South Carolina Supreme Court Denies Approval On Savannah Harbor Dredging Project

Following a lawsuit filed by environmental groups, the South Carolina Supreme Court has overturned state approval to dredge Savannah’s harbor for larger ships, claiming that S.C. officials did not have the authority to strike the $650 million project deal with Georgia.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed off on the project two weeks ago, asking Congress to bypass the need for an environmental permit in South Carolina so the project could commence as quickly as possible. Georgia officials have already been trying to dredge the harbor for nearly 20 years and are anxious to begin. However, last Friday’s Supreme Court ruling could set back the project for several months, if not cancel it completely.

According to Frank Holleman, an attorney representing the groups that challenged the DHEC board’s actions – the Savannah Riverkeeper, the S.C. Coastal Conservation League, the S.C. Wildlife Federation and the Savannah River Maritime Commission – the ruling was “very important” for South Carolina residents who have been concerned over the negative impact the dredging project would have on the wildlife and ecosystem along the lower Savannah River.

“It upholds South Carolina’s rights to protect the environment without the intrusion of this unlawful negotiation,” explained Holleman.

The negotiation in question pertains to a permit that was under review by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. In November 2011, DHEC reversed a decision that denied a water quality permit necessary for the dredging. South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley asked the agency board to review the decision after meeting with Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and the board signed off on a settlement that DHEC officials claimed resolved concerns over the project’s impact on water quality.

The Supreme Court’s decision was based on the fact that DHEC did not have authority to negotiate such an agreement. According to state law, the Savannah River Maritime Commission is “empowered to negotiate on behalf of the state of South Carolina” on matters involving the lower Savannah River. DHEC did not involve the commission in the agreement, and as a result, the permit for dredging was denied.
Environmental concerns stemmed over Georgia’s push to deepen the harbor because of the negative impact this may have on the wildlife and wetlands. Some studies also suggest the project would lower oxygen levels in the Savannah River.

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PHOTO CREDIT: The State (www.thestate.com)