Wedding & Event Venue Near Pickens, SC.

Pickens County officials said they have completed a settlement that will keep coal ash out of a 400-acre landfill site near Liberty and the county's commerce park.

The settlement also forces the completion of a private landfill and ends a six-year legal battle with landfill developers MMR Pickens LLC, a legal struggle that reached the South Carolina Supreme Court and has included lawsuits of $30 million against planning commissioners and expectations that the landfill would make $25 million over its lifetime.

More:SC Supreme Court justices question whether landfill operator near Liberty aims to take coal ash

The settlement calls for the county to loan $3 million to MRR to complete the landfill within a year and the money would be repaid when the landfill is completed and sold to a new operator. That sale is required to be within three years or MRR would have to pay hundreds of thousands a year for not selling and tens of thousands a month for finishing construction late.

The county is also buying a 93-acre plot of the original 400 acres of land from MRR at $3.5 million, said Alex Saitta, a council member who criticized parts of the settlement. He said the land may not be worth the price tag and the county should have gone to trial rather than settle in an effort to own the landfill outright.

Administrator Ken Roper said the land, next to the commerce park, could be used for economic development but that would be a decision for council members.

Chris Bowers, the chair of the county council, said the settlement met all of the county's goals and resolves a long-standing legal problem.

The settlement specifically prohibits coal ash, does not allow for a hazardous waste liner and has financial penalties if the landfill is not built or is not sold to another operator. The county will keep a plot of more than 160 acres that had already been deeded to the county by MRR.

The settlement also lifts a gag order that had stopped the county and the landfill operators from talking about the process. MMR Pickens did not respond to a phone call for comment for this story.

The landfill that will be built will be limited to construction and waste debris, a class 2 landfill which can accept a wide variety of construction-type materials including brush, bricks, concrete with rebar, dried paint cans and, with some stipulations, materials like asbestos.

Allowing for a liner allows for hazardous waste so a lack of a liner helps to ensure no hazardous waste, said Les Hendricks, the county’s attorney.

Coal ash is typically generated by coal power plants and can contain toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead and arsenic, which can contaminate ground and surface water.

It is classified as "special waste" in South Carolina, and according to a previous court decision, coal ash is generally unsuitable for most landfills.

The legal case spanned six years and has landed on the desks of three county administrators and an interim administrator. It has likely cost the county around $750,000 in legal fees, said Roper, the current administrator.

The settlement waived a $6,000 legal fee that MRR was supposed to pay the county for a December hearing, but it largely means both sides pay their own legal bills, Hendricks said.

Previous coverage:SC Supreme Court issues ruling on Pickens County landfill that could accept coal ash

The lawsuit, which made it up to the state Supreme Court, was on technical grounds.

It was largely about whether adding a liner to the landfill design was most properly classified as a major or minor design change and because of that distinction, it's also about whether Pickens County and nearby landowners were required to be formally notified of the potential changes.

But, as several state Supreme Court justices said during oral arguments in 2021, the case was really about whether the site will take coal ash and whether county staff and residents are able to be heard if the landfill operators seek to take coal ash in the future.

A December decision by the justices sent the case back to an administrative hearing and led to the settlement agreement that was announced Wednesday.

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Mike Ellis lives in Powdersville and tells South Carolina stories with a focus on Anderson County and Pickens County along with faith and investigations. He's always looking for the next story that people need to read, please send any tips or feedback to mellis@gannett.com

It's almost time to rock the vote.

Early voting opens Tuesday, May 31 for South Carolinians casting a ballot in the June 14 primaries.

This is the first year South Carolinians are able to participate in early voting thanks to a new election law.

Early voting is open through June 10. Each weekday, for the next two weeks, early voting will take place between 8:30 am to 5 pm at county elections offices around the state.

Early voters need a valid form of photo identification and must have been registered to vote at least 30 days before the election.

Voters also can cast absentee ballots, but those can only be cast by mail, and need to be requested by application through each county office.

This new early voting not only makes it easier to vote but creates some uncertainty in projecting turnout.

“We don’t know what to expect to be honest with you," said Laura Booth, director of voter registration and elections in Anderson County. "We thought it would be feasible to put another location here for this election."

Greenville election:Hotly contested Greenville election has crowded field in rare Democratic primary

Here are instructions on where to vote early in the locations closest to your county area:

Greenville County

Locations:

Contact: 864-467-7250

Hours and dates: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays, May 31 to June 10

Anderson County:

Locations:

Contact: 864-260-4035

Hours and dates: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays, May 31 to June 10

Spartanburg County:

Locations:

Contact: 864-596-2549

Hours and dates: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays, May 31 to June 10

Pickens County:

Locations:

Contact: 864-898-5948

Special Instructions: Anyone who needs to change their address or name needs to report to the Registration Elections Office to be verified for early voting.

Hours and dates: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays, May 31 to June 10

State

For information about polling places or to check your voter registration status:

Phone: 803-734-9060

Internet: SCVotes.gov

Early voting for June Runoffs will be from Wednesday, June 22 to Friday, June 24 with the same hours as for the primaries.

A.J. Jackson is a general assignment reporter for the Independent Mail. Email him at ajackson@gannett.com with story ideas and leads.

Led by a glut of 2023 NFL Draft prospects, the South Carolina Gamecocks are a sneaky contender to be the surprise team in the SEC this season. With a mixture of transfer portal steals and home-grown stars, Shane Beamer’s squad may have their most successful season in years. Will it turn into one of the program’s most substantial draft hauls next April?

South Carolina prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft

The late 2000s/early 2010s was a prosperous time for South Carolina football as it pertains to the NFL draft. In 2009, led by Jared Cook, the Gamecocks sent seven players to the NFL via the draft. They repeated that number again in 2013, with second-round pick D.J. Swearinger the standout prospect.

While their 2012 class had one less draftee, they had two first-round picks in Stephon Gilmore and Melvin Ingram. South Carolina has had multiple first-round picks since, but they’ve not had more than four draftees in a single class. Could that be about to change in the 2023 NFL Draft? Who are the top Gamecocks prospects to watch this fall?

There’s every chance that Cam Smith follows the path of recent South Carolina cornerbacks as a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Smith had a breakout year as a redshirt sophomore. The heir-apparent to Jaycee Horn showcased his playmaking ability with 11 pass deflections and three interceptions. Smith boasts size, length, and vertical explosion to be a nightmare at the catch point for opposing wide receivers. Unsurprisingly, he plays the game with the same brand of physicality as his former teammate.

Spencer Rattler failed to live up to the QB1 hype from last year during a tumultuous season for Oklahoma. At this point, we’re betting on a new start to revitalize the young quarterback’s career.

The skill set that led to his elevated ranking last year — the arm talent and creative mobility — remains. The question is, can his talent and temperament be nurtured at South Carolina in a way that facilitates the upward trajectory we saw in 2020?

Already earning attention in the 2023 NFL Draft class, the arrival of a (hopefully) competent QB should only elevate Jaheim Bell’s stock. The 6’3″, 230-pound tight end is a hyper-athletic pass-catching weapon. He stretches the field with excellent speed while possessing the releases and route-running sharpness to create separation at any given moment. If he can continue to develop as a blocker — and he’s shown that he possesses the strength to be stellar here — then Bell could contend at the top of the class.

Former Oklahoma TE Austin Stogner was a key component of helping bring Rattler to South Carolina for the 2022 college football season. Now, they’ll look to elevate their 2023 NFL Draft stock together.

Stogner is a versatile tight end who saw multiple alignments during his time with the Sooners. He boasts deceptive athletic ability and proved capable in contested-catch situations. Furthermore, the new South Carolina TE showcases solid blocking ability — both in the ground game and as a pass protector.

Former five-star defensive tackle Zacch Pickens began to deliver on his promising skill set and recruiting standing last season. With five tackles for loss and four sacks, it was by far his most productive season to date.

The South Carolina DT boasts a stout frame at 6’3″ and 305 pounds and has a potent blend of power, low pad level, and genuine athletic capability. He’s fast, flexible, explosive, and strong, with the length to be seriously disruptive. If he can pull that all together this fall, he’ll rocket up 2023 NFL Draft boards come April.

A hyper-productive 2020 campaign for Georgia State made former walk-on Jordan Strachan one of the jewels of the transfer portal last year. After a positive first season with South Carolina where he tallied six tackles for loss and snagged his first career interception, can Strachan push on as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect?

Strachan showcases a good first step, quick hands, the flexibility to bend around the edge, and plays with a hot motor. If he can add strength to his game he has the potential to be a pass-rushing 3-4 OLB in the NFL.

Entering his sixth season of college football, Devonni Reed transferred to South Carolina following the most productive season of his Central Michigan career. He’s already proven his mettle against SEC completion, snagging his only career pick-six against LSU.

Reed is a 6’0″, 195-pound safety who was under-recruited due to his size but certainly plays bigger when you watch the tape. He hits with genuine ferocity and flashes excellent play diagnosis and closing speed against the run. Reed could be in for a big year.

Primed for ascension last fall, a back injury that required surgery limited Dylan Wonnum to just six starts. The South Carolina offensive tackle has a slender build at 6’5″ and 305 pounds, but don’t let that fool you. He boasts excellent play strength alongside impressive fundamentals as a pass protector.

Wonnum also has left and right tackle experience, proving truly versatile. As long as he remains healthy and keeps Rattler upright, Wonnum should attract attention in the 2023 NFL Draft.

While South Carolina’s tight end room is impressive, it’s wide receiver Josh Vann who could be Rattler’s go-to guy this season. The 5’11”, 190-pound pass catcher had something of a breakout year last fall with 679 receiving yards at 15.8 yards per catch despite an abysmal QB situation. Vann is surprisingly physical despite coming in under 6’0″ and possesses one of the most solid pairs of hands in college football. Vann also showcases enough wiggle to create separation and add value after the catch.

Could this be the year that Jordan Burch lives up to his high school billing? The former five-star hasn’t always sat atop the Gamecocks’ depth chart but is primed for a big year that should see him establish himself amongst the 2023 NFL Draft class.

At 6’6″, 275 pounds, Burch is an imposing figure to contend with off the edge. As you’d expect, he’s strong and physical. However, he also possesses explosion, fluidity, and flexibility as an athlete. His 61-yard pick-six against Eastern Illinois is a great example of his insane athleticism.

After four years with Wake Forest, Christian Beal-Smith heads to South Carolina looking to assert himself on an impressive 2023 NFL Draft running back class. The Gamecocks have to replace 240 lost carries and over 1,200 lost rushing yards following Kevin Harris’ and Zaquandre White’s departure to the NFL.

It’s easy to class the 5’10”, 200-pound rusher as a “power back” with his ability to grind out yardage with lower body strength. However, he also showcases vision and good footwork to complement that skill set.

With all eyes on Rattler, the South Carolina offensive line is going to be under intense scrutiny this fall. For Vershon Lee, that should give him an opportunity to emerge as a 2023 NFL Draft guard prospect.

The 6’4″, 309-pound starting left guard also has tackle experience. He boasts the frame, length, and athleticism to thrive on the interior while showcasing the football intelligence that separates the great from the good at the position.

With Jaylan Foster’s departure, Brad Johnson is the most productive returning player to South Carolina for the upcoming season. The 6’2″, 238-pound linebacker tallied 74 tackles last fall, including four for loss and 2½ sacks. He also secured an interception.

The sixth-year senior displays good play recognition ability and always seems to be around the floor. Meanwhile, Johnson also showcases some explosion and speed coming downhill both against the run and also as a blitzing LB. Johnson is also a reliable tackler.

While Beal-Smith might be the more well-known name on South Carolina’s roster this fall, don’t discount MarShawn Lloyd from making an impact in the upcoming season. Lloyd’s only a redshirt sophomore having missed the 2020 campaign with a torn ACL, but he showed flashes of potential last year.

The 5’9″, 212-pound RB has a nice blend of physicality and finesse, with some elusiveness to his game. A solid season could see him earn 2023 NFL Draft recognition.

A very productive FCS receiver for James Madison, Antwane Wells Jr. tallied 1,853 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns in just 22 games for the Dukes. With his transfer to South Carolina, he has the opportunity to put his name into the national spotlight as a potential 2023 NFL Draft prospect.

Wells has an exciting blend of speed, size, and physicality. Boasting impressive ball-tracking skills, the former JMU pass catcher is a menace at the catch point with reliable hands that can pluck the ball out the sky.

Another product of the transfer portal, Corey Rucker heads to South Carolina off an impressive second season for Arkansas State. The third-year pass catcher tallied 826 yards and nine touchdowns for the Red Wolves last fall.

At 6’0″ and 203 pounds, he has the size and physicality to be impactful at the catch point. Meanwhile, he poses an after-the-catch threat with some twitchiness and elusiveness for his size. If he can conjure up an equally productive campaign at the SEC level, Rucker could rocket up 2023 NFL Draft boards.

Oliver Hodgkinson is an NFL Draft and College Football Analyst for Pro Football Network. Check out the rest of his work here, and you can find him on Twitter: @ojhodgkinson.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) – The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said the law enforcement division will offer boat inspections at public landings to prepare for Memorial Day weekend.

The SCDNR said officers will perform a quick and thorough inspection to verify boaters have the required safety equipment and boat & motor registration for their watercraft before launching.

Inspections are voluntary and not required, officers said.

According to the SCDNR, boaters that agree to be inspected will not be found in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements.

Officers said boaters will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspection but will have the opportunity to correct any boat issues before launch.

The SCDNR said officers will also be available to answer questions and give boater tips on how to stay safe on the water.

Memorial Day weekend courtesy boat inspections will be held on the following dates:

May 28

Horry County

Johnnie Causey Landing from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Lexington County

Lake Murray Dam from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

York County

Ebenezer Park – Lake Wylie from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

May 29

Anderson County

River Forks Boat Ramp – Lake Hartwell from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Berkley County

Cypress Garden from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Clarendon County

Alex Harvin Landing – Lake Marion from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Darlington County

Easterling Landing – Lake Robinson from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Fairfield County

Molly Creek Landing – Lake Wateree from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Greenwood County

Greenwood State Park – Lake Greenwood from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

May 30

Beaufort County

Lemon Island Boot Ramp from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Charleston County

Wapoo Cut Landing – ICW from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

McCormick County

Dorn Landing – Lake Thurmond from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Pickens County

Twelve Mile Landing – Lake Hartwell from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – ACI Plastics South, a thermoplastics processor and recycler, today announced plans to establish operations in Pickens County. The company’s $4 million investment will create 21 new jobs.

For more than 35 years, ACI Plastics South has been known for its separation technologies for paint removal and instrument panels, as well as density, electrostatic and optical separation.

Located at 225 Ruhamah Road in Liberty, ACI Plastics South’s Pickens County operations will include the recovery of post-industrial/pre-consumer scrap plastics from molders throughout the Southeast. The company will initially provide size reduction (granulation) and proprietary separation processes. ACI Plastics South plans to later add blending, density separation, pelletizing and post-consumer processing capabilities at the facility.

Operations are online. Individuals interested in joining the ACI Plastics South team should email the company.

QUOTES

“We are pleased to expand the size of our operation in South Carolina. The 138,000-square-foot building on 51 acres will allow us to significantly grow over the next decade. The access to a solid workforce, the Port of Charleston and nearby customers made this investment a key part of ACI’s future.” -ACI Plastics President Scott Melton

“South Carolina is home to more than 300 recycling companies, and today we are delighted that ACI Plastics South is adding to that roster. I applaud the company for their new operations in Pickens County and look forward to partnering with this sustainability-focused company for years to come.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina’s robust recycling industry has an annual economic impact of more than $13 billion on our economy, and, today, we celebrate the latest addition to that thriving sector. I offer my congratulations to ACI Plastics South and look forward to the positive impact they will make in Pickens County and beyond.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Pickens County Council is proud to welcome ACI Plastics South, the industry leader in separating even the most difficult plastics, to our county. Our skilled local workforce is consistently an asset sought out by top-tier companies such as ACI, and we are pleased that ACI found the perfect site location to meet their needs here in the Liberty community.” -Pickens County Council Chairman Chris Bowers