Century Aluminum fined for pollution at Mount Holly plant

Century Aluminum is dealing with a significant pollution case at its Mount Holly smelter located near Moncks Corner, South Carolina. The company has been fined over $361,500 for repeatedly exceeding pollution limits since 2019. They emitted fluoride and particulate matter beyond what regulations allow. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services ordered the company to improve their practices, which includes regular inspections and progress reports. To address these issues, Century Aluminum's plant manager stated they have invested millions in equipment and staff training since 2019. However, residents near the plant have raised complaints about air emissions affecting their health, such as causing congestion and skin irritation. The company admitted to surpassing pollution limits in a hearing last year. In addition, Century Aluminum proposed a nearly $944,000 compensation fund to settle a federal class-action lawsuit from residents near the smelter. This fund would give money to approximately 726 property owners affected by the pollution. In other local news, there are plans for new industrial construction along Highway 78 near Ridgeville. Landmark Industrial has applied for a stormwater permit to build three large warehouses on a 55-acre site. This project may fill some freshwater wetlands, but the company aims to offset this impact by purchasing credits from a mitigation bank. Moreover, there is a separate proposal from Stream Realty Acquisitions to construct six warehouses totaling about 2 million square feet near Summerville. The Charleston area has seen a surge in warehouse construction recently, leading to high vacancy rates. Lastly, AVX Kyocera, a company in Fountain Inn, is facing a tax dispute with the IRS. The IRS claims they wrongly issued a $13.4 million tax refund to AVX. They argue that the company miscalculated their tax credits and are seeking repayment of the money along with interest. AVX has not yet responded to this legal matter.