Aiken County Residents Rally Against Proposed Landfill in Burnettown

Aiken Residents Raise Concerns Over Proposed Landfill in Burnettown

In the small community of Burnettown, just east of North Augusta in Aiken County, residents are stepping up to voice their concerns regarding a proposal for a new **Class 2 landfill** planned by Hilltop C&D. The development has sparked a wave of apprehension among locals who are worried about its potential impact on the environment and their community.

Community Voices Matter

Courtney Crafton, a spokesperson for the nonprofit organization **Friends of Horse Creek Valley**, emphasized the community’s desire to leave a positive legacy. “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,” she expressed. Established earlier this year, her organization seeks to assure the health and well-being of residents while fighting against any further environmental degradation in the area.

Horse Creek Valley has a complicated past filled with industrial pollution, including several **EPA-designated Superfund sites**. Crafton, who has recently moved to the area, shared her story, saying, “My husband’s family has been a part of the area for years, so it’s near and dear to our hearts.” As a parent, she couldn’t help but worry about the new landfill’s proximity to **Jefferson Elementary School**.

Taking Action

The alarm bells started ringing for Crafton when she researched the health implications of having a landfill so close to homes and schools. “After discovering the environmental impacts, I reached out to our county officials for answers. Unfortunately, I felt brushed off,” she said. Crafton and other concerned residents have expressed their frustration to county officials, including **Council Chairman Gary Bunker**, who noted a significant volume of calls from residents since the announcement of the landfill.

Residents were informed that Aiken County has no authority over the landfill permit; that responsibility lies with the **South Carolina Department of Environmental Services**, which granted the permit on July 17. This has added a layer of complexity to the community’s efforts to challenge the landfill.

Environmental Legal Standpoint

The **South Carolina Environmental Law Project**, representing the Friends of Horse Creek Valley, stepped in to challenge the landfill’s permit. Successful community action often needs a time-sensitive push, and time was of the essence. “You have 30 days to challenge a permit in Administrative Law court. If you miss that window, there’s little option for recourse,” explained **Michael Corley**, a senior manager with the Project.

He pointed out several concerns regarding the proposed site, stressing that it is located near a school and a previously closed landfill, highlighting the region’s troubles with pollution. “What we’re talking about is building a landfill on property that has a history of neglect,” he said.

Clarifications on Misinformation

On the other side of the argument, **Kevin Pethick**, a legal representative for Hilltop C&D, responded to what he termed as **misinformation** surrounding the landfill. He clarified that the facility is not a “garbage facility” but instead a Class 2 landfill that will accept only construction and demolition debris materials. Pethick pointed out that the area designated for landfill operations is over a mile away from Jefferson Elementary School, easing some safety concerns.

He noted that the landfill’s operations would reportedly take over a century to approach half a mile from the school and underscored the company’s intention to create a buffer zone to protect neighboring properties. “We strive to be a good corporate citizen and gather community input,” Pethick said.

Next Steps for the Community

The community’s concerns are as diverse as its residents themselves, with many urging for a thorough evaluation of potential health risks associated with the new landfill. Setting the stage for an engaged public discussion will be vital as residents navigate this challenging situation.

As the conversation continues, it’s clear that the people of Burnettown and its surrounding communities are committed to ensuring their voices are heard, advocating for both their present and future. With each phone call, committee meeting, and court filing, they hope to make a stand that prioritizes the environment and public health.

As developments move forward, residents remain vigilant, united in their aim of securing a safe and prosperous future for Burnettown and the wider Horse Creek Valley.