10-05-2025
Community Leaders in Georgetown Holds First Biomass Informational Meeting
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)—On Friday night, leaders held a community meeting to educate the public and hear feedback from the community on a proposed biomass plant that could replace the old papermill Dozens of community members filled up the sanctuary at the Soul Saving Station, eager to learn about Biomass and what impact it could have on the community and the environment.
Residents who live on the West side of Georgetown up to the Waccamaw neck attended the event ready to learn about what could be coming to their area with a list full of questions, such as what will be produced at the proposed biomass plant.
'What usually happens with these biomass facilities is that they say they start off using waste wood in the forest. Still, we have videos of trucks with hardwood on them instead,' said Rev. Woodberry, founder of environmental justice training.
During the event, experts discussed the negative factors of bringing a biomass plant to the community, such as air pollution, health issues, environmental damage, and increased carbon emissions.
Nearly 5 months after operations shut at the papermill, some residents are still struggling to find a source of income. During the meeting, one resident spoke about the need for opportunities to bring economic impact and improve the environment.
'We want to make sure that whatever development is done in that industrial area, folks get good-paying jobs instead of just focusing on it by the water. Let's put up some $500,000 condos by the water or expensive restaurants where people only have jobs to wash dishes. You know people want good-paying, sustainable cleaning jobs.'
Organizers said the event's goal was to educate the public on Biomass and to remind people to make their voices heard because the future of the area people call home along the waterfront district depends on it.
'Environmental justice is a pain to minority, underserved communities, especially the black communities. Please don't lose sight of the fact that when folks cut down trees, their lives diminish, so please be honest about it and don't forget, said Marvin Neal, the 3rd Vice President of the NAACP Branch in Georgetown.'
Officials said they plan on hosting another community event in the coming weeks, and you can count on 2 to bring you updates on air and online.
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