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EPA AND SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS PHOSPHATES AND FERTILIZERS

Release Date: 08/10/1999
Contact Information: Wesley Lambert, EPA Press and Media Relations, 404-562-8316

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, August 11, 1999. The purpose of the meeting will be to provide a historical overview of the phosphate/fertilizer industry in Charleston, South Carolina and to provide an update on the activities that EPA and SCDHEC have taken to investigate and mitigate potential risks posed by these abandoned facilities to human health and the environment.



Since the discovery of phosphate ores in the 1860's, Charleston, South Carolina became famous for its abundant supply of high-grade raw materials. Its position as a regional transportation center, combined with a demand for superior agricultural fertilizers gave birth to the phosphate/fertilizer industry of Charleston, South Carolina. By the 1930's, South Carolina was a leader in the production of phosphate- based fertilizer in the United States. EPA and SCDHEC have positively identified the location of nine former phosphate/fertilizer plants along the Ashley and Copper River corridors.

WHO: U.S. EPA and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

WHAT: Public meeting to discuss the phosphate/fertilizer industry in Charleston, South Carolina

WHEN: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Charleston Public Works Building
103 St. Phillips Street
Charleston, South Carolina