Orangeburg County searches for solutions to compost plant’s stench

HOLLY HILL, S.C. - A South Carolina county is still searching for solutions to an odor wreaking havoc in the town of Holly Hill.

While you can’t see the smell, you can see what’s causing it. The town and Orangeburg County officials say waste plant Synagro has done everything on its action plan, but to no avail. Now it’s back to the drawing board to find new solutions.

Residents say the nuisance odor coming from waste composting company Synagro is still there, despite an action list of items to try and cut the stench.

“My kids come inside with their shirts over their noses and say, ‘Mom, it smells like poop again,’” said resident Emerald Dennis. “They are not providing solutions that are satisfactory. The things that they have already implemented are not working.”

Orangeburg County Council is now proposing a temporary moratorium that would prevent any new waste composting companies from coming to the county.

“It is an order to establish a temporary moratorium for land use regarding sewer and animal waste compost and manufacturing,” said Johnnie Wright, chairman of the Orangeburg County Council.

The council proposed a moratorium that has ed two council readings and would stop any new waste companies that have put in bids to come build indoor facilities.

Holly Hill Mayor Billy Chavis says Synagro has kept the town up to date with progress from its action plan, confirming it began aeration of waste lagoons this week, but there is still no relief from the smell.

“To the citizens, we smell it too!” Said Billy Chavis, Holly Hill Mayor.

The company’s next step is to test compost samples with new, environmentally friendly, and state-approved deodorizing chemicals that will better cut the stench.

Residents are at wits’ end with how their lives have been upended.

“They have to live with it every single day, and it’s in our homes,” Dennis continued. “So it doesn’t matter anymore if your windows are closed. It’s coming into people’s homes and getting into their things.”

In the search for new solutions, the county says the moratorium still has to a third reading before it goes into effect. If ed, it will last for at least 180 days.

In its action plan, Synagro says some of the actions will take time to “make a noticeable difference.” The company says it will continue to adjust its plan and provide updates as requested by the county istration.

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