South Carolina expansion settlement

The year-long battle between South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) and the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League (CCL) has come to an end, with both parties reaching a settlement to enable expansion of Charleston’s new container terminal and port access road to proceed “in the most environmentally responsible manner”.

Included in the agreement are specific actions to monitor and reduce air emissions from existing operations, as well as a commitment to accommodate and participate in a regional rail solution in the Charleston area.

The Port is committing to reduce emissions by launching a voluntary truck replacement program to replace 85% of pre-1994 trucks calling on the Port terminals by January 2014.

The agreement resolves the CCL’s substantive challenges against the state and federal agencies’ permits for the new terminal and port access road. The new terminal project is SCSPA’s top strategic priority, allowing it to handle long-term growth and attract new jobs and investment.

In a statement, SCSPA says that both parties agree that the settlement is a fair and reasonable resolution of the claims made by the CCL and that the agreement is not an admission of fault, wrongdoing, or liability. The Port Authority’s actions are being undertaken voluntarily to address any and all claims.

Both parties believe that this agreement and the forward-looking measures it contains are in the best interest of the citizens, the economy and the environment of South Carolina.
(Source:www.container-mag.com)