Neighbors Concerned About Asphalt Plant in Horry County

Wild Wing Community Presses County Leaders over Asphalt Plant

In Horry County, residents of the Wild Wing community expressed their concerns regarding a nearby asphalt plant during a community meeting held on Tuesday. The meeting, attended by county council members, city officials, and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control representatives, addressed the multitude of issues that residents have raised today, and in ongoing previous complaints about the asphalt manufacturing plant.

Long-Standing Issues with King Asphalt Plant

Local residents have been expressing their grievances related to noise, foul odors, and a general decline in the quality of life, attributed to the asphalt plant facilities. They have also voiced their concerns in the context of zoning regulation inconsistencies, as the asphalt plant operates as a heavy industry within a light industry zone. Questions were also raised on why residential houses were permitted to be constructed near the plant premises.

Possible Health Hazards from Dust Emissions

The community’s concerns have been elevated with the potential risks posed by silica dust emissions from asphalt production. The long-term health implications from exposure to these particulates have further increased tensions between residents and the plant operators. The asphalt facility, operational since the 90s, was grandfathered into the Horry County zoning regulations under its previous ownership.

Current Issues and Future Implications

However, many residents noted that the issues seemed to exacerbate when King Asphalt took ownership of the plant last year. “They may own the land, but do they also own the air and the water?” questioned Renee Ruff, an attendee at Tuesday’s meeting, highlighting the common sentiment among the community members. She expressed her optimism towards a constructive dialogue with the elected leaders to find viable solutions to the pressing issues.

Timely Action and Compliance Sought by Residents

Officers from the Horry County Police Department clarified during the meeting that the plant is allowed to operate from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. They urged residents to contact police if the plant was causing noise disturbances outside of these permitted hours. Advocating for an early resolution, Ruff conveyed her expectation that this dialogue signals the beginning of necessary changes and actions. “We don’t want to wait for health issues to occur within the community,” she stated.

Federal Supervision Requested by the Community

The residents are eager to involve the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the matter. They allege that the asphalt plant is in violation of OSHA regulations, an accusation that warrants further investigation and regulatory oversight.

Follow-ups on Progress

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