Georgetown and Beyond News: Second Community Meeting Held To Discuss Concerns About A Biomass Power Plant Locating On Former IP Site

https://gabnewsonline.com/second-community-meeting-held-to-discuss-concerns-about-a-biomass-power-pla-p8768-90.htm A second community meeting was held Friday night to discuss the possibility of a biomass power plant taking over the site of the former International Paper Co.

While no definite official plans have been announced for the property, South Carolina Senator Stephen Goldfinch has said a biomass power plant has eyes on the site. That has drawn concern from residents who live in the vicinity of the property because of health hazards that they say could come with such an operation.

Biomass power is produced using a variety of methods, Some such electricity makers use wood, some use plants, some use dead animals, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Former county council member for District 3 and community leader Everett Carolina has spearheaded the two meetings that have been held. He says in Georgetown’s West End – the neighborhood closest to the property – over 35 people have died from cancer and respiratory ailments.

During the first community meeting, Leo Woodberry, a pastor and head of the New Alpha Community Development Corp. in Florence, spoke, saying a biomass power plant is “an industry that contributes little to the economy of this town.”

He was also one of the speakers Friday evening.

The next meeting is expected to take place in about a month, Carolina said elected officials will be invited to that meeting to address concerns.