State Reviewing Wetland Permit Near Charleston Airport as Public Comment Period Closes
State environmental regulators are reviewing an application that could affect 79 acres of wetlands near Charleston International Airport, with the public comment period closing on Friday, Oct. 30, Live 5 News reported.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services is evaluating the application for a Section 401 Water Quality Certification to determine whether a potential project meets state water quality standards. According to the Charleston Aviation Authority, no specific construction is underway. The filing serves as a placeholder for long-term planning regarding the future of Charleston International Airport.
“The filing regarding approximately 79 acres of wetlands at International Boulevard and Michaux Parkway is part of our long-term planning for the future of Charleston International Airport,” the authority said in a statement.
Residents Urge Study of Alternative Sites and Drainage
Local residents asked what might eventually be built on the site and how the development could impact local drainage patterns. Liz Munn, co-founder of the Charleston County Tree Preservation Alliance, pointed to the need to study alternative locations and potential downstream consequences for surrounding properties.
“Always ask, have you sought out a separate alternative? Have you really studied all of the implications that this is going to cause for the surrounding neighbors? You know, there’s nothing worse than having been a long-term resident and have a project go in that floods your entire neighborhood or floods out other businesses,” Munn said.
The state Department of Environmental Services is accepting public comments through Friday. Submissions can be directed to Logan Ress in the Division of Water Quality at the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, located at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
