Vulcan Construction Materials - Proposed Fairfield Quarry

Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC has requested environmental permits from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to construct and operate a proposed granite quarry off Old River Road, approximately 6.5 miles north of Ridgeway, South Carolina in Fairfield County. 

After careful consideration of all comments and information received from concerned citizens and local, state, and federal agencies, DHEC has determined that the Fairfield Quarry can comply with the South Carolina Mining Act and applicable air, water, and mining regulations. Having made this determination, and being in receipt of the required financial assurance, DHEC has approved the mine application and is issuing Mine Operating Permit I-002297 for the Fairfield Quarry. The final mine permit, maps, reclamation plan, and a summary response to comments are available below. Documents related to issuance of the air and water permits are also available below. 
DHEC appreciates the interest, engagement, and comments received from all our stakeholders during the environmental permitting process for the Fairfield Quarry.

Mining

DHEC’s Bureau of Land and Waste Management (BLWM) received an application for a mine operating permit for the proposed Fairfield Quarry on March 18, 2020. Documents used in the BLWM permitting process are available below: 

The BLWM placed the mine operating permit application on public notice and began accepting public comments in April 2020. The BLWM completed review of all information and public comments received in writing, as well as those shared during the DHEC public hearing held on August 27, 2020. Additional information provided by the applicant was also reviewed.  A draft of the Mine Operating Permit was published on November 17, 2020, and all comments were reviewed.

Questions or comments about the mine operating permit application and the BLWM's permitting process may be directed to:
 
Jeremy Eddy
Phone: 803-898-7609
Email: eddyje@dhec.sc.gov

Air Quality

An air quality construction permit allows for the construction and start of operations of equipment.  

On April 30, 2020, DHEC's Bureau of Air Quality (BAQ) received an application for an air quality construction permit for the proposed Vulcan Fairfield aggregate mining and processing facility. The BAQ placed the draft air quality construction permit on public notice July 23, 2020, and the public notice period ended on September 11, 2020. The application used in the BAQ’s permitting process is available below:

On January 26, 2021, DHEC's BAQ issued a Department Decision, which includes construction permit 1000-0046-CA, the statement of basis for 1000-0046-CA, and the response to comments. 

 

Water Quality 

DHEC issues National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits to minimize environmental impacts from stormwater runoff and other water discharges that may occur during construction and operation of a facility. Coverage under the NPDES General Permit for Discharges Associated with Non-Metal Mineral Mining Facilities, SCG730000 is required for the proposed Fairfield Quarry in conjunction with a mine operating permit.  A Notice of Intent for coverage under the general permit was submitted on April 27, 2020, reviewed by the Department in accordance with applicable regulations, and approved on January 26, 2021.

Questions about the NPDES general permit coverage and DHEC’s water permitting process may be directed to:  

Brett Caswell 
Phone: (803) 898-4396 
Email: caswelbm@dhec.sc.gov 

Virtual Public Hearing 

DHEC’s Bureau of Land and Waste Management and Bureau of Air Quality held a virtual public hearing on August 27, 2020, at 6:30 pm, to accept comments on the mine operating permit application and draft air permit for the Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC proposed Fairfield Quarry.   

Community Engagement and Resources 

DHEC has traditionally held in-person meetings and hearings to connect with the communities we serve. During this time of continued COVID-19 response, DHEC, as the state’s public health agency, must make the health and safety of our employees and community members a priority when conducting the business of our state.  At all times, DHEC is committed to providing meaningful ways to hear the questions and concerns of community members and share information on our permitting processes.  

DHEC is offering multiple ways to connect with our staff prior to and including the virtual public hearing.  Please let us know if you are interested or have questions about connecting with our staff via one or more of these options in the coming weeks:   

  • Speaking to someone by phone.  
  • Submitting a comment or question in writing by mail, fax, or email. 
  • Receiving additional information by mail, fax, or email. 
  • Requesting that someone visit your home. 

Additionally, we hope the following information will provide a better understanding of  quarry operations and how you can be involved in DHEC’s decision-making processes: 

Please visit the Industry Notebook: Quarry Operations for additional information about quarry operations and how they are regulated.  For information on current or previous sites of public interest, visit DHEC's Ongoing Environmental Projects webpage. 

Local DHEC Contacts 

To speak with local DHEC staff, please contact Al Peeples in our Columbia Area Environmental Affairs Office at (803) 896-0620. 

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Fairfield