Bill To Kill Hugo Neu Recycling Landfill in SC Filed Again

For the fourth time in less than two years, a state lawmaker has filed a bill that would kill the Sims Hugo Neu recycling center project.

The bill, filed by state Sen. R.C. Soles, D-Columbus, has the same wording as bills he filed last May and in March 2005. It is also identical to a bill filed in the state House by Rep. Bonner Stiller, R-Brunswick, and Rep. Dewey Hill, D-Columbus, last May.

If the bill becomes law, the town of Navassa in Brunswick County would lose planning and zoning control over land where the town has agreed to let Sims Hugo Neu operate a center for storing and recycling the shredded remains of recycled automobiles.

Last year, Navassa and Sims Hugo Neu opposed the bill, saying it would infringe on the town's right to control land within its borders. The town and the company see the project as an economic boost to the town.

Soles, Stiller and Hill pointed to fears of pollution and argued that the project isn't compatible with nearby residential growth and the county's tourism industry.

The bill would put control of the land in the hands of the Brunswick County Commissioners until July 1, 2010. Because a majority of the commissioners oppose the project, it's expected that the board would deny the company permission to build, killing the project.

Progress on the project, along with other proposals requiring state landfill operating permits, have been stalled since the legislature put a halt to landfill development last summer. That moratorium is scheduled to end in August.

Last year, Soles succeeded in getting the Senate to approve the bill, but it stalled in the House and died when the legislative session ended.

The latest bill, labeled Senate Bill 143, has been sent to the Senate's committee on local government.

Meanwhile, the organization fighting the Sims Hugo Neu landfill planned for Navassa has changed its name to Cape Fear Citizens for a Safe Environment.

Formerly known as Brunswick Citizens for a Safe Environment, the group wants to include all of the region, arguing that the proposed auto recycling center and landfill would harm areas beyond Brunswick County, according to a news release.

The group will begin a neighborhood canvass Feb. 24 to hand out brochures about the landfill in areas around the site and in other counties.

"The mega landfill in Navassa is more of a threat to the entire region and not just Brunswick County," said Mike Roberts, a member and former co-chairman of the group. Wilmington Star News