MRR Highway 93 Class 2 Landfill - Pickens County
MRR Pickens, LLC (MRR) received a permit from DHEC in November 2008 to construct and operate the Highway 93 Class 2 Landfill at 2180 Greenville Highway in Liberty, South Carolina. In March 2022, MRR requested an increase in the maximum annual disposal rate for the landfill.
This landfill is unique because it was originally permitted over 13 years ago and has not yet been constructed or operated. Although the landfill has not yet been constructed, the permit has remained in place and effective.
MRR Request to Increase Annual Disposal Rate
The original permit issued to MRR Pickens, LLC in November 2008 allows the landfill to accept a maximum disposal rate of 70,500 tons of construction and demolition debris (C&D) waste each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). The maximum annual disposal rate was determined in 2008 using data reported in the most recently published South Carolina Solid Waste Management Annual Report at that time. Because there has been a 13-year delay in the construction of the landfill, the original maximum annual disposal rate in the permit does not accurately reflect the current need for waste generated within the planning area of the landfill. MRR submitted a request to DHEC to increase the maximum annual disposal rate from 70,500 tons per year (TPY) to 175,339 TPY, based on data reported in the 2021 South Carolina Solid Waste Management Annual Report. Increasing the tonnage rate is considered a major modification to the permit.
Addressing an increase in a landfill tonnage limit is outlined in S.C. Code Ann. Regs. 61-107.19, Part IV, Section H.2.f.(1), which references the use of the planning area as determined by DHEC’s Demonstration of Need Regulation (R. 61-107.17), and the maximum yearly disposal rate.
Public Notice and Comment Period
DHEC placed a draft permit incorporating the proposed tonnage increase on public notice and accepted public comments from April 6, 2022, through May 7, 2022. The public notice announcing the draft permit, public comment period, and a public hearing was published in the Pickens County Courier and The Sentinel-Progress newspapers on April 6, 2022. Adjacent landowners were also notified. Documents used in DHEC’s solid waste permitting process are available below:
Virtual Public Hearing
DHEC held a public hearing on April 28, 2022, at 6:30 pm, to accept oral comments on the draft permit. The hearing was held virtually using an online platform to allow broader access by interested persons.
- MRR Highway 93 Class 2 Landfill Public Hearing Presentation - April 28, 2022
- MRR Highway 93 Class 2 Landfill Public Hearing Recording - April 28, 2022
What to Expect After the Public Comment Period Closes
Once the public comment period closes, DHEC reviews all comments and determines if any modifications should be made to the draft permit. After all comments are considered and addressed, DHEC makes a final decision to either approve or deny the request.
DHEC’s Final Decision on Increase of Annual Disposal Rate
After careful consideration of all comments received during the public comment period, DHEC has determined that the tonnage increase meets the requirements of Regulation 61-107.19 “Solid Waste Management: Solid Waste Landfills & Structural Fill.” Having made this determination, DHEC has approved the annual disposal rate increase and modified MRR’s Class 2 Landfill Permit (LF2-00003) for issuance on May 13, 2022. It is important to note that the permit prohibits the acceptance of coal combustion residuals. The modified permit, staff decision summary, and public notice of the decision are available below.
- Final Decision - Summary of Responses to Comments
- Final Permit LF2-00003
- Public Notice of Final Decision
DHEC appreciates the interest, engagement, and comments received from all our stakeholders during the permitting process.
Questions
Questions about the solid waste permit and DHEC’s permitting process may be directed to:
Justin Koon
Phone: (803) 898-1339
Email: koonjt@dhec.sc.gov
Community Engagement
DHEC is committed to providing meaningful ways to hear the questions and concerns of community members and share information on our permitting processes. DHEC offers multiple ways to connect with our staff during the permitting process and beyond, including:
- Speaking to someone by phone.
- Submitting a question or concern by mail, email, or fax.
- Receiving additional information by mail, fax, or email.
- Visiting our webpage to learn more.
Questions about community engagement in DHEC’s permitting process may be directed to:
Donna Moye
Phone: (803) 898-1382
Email: moyedd@dhec.sc.gov
Local DHEC Contact
To speak with local DHEC staff, please contact Chris Cusack in our Upstate Environmental Affairs Office at (864) 372-3273.