Neighbors press Horry County leaders with concerns about controversial asphalt plant

CONWAY, S.C. (WMBF) - Neighbors in the Wild Wing community raised their concerns about a nearby asphalt plant to Horry County leaders on Tuesday.

The county hosted a community meeting to hear from residents regarding the King Asphalt plant. Conway City Council voted against annexing the property from Horry County in October.

Residents have complained about noise, smells and general quality of life from the nearby plant. Concerns about the plant operating as a heavy industry in a light industry zone have also been raised - as well as why homes were allowed to be built near the plant.

Neighbors also said Tuesday that they’re especially concerned about possible silica dust and the long-term problems it can cause.

The property, which has been a plant since the 1990s, was grandfathered into Horry County zoning regulation under previous ownership. Neighbors at Tuesday’s meeting also said issues didn’t start until King Asphalt took ownership of the plant last year.

“They may own the land, but do they also own the air and the water?” said Renee Ruff, a resident at Tuesday’s meeting. “At what point do we have some rights with our land? So we’re here for some thoughtful conversation with our elected leaders and we’re looking to find some solutions.”

Members of Horry County Council and officials from the City of Conway as well as the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control attended the meeting.

Officers with the Horry County Police Department also clarified to neighbors that the plant is allowed to operate from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., but encouraged residents to call the police if it was making noise outside of those hours.

With all that in mind, Ruff said she’s hoping the start of a conversation leads to change ahead.

“We’re hoping for a process to get started for some eventual change,” she said. “Sooner would be better than later. We don’t want to wait for issues to happen with people in the community - health issues. So I’m hoping we can implore upon our elected leaders to pay attention to.”

Neighbors also said they want to get the Occupational Safety and Health Administration involved and are accusing the plant of violating OSHA standards.

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