Columbia, South Carolina Faces Toxic Threat from Nearby Plastic Production Facilities

Columbia, South Carolina Faces Toxic Threat from Plastic Production

When you think about the rivers that flow through South Carolina, you likely picture serene waters, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. However, a recent report sheds new light on a troubling issue that could threaten the health of our beloved Congaree and Cooper rivers. Studies reveal that toxic chemicals are flowing into these waters from nearby plastic factories—an alarming situation that has both environmental advocates and residents concerned.

The Troubling Release of 1,4-Dioxane

The spotlight is on a chemical called 1,4-dioxane, which has been tied to a variety of health problems, including cancer. A study conducted by the Environmental Integrity Project, a national public interest organization, indicates that factories near Columbia and Charleston are among the worst offenders in releasing this dangerous substance. One particular plant in Gaston, close to Columbia, was noted for discharging a whopping 23,728 pounds of 1,4-dioxane into the Congaree River in 2022. That figure places it second nationwide in total releases, just shy of a West Virginia facility that leaked 29,960 pounds during the same period.

Vulnerable Communities at Risk

What’s even more alarming is that while the discharges from the Alpek Polyester plant in Gaston occur upstream from drinking water intakes in Columbia and surrounding areas, they flow downstream from several drinking water pipelines in the Santee Cooper lakes area. Critics, including Congaree Riverkeeper Bill Stangler, are expressing their outrage, stating that, “This toxic pollution from plastic production is unacceptable. Our federal and state agencies need to step up and protect our river and the downstream communities.”

Regulatory Gaps and Environmental Concerns

Despite the serious implications of these discharges, the Environmental Integrity Project report highlights a sobering fact: there are currently no federal limits on how much 1,4-dioxane can be released from plastics plants. This regulatory gap leaves the door wide open for further pollution, leading many to call for urgent action. As demands for stronger regulations grow, the report also points out that other facilities around the country are discharging harmful pollutants with minimal oversight.

Citizens Call for Accountability

With the EPA facing criticism for its lack of action, organizers from various environmental groups are stepping up to advocate for change. They are calling for the establishment of stricter pollution guidelines specifically for plastics plants, the adoption of modern wastewater treatment technologies, and better monitoring of 1,4-dioxane in river water. The urgency is palpable, as the report highlights this isn’t just a local issue—it’s a growing concern nationwide.

Potential Legal Actions

In the wake of these findings, there have been discussions about the possibility of citizens filing lawsuits against the EPA for not enforcing regulations that protect the environment. A representative from the Environmental Integrity Project stated, “The government is mandated to enforce the Clean Water Act,” and mentioned that courts often favor enforcing these environmental laws. Whoever governs in the future, environmentalists emphasize that adherence to these laws is crucial to protecting our waterways.

Broader Environmental Impacts

In addition to the alarming findings related to 1,4-dioxane, the report also explores the environmental consequences of “nurdles,” tiny plastic pellets that are often discharged into waterways during production. Discharges of these pellets have drawn federal attention, particularly following a lawsuit resulting in a $1.2 million settlement over similar releases in Charleston Harbor. The Environmental Integrity Project and the Southern Environmental Law Center are pushing for more comprehensive regulations to tackle these plastic pollution problems.

What’s Next for South Carolina’s Rivers?

As discussions continue and legal battles loom, what’s clear is that the future of Columbia’s rivers hangs in the balance. The community’s health depends on the actions our regulators and industries decide to take against this growing threat. Columbia’s rivers could use a good dose of protection, and with enough pressure, perhaps the changes will come that can safeguard the waterways we cherish for generations to come.