On Monday, May 4th, the Charleston County Board of Zoning Appeals is considering an issue related to our appeal of a back door permit for sand mining in McClellanville. This sand mine was previously denied by the BZA during a public hearing, and yet behind closed doors, without public involvement, the BZA has used a loophole to allow sand mining to move forward in this rural community.
Sand mines are not only destructive to sensitive coastal habitats, but also expose residents to air and noise pollution, and dangerous traffic from dump trucks. This active mine is located adjacent to an elementary school, subjecting an even more vulnerable population of school children to these impacts. This area was zoned for agricultural use, and the original denial of the mining permit underscores that it is unsuitable for mining.
