmith (Williamsburg), Georgetown County and Florence County. How can we all allow the Williamsburg Councilman and the DHEC officials destroy 600 Acres of Trees, Clean Air and Destroy Wetland. This area is centrally located between several major rivers, swamps and lakes. All of our fishing and hunting (Deer’s, Ducks, Quail and Turkeys) days are over. They are going to destroy our entire animal’s habitats that are located in the 600 Acres. Earlier this summer several citizens were having problems with Bears coming into their backyard, with 600 Acres being demolished where are the animal going to live. Well the citizens of Williamsburg, Georgetown and Florence Counties will have another major problem to solve. The chemical from the proposed landfill will destroy the Fresh Air, the Soil and the Grass that the people and animals live and rely upon. Once the Earth is contaminated you can’t get it BACK. We don’t want Bird Flu, We don’t want our Horses dying, We Don’t want Mad Cow Disease, We Don’t want to destroy our Rivers, Lakes and Swamps (the fish will be contaminated with Mercury),We Don’t want Cancer to become a MAJOR ISSUE in our area (The Farmland will be contaminated), We Don’t want Respiratory Problems from not being able to enjoy the FRESH AIR that 600 Acres is providing. Think people Green Earth is a Clean Earth. Don’t be Fooled thinking you will not be affected by this Toxic Wasted that will be dumped from all of the States that don’t live in South Carolina. They just want to get rid of their TRASH and Destroy LIVES and NATURE Posted by NATURE LOVER on 9/27/2008
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On who's land will this proposed landfill be placed? May need to check that out. Posted by Curious on 9/26/2008
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I bet if a land fill was proposed near Wedgefield, Belle Isle or the Waccamaw Neck areas, this woul dbe done and over with. It is awful how we treat people in rural areas. Most have low incomes and are minorites. Shame, shame and once again Shame. Stand up for the these people and the area!!!!! Posted by on 9/26/2008
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Landfills and MEGADUMPS are potential health hazards which destroy our land and fresh water supply. Once they are contaminated, they are contaminated FOREVER! Posted by Fisherman and Hunter on 9/26/2008
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The County Administrator claims that he has no control in this issue due to County lines, but will he have control on the impacts that Georgetown County will face? If and when the County's rivers/wetlands/land are impacted by the new landfill, will Mr. Hemingway be there to support Georgetown County and help show that any negative impacts are coming from the new landfill? Will he be there to enforce policies or change to benefit Georgetown County? Or will he just say it's out of his jurisdiction, even if these issues are falling on Georgetown County. Also, how will the existing landfill be able to compete with the new one? What will happen to this viable part of the County's organization? Issues like this need to be addressed, not blown over because this new infrastructure will not technically be in Georgetown County. Posted by Georgetown Resident on 9/26/2008
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To Nesmith Residents MRR,DHEC, and some of your county council are working together to bring this landfill to your community. You MUST at all times stand together to defeat them. DHEC WILL NOT monitor landfills by MRR. MRR monitors THEIR own landfills. It's like the fox guarding the hen house! Look at the cover in Horry County by DHEC for over 26 years. That is their record! MRR will DO ANYTHING to put a landfill in your community. THey sent a threatenibg letter to Marlboro County Council TELLING them "THey BETTER NOT change their solid waste plan to keep them out". You have got to get your county council to CHANGE their solid waste plan(SWP). MRR will make all kinds of threats, but that plan has to be changed before that final reading is done. YOU as a group have to keep protesting, anywhere you can. You must keep exposing them. Contact Blue Ridge Environmental DEfense League(BREDL) for asistance. They have chapters in S.C., N.C., Va. and Tn. Good Luck Posted by Been there also on 9/26/2008
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I would like to know HOW this will effect the current landfill in Georgetown County. What will happen to that one? Posted by Georgetown County Resident on 9/25/2008
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Nesmith and its surrounding communities and towns do not need a landfill in its back door! We are citizens living there and our vote against it is a resounding NO!!!! We want to maintain a clean environment for all living things and beings. This is such an awful idea for the council of Williamsburg County to be entertaining. We, the people are the ones who live in the area and to have them take any kind of action without involving citizens throughout the whole process is illegal!!! We will not sit quietly as you thought with our eyes closed and minds discredited. We are human beings and we too have the right just as many other towns and cities to flat out denied this awful toxic waste from all over the world to enter communities. The citizens in Nesmith and surrounding communities need access to positive environmental development. Williamsburg County Councilmen; What is the vision for economic development that you have for our county? I am interested in seeing a comprehensive, positive economic development plan---5,10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 year plan for Nesmith. During the past 50 - 75 years bare minimal change / improvements have been made. Post the comprehensive economic development plan on the Nesmith / Williamsburg County website. To date, we have consistently had to submit and resubmit many requests for repavement of highways, the sides of the highways are seldom maintained, we lack suitable ditches to drain off excessive water and just 2 years ago, city water lines were finally established in the Nesmith area. We are taxpayers too and we demand that the revenue be dispersed equitably to improve communities in Williamsburg County. Anyone can see immediately where the invisible revenue line stops in Williamsburg County. Do these elected councilmen see the deficits and do they care? I will answer that, No! It is obvious that they have no vision for county to have a positive impact on citizens who voted for them to become councilmen. We sure can use some caring and genuine, visionary leaders who can bring about change in a positive way and not through disasterous means. Back to a comprehensive vision and goals for our county...It really needs to start with clear and effective communication to inform citizens about all proposed projects / plans at its onset. The media is so accessible to everyone and not just limited to those who want to fill political and govermental leadership positions during election periods. Please use the US mail, internet, radio, television, telephone, and yes, real councilmen who knows how to visit churches and other public locations to share information with the citizens with whom they represent after each council meeting. Communicate,communicate...remember, it is okay to keep people informed. Keep open lines of communication between local government, city officials and all citizens. Publish council meetings and agendas on the county's website, in the newspaper etc. Don't with hold information from citizens...that is something that happened in the past and we do not need to repeat history! Once we all have open access to information, the county will be stronger as a result of its involved and supportive citizens! The citizens of Nesmith and its surrounding communities have spoken loudly in physical and verbal forms (more than 350) to personally expressed their dissatisfaction with a landfill and the idea must be TRASHED!!! The trash needs to be buried in those cities, towns and states where it is created. Let the ones who have the businesses and jobs, eat the best foods, have the wonderful amenities in their well maintained and progressive communities and cities manage their own trash. The people in Nesmith have minimal trash and we don't have access to the best resources to create lots of trash. Keep the trash away from our communities. Williamsburg City Councilmen, these are several ideas to get your group started with the development of a proposed plans for positive economic development in the Nesmith area: Seek citizens input by conducting a needs assessment survey to determine what people see how they would like to improve the county. Fully disclose to citizens (via all media available) how revenue have been used on a yearly basis within the county. Establish a train depot station to transport people to and from jobs in surrounding towns and cities-Charleston, Columbia, Andrews, Kingstree, Johnsonville, Georgetown, Hemingway,Bloomingville, Myrtle Beach, etc. Convert Chavis Elementary & High School into a county trade school for citizens to access - carpentry, plumbing, nursing, welding, mechanic,electrician, culinary arts, sewing etc. Invest in the people and economic development will emerge to a large degree! Seek out and secure viable company opportunities for the area for its citizens to access employment. Seek out opportunities to establish a fully equipped community center for recreation and health needs of citizens in the Nesmith area. Seek opportunities and use funds to establish a hospital in Nesmith. Evaluate the educational system to determine where the problems are. It needs to be improved. This is a priority because the children's future are at stake when education is not a priority. Another suggestion, establish a model school on the model site that is being proposed for a landfill. Our children should not have to travel the greatest distance ALL THE TIME to access a sound education! Quality schools will help to produce quality citizens so that we will have problem solvers and strong leaders. This educational business is a serious matter and that's where the council needs to be discussing instead of talking about an agreement for a landfill. Our children are inspiring to become incredible leaders, thinkers and problem-solvers who will be prepared to make valuable contributions in many careers in Williamsburg County, SC, and in the Country. Councilmen, consider big dreams for a better future for our children, their children and future generations to come! We can't take steps backward! Our foreparents have worked hard to leave us a gift of land and a peaceful environment for living and to sustain our families, their heirs in Nesmith, South Carolina. They had vision and really thought more about us, and others than themselves by not giving up in difficult times to pave the way for all who are enjoying the Nesmith area today. Lets not stand still citizens in Nesmith and surrounding communities and watch our children, our own lives and community be contaminated with toxic waste. Lets continue to ban together as Citizens of the Williamsburg Council to shout out against this toxic landfill. No landfill in Nesmith!!! Leave our animals and sea animals alone, leave our natural wild life alone, leave our waterways alone, leave our land alone, leave our air that we breathe alone, leave our green and wetland alone! Please do not take our voices for granted. The lives of too many people have been upset by this hasty,irresponsible action that is about to be dumped on us and our homeland. Take the landfill "somewhere" to a very, very far away remote area away from people's homes and work places. Williamsburg County Councilmen, your charge to led and govern the county in a civil and equitable manner is a serious one. It should not be taken jokingly because the lives of humans are involved. It is crucial that you consider citizens before you consider yourselves...the citizens of Williamsburg County as other citizens have done echoed with a resounding NO in many other counties to a landfill deal/agreement/proposal. Please think, give careful thought to this matter on behalf of the citizens of Nesmith and all ethnic groups in Williamsburg County. Posted by A Concerned Williamsburg County Citizen on 9/24/2008
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Truth is nobody wants a landfill to go in their back yard but it has to go somewhere. As for the enviromental concerns DHEC regulates landfills and they are very strict. Sorry guys but I think in all honesty there is nothing Georgetown County can do. Posted by oh yeah on 9/24/2008
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Impacts to people near landfills in the U.S. Communities near landfills are increasingly facing health consequences from air and water contamination. Environmental contamination from landfills is entering waterways and underground aquifer at alarming rates. Liner breaches are not uncommon. Liners can delay contamination but they do not prevent it. With large amounts of toxic solid waste entering landfills today, ground and air contamination pose a significant threat to public health for those living within thirty to fifty miles of a landfill, and will eventually degrade the environment far beyond those limits. Posted by Concerned Georgetown Citizen on 9/24/2008
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Williamsburg County does not need an awful landfill in Nesmith, SC. It makes me sick to think that for more than 50 years (and that's being kind) now Nesmith has not seen any visible economical growth. We should see more in our city than just a post office and one convenience store that is largely frequented by travelers on their way to Myrtle Beach. It's sad to think that our uneducated councilmans think that a landfill would be in the best interest of citizens of Williamsburg County. They have no idea with the citizens of Nesmith need and we ALL NEED TO VOTE THEM OUT!The citizens of Nesmith need a city that's progressing and populated with businessess that meet our needs. For example, we could benefit from businesses that have been or are being built in nearby cities such as an urgent care center,library,Wal-Mart, McDonald's,Dollar General,Wendy's, small scale malls,etc. These are businesses tha many people frequent in and out of our community and would be a great start to developing a thriving community. As mentioned in other posts we as citizens of Nesmith, SC were not informed of this project and DO NOT welcome it at all. Lastly, I would like for all points opposing this project to be read and taken seriously because as usual things in Williamsburg County are done haphazardly and without any educated thought process or direction. A LANDFILL IN NESMITH, SC IS NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITIZENS OF NESMITH, SC OR WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY. People, please think and let's move our city and county forward with positive business dealings and not negative ones. Posted by Fran Cooper on 9/24/2008
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I am outraged that this landfill is going to be built in my backyard. I am one of the constituents that live on the border of Willliamsburg County. I DON'T WANT A LANDFILL IN MY BACKYARD....Regardless of what county...I have grandkids and I want them to be able to appreciate the environment and the quality of life exhibited in this small rural community. WE WILL BE AFFECTED....MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL. Don't DESTROY NESMITH MINGO CREEK, ANDREWS, BLOOMINGVILLE area. The Chemicals will destroy the fishing areas and destroy lives. Posted by Georgetown County Resident on 9/23/2008
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