People complain about Congaree River coal tar cleanup plan

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Some people are complaining about plans to deal with coal tar in the Congaree River in Columbia.

The State newspaper reported ( https://bit.ly/2lbU9Kv) environmental officials said Monday they’ve tried to find a way to deal with the coal tar but have not come up with a removal plan.

The current plan calls for South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. to cover some of the river bed with concrete to contain the coal tar. The Department of Health and Environmental Control says the tar apparently came from an early 20th century manufactured gas plant uphill from the river in Columbia.

A plan to dam the river while the tar was removed is impractical.

Many of the people at Monday’s hearing urged the company and DHEC to look harder for a solution.

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Information from: The State, https://www.thestate.com