Aiken Residents Rally Against Proposed Landfill in Burnettown
In the quaint town of Burnettown, located just east of North Augusta in Aiken County, the **residents are raising their voices** against a looming environmental concern. A proposal for a new Class 2 landfill, known as the Rabbit Hill landfill, is sparking significant debate among community members who want to safeguard their cherished home.
The Heart of the Community Speaks Out
“We want to leave a legacy of land and life in the wake of the legacy pollution that has plagued Horse Creek Valley for decades,” said Courtney Crafton, a representative from Friends of Horse Creek Valley, a newly formed nonprofit organization established this year. Crafton’s sentiments are echoed by many who belong to this tight-knit community, which consists of smaller neighborhoods like Burnettown, Bath, Langley, and Clearwater.
“We care deeply for our environment and our health and well-being,” Crafton emphasized. “Unfortunately, our past is a reflection of environmental neglect.” Indeed, the area has endured significant pollution challenges over the years, making residents particularly vigilant about protecting what they have left.
The Challenge of a New Landfill
The proposed landfill, intended to be located on a sprawling 293-acre site, is expected to take the place of a smaller, existing construction and demolition landfill operated by Hilltop C&D in another part of Aiken County. This proposal has raised alarms among residents, particularly due to its proximity to sensitive sites, including a closed landfill, an EPA-designated Superfund site, and Jefferson Elementary School.
In response to their worries, Friends of Horse Creek Valley, backed by the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, took action by filing a challenge against the landfill’s permit in the Administrative Law Court on August 16.
A Call for Action
Crafton became involved after conducting her own research about the project, which led her to directly contact local officials for clarity on the situation. “I was **hit with these environmental and health impacts**, especially considering the proximity of my kids’ school,” she shared, expressing her frustration at being brushed off by local representatives.
District 3 Council Member Danny Feagin did not provide immediate responses to inquiries but Council Chairman Gary Bunker acknowledged that the concerns of Aiken residents have been communicated to him. He advised that Aiken County is not the authority on permitting for this development, stating, “The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has control over the approval.”
Understanding the Permit Process
The Department of Environmental Services issued the permit for this landfill back on July 17, effectively expediting the approval process for what is termed a **replacement landfill**. Notably, this status does not require demonstrating the need for the new landfill.
Michael Corley, a senior manager at the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, highlighted that the community has endured its fair share of industrial pollution and expressed concerns regarding building a landfill close to a school. “This area has historically been neglected, and our clients are in favor of preventing that neglect from continuing,” he stated.
Countering Misinformation
In an effort to clear the air, Kevin Pethick, a legal representative for Hilltop C&D, pointed out that the landfill is not a **’garbage facility’** as it has been inaccurately described in several reports. “The waste accepted will consist only of construction and demolition debris materials,” he clarified, seeking to stress that the landfill’s operations would not occur close to Jefferson Elementary School.
Pethick added, “While the landfill will own property that abuts the school, a large portion of the land was purchased to provide a buffer to neighboring properties.” He reassured residents that the first construction work would begin over a mile away from the school, dispelling anxieties about immediate environmental hazards.
Looking Ahead
Amidst these discussions, there is a hopeful note from both sides. Hilltop C&D has stated their commitment to transparent operations and community relations while making concessions for additional environmental protections beyond what is legally required.
As residents of Burnettown band together to voice their concerns and take a stand on this significant local issue, the outcome of the landfill proposal remains uncertain. What is clear is that the community’s dedication to protecting their environment and health is *undaunted*, and their voice is strong.
