A recent editorial in these pages repeated the myth that port operations "account for about 1 percent of fine particulate emissions in the Charleston area." Here are the facts: Port operations released 175 tons of fine particulate soot in 2005, compared to 246 tons attributed to Charleston County's permitted industrial smokestacks. So particulate pollution released by port operations is equivalent to 70 percent of Charleston's permitted industrial emissions. read the full editorial here

DeMoura said he hasn't yet received the letter detailing the reasons for the change in jurisdiction. Jurisdictional decisions can be appealed to the corps' regional office in Atlanta. Dana Beach, director of the Coastal Conservation League, said he sees little chance that the corps would approve a permit to fill the wetlands. "It's just all around a great thing, and I think Samantha deserves a lot of credit," he said. "For a government agency to admit they have made a mistake is a very noble thing." click here to read the full article

The legislation has the support of the environmental community, including Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League. It also has numerous business supporters, including The American Chemistry Council, The Retail Industry Leaders Association and National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association. click here to read full article

Katie Zimmerman, a project manager with the Coastal Conservation League, said she received frantic calls and e-mails from residents concerned not only about infected passengers entering the city but also about trash from the ship entering local waters. click here to read full article click here to read about CCL's recommendations for cruise ships in Charleston

BY ASHLEY LANDESS and DANA BEACH click here to read full editorial