According to therepublic.com, a second South Carolina state agency has asked to be part of a federal lawsuit brought by environmental groups in two states challenging the $650 million dredging of the Savannah River shipping channel.
Attorneys for the state Department of Health and Environmental Control say the agency should be allowed to participate because DHEC would have to issue a Pollution Control Act permit if the court were to require one.
“ This case directly implicates DHEC’s authorities and responsibilities,” attorneys for the agency wrote, noting that when U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel allowed the Maritime Commission to enter the suit he noted “ the state agency has a vital interest” in the channel deepening project.
[mappress]
Dredging Today Staff, September 5, 2012