In real-time, we are seeing a triple threat of existing septic tank pollution damaging coastal communities, the worsening of coastal flooding events due to sea level rise, and extreme weather events. In addition, large-scale developments that are dependent on conventional septic tank systems are being approved near sensitive areas.
In late 2022, the Conservation League and Charleston Waterkeeper, represented by the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, filed an action in state court to require the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to review all septic permits for consistency with the Coastal Management Program, and to publicly notice septic system applications and permits in the coastal zone. This will ensure these important long-term decisions are being made transparently.
While this case is pending, we asked the court to prohibit DHEC from issuing septic permits for dense developments in the coastal zone. The court did not enjoin these activities while our case is pending, but given the gravity of the potential harm to our waterways, we have asked the court to reconsider.
At the same time, our organizations have appealed DHEC’s recent staff decision to issue 44 individual septic tank permits for the White Tract Development in Awendaw. The White Tract is within the boundaries of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and adjacent to the Francis Marion National Forest. We have requested that DHEC’s Board review these permits.
Navigating the complexities of septic-dependent developments in the coastal zone is critical to understanding how the growth of our communities– and how we choose to use the land to accommodate that growth–impacts the natural world.