Green groups challenge court ruling to build International Drive

Environmental groups asked a judge on Thursday to revise his ruling allowing construction of International Drive to go forward, angering road supporters who say they will protest the green activists’ headquarters until the judge makes his final ruling.

The Coastal Conservation League and S.C. Wildlife Federation are appealing through the court system to block construction of the road that would link S.C. 90 with Carolina Forest.

The chief judge of the Administrative Law Court ruled against the environmentalists on July 7, upholding needed water quality permits issued by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Dana Beach, executive director of the Coastal Conservation League, says in a statement that the judge failed to rule on two key points: the extent to which construction will protect or improve water quality, and whether the project complies with policies on fill material.

“We continue to be interested in finding a meaningful solution for this project, but it will require deliberate and productive negotiations with Horry County,” Beach said.

Mark Lazarus, Horry County Council chairman, maintains that the judge found a meaningful solution and said he stands with the court’s decision.

“They didn’t present any facts during the court hearing, it’s a shame they would continue to protest this,” Lazarus said of the environmentalists actions.

“The sad part about it is this is a public road with proven public safety needs for evacuation purposes and to get people quickly to medical facilities and the hospital,” Lazarus said. “For special interest to continue to protest it, just doesn’t make sense.”

Lazarus said the county has 10 days to respond to the environmentalists’ motion for reconsideration and “we certainly will respond.” The judge then has 30 days to determine if he will reconsider his decision.

Felicia Soto, a member of a residents’ group that supports the road’s construction, says they plan to regularly protest in front of the Coastal Conservation League’s office beginning next week, until the judge makes his decision.

“I am fueled right now, we’re not staying quiet,” Soto said. “Whether we are two or 22, we will be visible in Georgetown from now until September to picket in front of their office to let them know we are not stopping.”

“We vowed we are seeing this project to the end, and we are supporting the county for not giving in to their demands,” Soto said.

The environmental groups say a four-lane road in that area would promote growth along the Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Trust Preserve and negatively affect wildlife and wetlands.

Nancy Cave of the Coastal Conservation League said road supporters have a right to picket, although she questioned what that would achieve.

“That’s their right,” Cave said. “They certainly have the right to walk on the sidewalk.”

This story was originally published July 15, 2016 at 3:05 PM with the headline "Green groups challenge court ruling to build International Drive."