'Georgetown is at a crossroads;' 650+ residents sign petition against new biomass plant

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCIV) — Over 650 Georgetown residents have signed a petition opposing a proposed biomass plant at the site of the International Paper mill that closed last year.

The group Citizens for Georgetown says it consists of residents, business owners, and community leaders working to revitalize the town’s waterfront through “thoughtful redevelopment.” According to them, 653 people have signed their petition letter opposing the plant proposed to take over the International Paper site that would generate energy for Santee Cooper from tree waste.

READ MORE | “Potential Georgetown Co. biomass plant to revitalize old paper mill site”

“Dear Neighbor,” the letter begins. “Georgetown is at a crossroads. With the closing of the International Paper and Liberty Steel plants, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to decide what comes next for our town — and for our waterfront.”

As residents of this community, we believe that future should reflect the values we share: clean air and water, good-paying jobs, strong local businesses, and a vibrant, welcoming town for the people who call Georgetown home. That’s why we support Citizens for Georgetown, a local group working to ensure that redevelopment of these sites puts our community first. We’re especially concerned about the proposed biomass incineration facility at the former IP site — a project that would bring back smokestacks, pollution, and outdated industry instead of the opportunity Georgetown deserves. There is already a plan underway to clean up the environmental damage left behind at the IP site — a major step toward restoring the property and making it safe and suitable for new, community-focused development.

The closures of International Paper and Liberty Steel rocked the Georgetown community. International Paper’s closure saw around 700 people lose their jobs, while Liberty Steel was abruptly demolished, dashing hopes of its reopening.

READ MORE | “Georgetown community faces uncertainty as iconic Liberty Steel Mill is demolished”

“For decades, these industrial sites have employed thousands of Georgetown residents and contributed to our community’s identity,” said Citizens for Georgetown Chairman Tom Swatzel. “Now, we face a critical choice: leave decades of pollution in the land and water, continue with heavy industry OR clean up the site and reimagine these properties into a vibrant, sustainable future that benefits all residents.”

State Sen. Stephen Goldfinch said in March that the cost of turning the property into something other than an industrial site would be “astronomical.” The senator expressed cautious optimism over the proposed plant, saying that it could involve an investment of nearly $4 billion and create new jobs.

Citizens for Georgetown says their mission is clear:

We want a waterfront that works for Georgetown. That means increasing public access, strengthening infrastructure, encouraging local economic growth, and developing a plan that reflects our community’s character and needs. We are not waiting for others to decide our future. Georgetown deserves bold, responsible action—and Citizens for Georgetown is committed to making it happen.

Read the full petition letter below: