South Carolina is undoubtedly one of the best places to call home in the Southeast. Cities like Charleston boast a rich history, pleasant climate, delicious food, friendly locals, and a laid-back atmosphere that captures the essence of southern hospitality. However, for homeowners and business owners, living in Charleston comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining the appearance of your property.
The humid weather in the area often results in mold and algae growth on surfaces like wood and concrete, which can make your property look unkempt and neglected. Fortunately, Peppers Pressure Washing can help restore your property's beauty and prevent future growth and grime.
When it comes to pressure washing in Isle of Palms, SC, our #1 goal is delivering exceptional pressure washing services by going above and beyond to make sure our clients are satisfied. We ensure their satisfaction by prioritizing good old-fashioned hard work, honest pricing, ongoing communication, advanced training, and industry-leading customer service.
Our pressure washing company in South Carolina is the perfect choice to protect your home or business from mold and mildew across various surfaces. In doing so, we can help minimize unsightly objects like bird's nests and spiderwebs while protecting your property from damage to windows, gutters, roofing, and more. As a licensed, insured pressure washing company, our customer's health and happiness always come first - no questions asked.
So, when you hire Peppers Pressure Washing, you can rest easy knowing our experts will treat your home as if it were our own. When they need the highest quality pressure washing services, clients come to us because our team is:
If you're looking for a dedicated professional that will do the job right, you're in the right place. With over 10 years experience, we have learned to improve our skills and keep our equipment up to date for the best results.
Living in the Lowcountry often means that your home's exterior will suffer from harsh elements such as mildew, dirt, and pollen. If left uncleaned, these contaminants can cause damage to surfaces like brick, stucco, and vinyl over time. At Peppers Pressure Washing, we offer a safe and effective cleaning solution that utilizes time-tested techniques to remove hazardous contaminants from your home's exterior so that it remains uniquely beautiful year-round.
Unlike some pressure washing services in Charleston, however, we have the capability to perform traditional pressure washing as well as low-pressure washing for residential properties.
Most often known as "soft washing," this process involves washing and rinsing your windows and gutters using gentle pressure. Unlike high-pressure tactics - which can cause damage when used by amateurs in inappropriate spaces - soft wash cleaning for your home is specifically designed to remove mildew and algae from porous surfaces without causing harm. With soft washing, you won't have to worry about losing curb appeal or reducing the resale value of your home due to stripped paint or ruined siding.
Our techniques use gentle water pressure and an environmentally friendly cleaning solution to remove contaminants without causing harm to your plants or landscaping. That's why many homeowners ask for a combination of soft washing and pressure washing in Isle of Palms, SC - to address the hard-to-clean areas as well as the more sensitive areas.
Once the cleaning agent has removed the mold, algae, and other contaminants, our team thoroughly rinses the exterior of your home, leaving it looking squeaky clean and envy-worthy to your neighbors. Some additional benefits of Peppers Pressure Washing's soft washing approach include:
Curious if our team can remove the mold and mildew from your driveway, walkways, back deck, and more? Give our office a call today - every estimate we provide is 100% free.
Experienced professionals can enhance your property's curb appeal with well-laid driveways and patios. The same goes for the fencing around your backyard, which can be painted and installed meticulously by experts. However, it's only a matter of time before stains, peeling paint, and other tough-to-remove items begin to sully your home's appearance. Fortunately, with an experienced pressure washing company by your side, you can bring life back to your home, even if it's been plagued by something like graffiti.
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Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Entrepreneurs understand the importance of presenting a positive image for their brand and business. A first impression is often the only opportunity to showcase what you have to offer. Neglecting the cleanliness and appearance of your warehouse, apartment complex, or storefront could lead to lost revenue. Put yourself in your customers' shoes: If a business owner fails to maintain walkways and other heavily trafficked areas around their location, they may not put much effort into providing quality products.
Every aspect of your building, entrance, parking lot, walking path, or storefront presents an opportunity to impress customers. With commercial pressure washing, you can capitalize on that opportunity and even help retain the same customers you initially impressed. The bottom line? If cleanliness and curb appeal are non-negotiable in your line of business, it's time to call Peppers Pressure Washing for a free estimate.
Don't delay - waiting to have your business pressure washed can end up costing you money. That's why our pressure washing company offers convenient monthly cleanings. We can arrange routine maintenance washing to help keep your business fresh and clean, helping you set the stage for success year-round.
Investing in exterior cleaning is a wise decision for any business owner. Services like pressure washing enhance curb appeal, attract new and returning customers, and show you care about the appearance of your business. But if you're like other hardworking entrepreneurs who are stretched thin as it is, keeping up with cleanliness is easier said than done, especially outside your property.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
If you notice unsightly stains, mold, or mildew on the outside of your business, it may be a sign of standing water issues or simply a lack of regular cleaning. Sure, you could make your own bleach solution and try to tackle the problem yourself. But you run the risk of damaging your property and even harming yourself in the process. The alternative? Contact Peppers Pressure Washing for thoroughly effective pressure washing in Isle of Palms, SC.
At Peppers Pressure Washing, one of the most common questions we receive is why a homeowner or business owner should or should not hire professionals to handle pressure washing. We get it - most folks are on budgets and must be careful about spending frivolously on chores that they may be able to do on their own. And while we're big proponents of DIY projects at home and at work, pressure washing in Isle of Palms, SC, should always be performed by trained professionals. Here's why.
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Avoid Damage toPressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
At Peppers Pressure Washing, we evaluate every pressure washing project with a fresh eye, knowing that no two situations are ever the same. As a licensed and insured pressure washing company in South Carolina, our goal is to leave your home and property looking its best, whether you need a one-time cleaning for your driveway or recurring services for your business. Whatever your needs may be, you can always rely on Peppers Pressure Washing for high-quality power washing at cost-conscious prices.
ISLE OF PALMS — Some property owners along Ocean Boulevard can begin applying for permission to install sea walls behind their homes for the next 60 days.City Council has enacted an emergency ordinance that temporarily reverses a nearly half-century ban to address the erosion that has affected the barrier island, particularly near Breach Inlet. A citywide ban on sea walls, revetments, bulkheads, riprap and other hard erosion-control structures within 250 feet of the mean high-water mark of the Atlantic Ocean has been in place fo...
ISLE OF PALMS — Some property owners along Ocean Boulevard can begin applying for permission to install sea walls behind their homes for the next 60 days.
City Council has enacted an emergency ordinance that temporarily reverses a nearly half-century ban to address the erosion that has affected the barrier island, particularly near Breach Inlet. A citywide ban on sea walls, revetments, bulkheads, riprap and other hard erosion-control structures within 250 feet of the mean high-water mark of the Atlantic Ocean has been in place for 45 years.
The ordinance rolls back the no-build zone 20 feet but still forbids hard erosion-control structures within 230 feet of the mean high-water mark.
Some homeowners on Ocean Boulevard approached the city asking for aid in protecting their homes, said Deputy City Administrator Douglas Kerr.
"Breach Inlet began seeing excessive erosion here recently. Those property owners reached out to City Council and just asked for relief from that 250-foot prohibition,” Kerr said.
The emergency ordinance, which was approved Feb. 20 by a supermajority of the nine-person council, will provide that relief, Councilwoman Elizabeth Campsen said.
“What we're looking at tonight, in my opinion, is an emergency ordinance attempting to provide emergency relief in an emergent situation to some homeowners who are being impacted by the cycle that we're in,” Campsen said.
She said she viewed the 60-day reversal as the groundwork for removing the maximum build line altogether.
“I always viewed this as Step 1 in perhaps a multistep process that gets us to the discussion about the full revocation of that 250-foot line,” she said.
The change applies only to beachfront properties between 100 and 914 Ocean Blvd. An estimated 90 beachfront homes are in that stretch.
Homeowners have 60 days to obtain permits from the city and approval for the sea wall or revetment. Mayor Phillip Pounds said construction of the sea wall does not have to be completed within that period.
At their own expense, these homeowners can opt to build a sea wall or revetment 20 feet seaward of the maximum build line, or 230 feet from the high-water mark.
“We can't back off the 45-year-old ban on sea walls and hard structures. We, I think, can compromise,” Councilman Blair Hahn said. “If we allow for sea walls to be built only within 20 feet (of the maximum build line), we're giving homeowners some protection for their foundations.”
The emergency ordinance does not supersede the state’s jurisdiction or allow homeowners to build sea walls within critical areas as deemed by the state office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.
“Department staff informed the City of Isle of Palms that any beachfront erosion control structure must be sited and all associated construction activities must be performed entirely landward of the state's critical areas. This does not relieve property owners from obtaining any other necessary federal or state permits,” said Casey White, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
The structures must be covered with beach-compatible sand, and sea walls must be continuous. This means if owners of adjacent properties opt to install walls, the sea walls must connect.
The sea walls and revetments have to be designed by an engineer, and permits from the city are required before construction can begin, the ordinance states.
Kerr said he’s heard from roughly 10 property owners who would likely take advantage of the relaxed restrictions to install a sea wall.
A similar emergency ordinance last year for the same stretch of homes near Breach Inlet was enacted. Following damage from Hurricane Idalia, the city allowed property owners to place large, temporary sandbags behind their homes.
The sea walls and revetments now allowed in the new ordinance would be more-permanent structures.
This week's reversal happened amid construction by an Ocean Boulevard homeowner of his own erosion control wall without city or state permission.
Rom Reddy began reinforcing a retaining wall behind his home near Breach Inlet. OCRM said the structure is being built in a critical area, which would not be permitted even with the city's emergency ordinance.
Reddy moved forward with the construction despite directives to stop from the state, citing property rights and the need to protect his home from erosion.
ISLE OF PALMS — Record tides from an unexpected nor'easter in December ripped away several feet of sand on this barrier island, exposing an unauthorized, clandestine wall in front of a beachfront home near Breach Inlet.The wall's unveiling also spawned a power struggle between the state Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Ocean Boulevard homeowner, with the two at odds over property rights and protecting the diminishing shoreline....
ISLE OF PALMS — Record tides from an unexpected nor'easter in December ripped away several feet of sand on this barrier island, exposing an unauthorized, clandestine wall in front of a beachfront home near Breach Inlet.
The wall's unveiling also spawned a power struggle between the state Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Ocean Boulevard homeowner, with the two at odds over property rights and protecting the diminishing shoreline.
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This is all playing out on a sandy beach where waves are clawing closer to multi-million dollar homes amid heavy erosion caused by storms and high tides.
The home at the center of the dispute belongs to Rom Reddy, owner of the multimedia local news outlet MyLo News. After taking a beating from Hurricane Idalia last year, Reddy said he installed the wall as a erosion control barrier and covered it with 30 feet of sand.
The December nor'easter washed away the sand, uncovering the bulwark.
While performing post-storm damage assessments, DHEC became aware of the structure.
Some call it a sea wall, which the state defines as a retaining wall designed to withstand wave forces. Reddy maintains his wall isn't a sea wall, as it was never meant to be exposed to the ocean. It was meant to be buried beneath the sand to protect his home's foundation and yard, he said.
"This keeps my yard stable and keeps it from moving around, which is what a retaining wall does. If we have a catastrophic event, it gives my property some protection, although a very nominal level, because it's not meant to be ocean facing," Reddy said.
Reddy said the nor'easter left the wall tilting and unstable, prompting him to have it rebuilt. In response, DHEC sent a cease-and-desist letter in January to halt the construction.
Cease he did not. Construction on the wall continues to move full steam ahead and shows no sign of slowing down.
Reddy said it is his right as a property owner to protect his home. The area landward of the setback line is his to do with as he pleases, he said, citing South Carolina's Coastal Tidelands and Wetlands Act.
Not so, according to DHEC's division of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.
The sand in front of Reddy's property is considered a critical area, the agency said, and any alteration of a critical area requires permits from OCRM, even critical areas that are landward of the jurisdictional setback.
DHEC spokesperson Laura Renwick said the agency regularly issues permits for work in these areas, though it is unlikely Reddy's wall would have been approved.
"Since erosion control structures and devices such as the one identified at this property have been banned per state law since 1988, this structure would not have been permitted," Renwick said.
Isle of Palms officials said they are aware of the structure, which violates a city ordinance prohibiting hard erosion control measures like sea walls, bulkheads and revetments. But in the case of Reddy's unauthorized structure, the city said its hands are tied. Jurisdiction of that area, and much of the island's critical areas, fall under DHEC, said Mayor Phillip Pounds.
"In this particular case, the OCRM has claimed jurisdiction, so that takes the city out of the mix, and it is up to them to enforce the state-level rules. We are relying on the state to enforce their rules that prevent structures like this being built per their cease-and-desist orders," Pounds said.
Judges in two cases in recent years have sided with homeowners who built walls or placed sandbags along eroding sections of the South Carolina coast.
While Reddy is facing pushback from DHEC, some of his neighbors are behind him. Paul Jorgensen, who owns the property adjacent to Reddy, said he doesn't love what is being erected next door, but he understands his neighbor's mindset. Working with the city and the state to get approval for protective measures has left him feeling frustrated.
"The city and the state have been utterly horrible at handling the situation. Not only have they been utterly horrible at managing, they won't even let us help ourselves," Jorgensen said.
Jorgensen said the preventative measures the city does take on aren't enough.
Ongoing restoration and protection efforts on the island include continuing sand scraping and sandbag placements on the island that began under an emergency order following Hurricane Idalia in September. City Council gave the efforts a boost in October, allotting $1.25 million to continue sand scraping along the beaches to rebuild the dunes. Council also budgeted $250,000 for installing sandbags on properties within 20 feet of erosion areas.
"The city and the state are not doing nearly enough, and, in fact, are preventing homeowners from protecting our own property," Jorgensen said.
South Carolina hasn't allowed structures like Reddy is building since enacting the Beachfront Management Act in 1988, citing a "false sense of security" the measures give to beachfront property owners while simultaneously aiding in further erosion.
Structures like sea walls block the ability of a wave to break naturally, pushing its force onto adjacent properties. The energy bounces back off of the wall, pulling the sand and eroding the beach on the seaward side. Emily Cedzo, director of conservation programs and policy for the Coastal Conservation League, said softer measures for preventing erosion, like sand fencing and larger restoration projects, are ideal for protecting beaches.
"Those are really the ideal ways to manage a beach responsibly so that it can provide good protection for private properties, but also public access and wildlife habitat," Cedzo said.
With multiple cease-and-desist directives, DHEC could begin to dole out fines or penalties.
"When DHEC identifies violations of applicable state laws or regulations, the agency has the authority to initiate an enforcement process that may result in the issuing of a civil penalty to the responsible party, among other actions," Renwick said.
Some think it's time for DHEC to take action.
"I think DHEC is going to have to move forward with enforcement. I don't know what their process or timeline looks like, but I think it's clear that they've already tried to communicate with the property owner," Cedzo said. "I know that several residents on the Isle of Palms are really concerned about it and continue sending reports."
Reddy said the cease-and-desist directives from DHEC won't deter him.
"They have to go in front of a judge and prove to the judge that we're, in fact, breaking the law. And we're ready for that," Reddy said.
Reach Anna Sharpe at 843-806-6790.
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - The Isle of Palms City Council in 2020 voted to make additions to the marina area of the island and that project is officially slated to be completed this year.The project included the addition of a public dock, a boardwalk and a waterfront park and greenspace. The boardwalk and public dock have been completed, and, as of Jan. 11, the construction contract for the waterfront park and greenspace was officially confirmed.The waterfront park will cover the 300 by 25 foot wide area along the marina faci...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) - The Isle of Palms City Council in 2020 voted to make additions to the marina area of the island and that project is officially slated to be completed this year.
The project included the addition of a public dock, a boardwalk and a waterfront park and greenspace. The boardwalk and public dock have been completed, and, as of Jan. 11, the construction contract for the waterfront park and greenspace was officially confirmed.
The waterfront park will cover the 300 by 25 foot wide area along the marina facing the Intracoastal Waterway. There will be a 6-foot wide concrete walkway. The park will include a large lawn area with lush planting.
They plan to include a series of benches along the waterfront walkway so residents can enjoy views of the water and boating activities. There are plans for a circular seat wall near the public dock that would create an entrance to the dock area.
They plan to include a kayak storage area and a kayak launch area. There will be golf cart parking available as well as bicycle parking areas.
All of these plans did require collaboration and participation from the marina manager and restaurant tenants. Scott Toole, the general manager of the Outpost, a nearby restaurant, says he is very excited for this addition to the area.
“I think that it’s an added benefit to the island, to the residents, everybody, to have a space and to use the dock. Kayak launching is a big thing that I think people will take advantage of.” he says. “It’s really going to help make this area kind of a place of interest for people, sort of a destination so to speak, for people to be able to get some food, get some drink, watch the water and use the dock that’s right there.”
Toole says they very recently renovated the Outpost and he’s excited to see this new project bring more people to the area. He says he feels like this area of Isle of Palms is often overlooked as it is a little ways away from the main beach.
“We’ve kind of joked that it’s a small corner of the island and so, anything that’s bringing people down this direction is good for everybody. We’re excited to see this project take place,” he says.
The project is currently slated to be completed by May of this year. To provide City Council your input on this project you can click here.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Not so long ago, it would have been inconceivable for anyone to build a sea wall along South Carolina's coast, bury it in the sand and then set about rebuilding it when a winter storm washed away the sand and exposed it to public view. Unimaginable that the property owner would brazenly continue the construction project even after state regulators told him to stop.After all, for more than three decades, our state law has prohibited property owners from building new sea walls on the beaches of our barrier islands. The ...
Not so long ago, it would have been inconceivable for anyone to build a sea wall along South Carolina's coast, bury it in the sand and then set about rebuilding it when a winter storm washed away the sand and exposed it to public view. Unimaginable that the property owner would brazenly continue the construction project even after state regulators told him to stop.
After all, for more than three decades, our state law has prohibited property owners from building new sea walls on the beaches of our barrier islands. The S.C. Beachfront Management Act even prohibits the use of sandbags except on a temporary basis to protect against approaching hurricanes and similar emergencies.
The law is part of a well-known and well-litigated strategy to protect and preserve our sandy beaches, which belong to the public and fuel our tourism economy. Although sea walls protect the buildings and property immediately behind them, they also speed erosion in front of and alongside them — thus quite literally stealing the beach from all South Carolinians.
But the part-time, political board of the state Department of Health and Environmental Control started dismantling that law two years ago, when it ignored the advice of its expert staff, gave an extraordinarily liberal reading to a loophole and allowed seven property owners on DeBordieu Beach to essentially build a sea wall by burying an illegally constructed wall of sandbags in the sand. Even if the board's reading of the law was correct, it was under no legal obligation to allow the work.
The homeowners’ attorney — state Sen. Steven Goldfinch — said the board wasn’t authorizing a sea wall but simply allowing Coastal Carolina University professor Paul Gayes to conduct an experiment to see what happens when sandbags are buried under more sand.
It’s true that we don’t know precisely how long or how well those sandbags will protect the property behind them, but we know what they will do to the beach in front of them, a beach that belongs to the public and that the DHEC board is supposed to protect. These bags have been transformed from temporary emergency protective devices into a sea wall, which will speed erosion of the beach in front of them and any property beside them that isn’t similarly hardened.
Before that 2022 vote, we warned about the message allowing the so-called experiment would send to every beachfront property owner in South Carolina: Don’t worry about what state law says about protecting your property at the expense of the public beach. Don’t worry about DHEC regulations. Do whatever you think you need to do. We won't simply forgive you for violating the law and the regulations. If you can find a professor to call what you’re doing an “experiment,” we’ll let you do even more harm to our beaches.
This is where we are once again forced to remind state officials that we told them so.
And it turns out we underestimated how brazen some beachfront property owners can be.
As The Post and Courier’s Anna Sharpe reports, Isle of Palms property owner Rom Reddy installed an unauthorized wall in front of his house last year after Hurricane Idalia and covered it with 30 feet of sand. When the December nor'easter washed away the sand, he set about rebuilding it. And when DHEC became aware of the structure, it appropriately issued a cease-and-desist order.
Mr. Reddy claims it’s not a sea wall because he never meant the structure itself to be exposed to the ocean — an explanation that makes the DeBordieu Beach property owners look like paragons of lawfulness. He also claims he has a right to protect his property, which displays a stunning misunderstanding of state law — and of who owns South Carolina’s beaches.
But no one should be surprised by this, after the DHEC board’s 2022 decision. Mr. Ruddy probably figures if regulators ever go beyond sending him orders and actually try to enforce those orders, he can just appeal to the DHEC board, and maybe hire a state senator to represent him. Did we mention that the Senate has to approve the governor’s nominees for the DHEC board?
Ah, but here’s what he and other beachfront property owners might not have figured: Come July 1, the DHEC board ceases to exist, and appeals of decisions by the experts at the new Department of Environmental Services will go not to political appointees but to administrative law judges, who should be less intimidated than those DHEC board members by lawyer-legislators — or at least more likely to decide an appeal based on the law, rather than on their philosophical preference, as part-time governing boards of state agencies tend to do.
Coastal zone regulators need to take action to stop this lawless destruction of our public beaches. But they need to wait just long enough to ensure that the inevitable appeal of that decision is made once we have actual judges hearing the case instead of amateur politicians.
Click here for more opinion content from The Post and Courier.
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD)- Erosion on the Isle of Palms continues to be a big concern for IOP city leaders and property owners.Council members, the mayor and coastal engineering experts met Tuesday afternoon to discuss short term solutions.The issue is so urgent that city leaders took action, approving more than a million dollars to fund short-term solutions for the erosion.Beach erosion has long been a problem on the Isle of Palms“There’s a lot of concern,” City councilmember Rusty Streetman sa...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD)- Erosion on the Isle of Palms continues to be a big concern for IOP city leaders and property owners.
Council members, the mayor and coastal engineering experts met Tuesday afternoon to discuss short term solutions.
The issue is so urgent that city leaders took action, approving more than a million dollars to fund short-term solutions for the erosion.
Beach erosion has long been a problem on the Isle of Palms
“There’s a lot of concern,” City councilmember Rusty Streetman said.
However, the city says it’s starting to get worse.
“Some of our residents down there have hit the critical line of 20 feet, water within 20 feet of their structure,” Mayor Phillip Pounds said.
The city has no control over one of the major causes of the erosion, king tides.
“Tides were supposed to be 6 and a half feet and with the winds and waves, it was about 8 and half, so pretty significant difference than what we were expecting,” Pounds said.
However, what leaders say they can control, is their response to the issue.
Pounds said, “We need some immediate relief and some immediate guidance to our residents down there on what they can and can’t do.”
“Beach erosion will always be here, it’s a fact of life. We live with it so we just have to try and plan as well as we can to handle that,” Streetman said.
The city approved about one and a half million dollars to continue digging sand from the shoreline for dune renourishment.
It’s a project that has been ongoing since tropical storm Idalia hit in August.
They also say they’ll use that money to bring in more sand if needed and provide sandbags for residents who need them.
Streetman said, “We also have a beach renourishment fund that is taxed onto the accommodations tax, that is targeted just for beach renourishment.”
In January, a long-term renourishment project in partnership with the Army Corp of Engineers will begin.
They’re going to rebuild some of the beach in hopes of mitigating erosion for years to come.
