Sen. Nikki Setzler of West Columbia praised the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) for denying Carolina Water Service  a permit for its I-20 Wastewater Treatment Plant in Lexington County.

DHEC denied the renewal of a pollutant discharge permit, earlier this week.

“This is a huge victory for public health. I congratulate DHEC for taking a stand on behalf of the people of the Midlands and for protecting our water.

“For far too long, Carolina Water Service has failed to comply with existing permits and has pumped an immeasurable amount of pollution into the scenic Lower Saluda River.

“This action by DHEC is a great first step. There will almost certainly be an appeal, but this action at least starts the process.”