Holland: Environment being degraded by lack of enforcement

Environmental laws historically have protected our coast, but the vigilance of our permitting and enforcement actions has eroded. Almost every week, I learn of another project that will harm our natural resources and impair the sustainability of our coast. The phrase “a death by a thousand cuts” comes to mind. To make matters worse, many of these projects benefit only a few, to the detriment of the general public.

Seabrook Island is relocating the Kiawah River and Captain Sam’s Inlet. The process will destroy more than 60 acres of undisturbed dune habitat. This tract of land provides a barrier to storm surges and a refuge for rare shore birds. It is also one of the most naturally beautiful places in South Carolina that is convenient to the public. The purpose of this project is to improve the beach for a few Seabrook property owners.

DHEC has granted a permit to construct 26 luxury homes and associated infrastructure, including a half-mile long steel sheet pile wall, on Captain Sam’s Spit. The developer claims this will not impair environmental quality or access to the public beach. It is not humanly possible to install the sheet pile wall, roads, homes, storm-water systems and related amenities without degrading the environment and impairing public access to one of the highest quality beaches in South Carolina.

State regulatory agencies’ failure to resist permits that allow seismic testing for oil and natural gas in our coastal waters in the face of overwhelming public opposition further demonstrates the breadth of the current culture of exploitation and disregard for natural resources. There is little to gain from seismic testing off our coast. Few oil and gas resources exist there, but this exploration will harm countless whales, dolphins, sea turtles and other marine life. Even if new oil and gas reserves are found, our coastal communities are not likely to support construction of the infrastructure that would place our tourism industry at risk.

Who is responsible for these irresponsible decisions? I have worked with many of the staff at DHEC and know them to be responsible professionals. I suspect staff recommendations are ignored, and these decisions come from the top — i.e., the governor, the DHEC director or the board.

Wadmalaw Island

This story was originally published July 2, 2015 at 7:59 PM.