September 8, 2023

Clare Fieseler, The Post and Courier

‘This is a crisis’: Green groups seek temporary pause on new septic tanks along SC coast

Septic tanks are an invisible source of coastal pollution in the Lowcountry. Two environmental groups are requesting a “temporary pause” on some new septic tanks in South Carolina’s coastal counties, at least until the state adopts a permit process more in step with rising seas and increasing storms.

At a Sept. 8 hearing, the Charleston Waterkeeper and Coastal Conservation League requested a brief ban on septic tank approvals in Charleston County Circuit Court. This proposed ban only pertains to large-scale housing developments, as well as homes within 200 feet of state waters in coastal counties. Single-family homes replacing an existing tank, for example, would likely not be impacted.

“When I say ‘this is a crisis,’ I’m not exaggerating,” said attorney Leslie Lenhardt, explaining the threats posed by densely clustered septic tanks near Lowcountry waterways. Lenhardt is a senior managing attorney for the South Carolina Environmental Law Project. She represents the two environmental groups.

Read Original Article

Download Below

be in the know

Receive SCELP news in your inbox or mailbox.

Subscribe
All rights reserved 2024.