CAROLINA FOREST, SC (WMBF) – A sand mine in Carolina Forest is still a cause for concern for nearby homeowners.
The company who owns the site off of West Perry Rd, RCPS Properties, wants to expand the operation and held an open house Wednesday morning to address the recent backlash from community members about that expansion.
Justin Harris with RCPS handed out a statement to the 30 residents who attended Wednesday's open house. The statement gives detailed information about how the operation will work and addresses two of the biggest homeowners concerns, traffic and noise.
The mining operation will not add to the number of trucks on Highway 501, according to Harris. He says there will still be trucks driving to and from constructions sites throughout Horry County, but they will just be coming from other mining operations in the area.
"I do believe that the traffic is going to be on 501 and coming through that intersection whether it's coming from my site, or another site down the road. I think it's going to be a tough battle to convince everyone of that," Harris admits.
Harris also says truck drivers will not travel through Carolina Forest Boulevard if they're destination is outside of Carolina Forest.
When it comes to the issue of noise, RCPS promises to build a 12 foot hill of dirt that will work as a sound barrier, which is double the size required by Horry County. RCPS also claims mining activities will not start until after 9 a.m. in the area closest to a housing development.
Harris says the company will continue to work with homeowners and they hope to find some common ground. "I think they are legitimate concerns," Harris says.
Several concerned homeowners at Wednesday's open house say even with all of RCPS's efforts to limit problems with noise and traffic, it's not enough.
"I still feel the same. It's going to hurt. It's going to hurt the whole community," says Betty Doiron.
David Wisemen agrees. He lives in the housing development nearest to the site.
"I've been collecting petitions in Lakeside Crossing. There are hundreds of people who have signed petitions and I'm sure there will still be many more," Wiseman contends.
RCPS has submitted a permit application to Horry County and will need enough votes from county council before they can move forward with expansion plans.
Copyright 2012 WMBF News. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WMBF, a Raycom Media Station.
