Coal tar polluted Southernside for decades. Cleanup still years away

In Greenville, South Carolina, coal tar contamination has plagued the Southernside neighborhood for decades, with residents and environmental advocates expressing concerns over the prolonged cleanup process. The polluted site, known as the Bramlett site, was once home to a manufactured gas facility that operated for more than 30 years, leaving behind a legacy of environmental degradation that continues to impact the community to this day.

Discovery of Contamination

The presence of coal tar in the area was first discovered in the 1990s, under wetland soil near Unity Park. The contamination is a result of the former gas facility’s operations, which used coal as a power source and generated a tar-like material as a byproduct. The pollution seeped into the ground and has persisted despite various cleanup efforts over the years.

Historical Context

The Newtown neighborhood, where the Bramlett site is located, is a historically Black community that has faced disinvestment and displacement as Greenville has undergone development and growth. The contaminated site has become a symbol of environmental injustice, with residents bearing the brunt of the pollution’s health risks and economic consequences.

Current Cleanup Efforts

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is now spearheading a multi-year excavation proposal to clean up the contaminated soil at the Bramlett site. The proposed cleanup plan involves removing 183,800 cubic yards of material over a six to seven-year period, including the Vaughn landfill and other parcels of land with impacted soil.

Community Concerns

While the cleanup offers hope for a cleaner environment, residents are also worried about the process and its long-term implications. Many fear that the cleanup may not be thorough enough to address all sources of contamination, while others are concerned about potential health risks from exposure to coal tar.

Opportunities for Revitalization

Despite the challenges, some residents see the cleanup as an opportunity to revitalize the Newtown community. They hope that the project will not only restore the environment but also create economic opportunities for local businesses and residents. Community-led initiatives, such as the Parish House Community Development Corporation’s master plan, aim to reinvest in Newtown and address long-standing disparities.

Call for Public Input

DHEC is currently seeking public input on the proposed cleanup plan, which is open for comment until August 6. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their feedback and suggestions to ensure that the cleanup process aligns with the community’s needs and priorities.

Overall, the cleanup of the coal tar-polluted Southernside neighborhood remains a complex and challenging endeavor, with implications for both environmental health and social justice. As the project moves forward, it is essential for all stakeholders to work together towards a sustainable and equitable solution that benefits the community as a whole.