A new mine could come to the Midlands. Here’s why some residents want to stop it
A proposal to create a rock mine in Fairfield County has received backlash from residents and organizations who say they fear the project could negatively impact local water supply and waterways.
The Virginia-based Luck Stone Corp. is seeking the Department of Health and Environmental Control’s approval to mine for granite and gneiss on a 416-acre parcel off S.C. 34 near the Town of Ridgeway. If the proposal is approved, the mine would be allowed to operate there for the next 100 years.
The company recently took over a quarry in Kershaw County and is currently seeking another mining permit in Enoree. Last year, Luck Stone withdrew a proposal to operate a quarry in Chester County after facing backlash from residents there.
“We believe that Fairfield is a great location for us to be able to support, participate and help lead growth and development in this region,” said Benjamin Thompson, director of land development for Luck Stone.
According to Luck Stone’s mine operating permit, the company plans to dig 485 feet beneath the ground in order to drill into the rocks. Explosives will be used to break the rocks up into smaller fragments that are easier to transport.
One of the main points of contention is the proposed mine’s proximity to the well where Ridgeway gets the majority of its water.
“That well is crucial to Ridgeway’s independence,” said resident Cal Harrison. “With the amount of water the mine would need to operate, we’re concerned there could be significant drawdown that would force the town to have to buy its water elsewhere.”
The proposed location also overlaps with Dutchman’s Creek, which feeds into Lake Wateree. Some have questioned whether contamination from the mine could harm the lake and the animals that live there.
“If there’s any kind of water quality impact from sedimentation, that can kill wildlife,” said Lauren Megill Milton, an attorney from the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, one of the groups lobbying against the mine.
Thompson said the risk of contamination is low and that his company is required to perform a wide variety of ecological assessments beforehand. If the mine causes the neighboring well to malfunction, “there are rules in place that would hold us liable,” he said.
DHEC is hosting a public meeting to discuss the proposal on Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m.. The event can be attended virtually or in person at Geiger Elementary School in Ridgeway.
The department is also accepting oral and written comments through Aug. 20.
So far, several organizations, including the Town of Ridgeway, the Lake Wateree Association and The Catawba Riverkeeper Association, have submitted comments to DHEC expressing concerns about the mine.
“We’re encouraging everyone to share their thoughts on this matter,” Megill Milton said. “This is the one chance people have to speak out before a quarry is put in place for the next 100 years.”
This story was originally published July 26, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
