County Taxpayer Funds Not Expected to Foot the Bill
BLYTHEWOOD – Richland County has been assessed a $3M fine for failing to contain sediment and other pollutants on the 1,100 Scout construction site in Blythewood, according to an announcement by the SC Department of Environmental Services. The order was executed on May 5.
Two million dollars of the civil penalty could be suspended if the county meets specific requirements by established deadlines detailed in the order.
Civil penalties are assessed through the SC Department of Environmental Services’ standard enforcement process, and the penalty amounts are determined based on the number of violations and the extent of the violations.
“SCDES, Scout Motors and Richland County have agreed to enter into this voluntary consent order,” Blythewood’s Richland County Council representative Derrek Pugh told The Voice. “This consent order is believed to be for the benefit of all parties and it is not expected that any county taxpayer funds will be utilized to pay either the immediate fine or the possible delayed fine. We are committed to moving swiftly to ensure full compliance with SCDES, allowing this vital economic development project to stay on track.”
Richland County issued a statement saying, “the county remains committed to upholding the highest environmental standards at the Scout Motors site. Richland County has worked collaboratively to set goals and correct any outstanding issues.”
According to a statement from SCDES, the department will continue its oversight of activities at this site to monitor the county’s compliance with the conditions of their permits, compliance with the requirements of the order, and compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
“Together with Richland County, Scout Motors has entered into this consent order with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services that includes specific steps Richland County must take to address the identified deficiencies,” according to a Scout Motors spokesperson. “Throughout this process, we have maintained open communication with county leadership and the South Carolina Department of Commerce, who we believe will ensure that the county and state’s work on the production site will be in full compliance with environmental regulations.”
