Environmental decisions made by non-scientists sure to lead to ‘catastrophic’ results | Opinion

‘Catastrophic decision’

In 1972, the Clean Water Act was designed to protect waters and wetlands from being a dumping ground for pollutants and serve to protect the integrity of our waters that we need to survive, including protections for fish, wildlife and plants.

I have been in the wetlands protection profession for more than three decades, and I have no words to describe the catastrophic decision that has been made by non-scientific court leaders.

Evidently, in a nutshell, the basis for this reversal decision resulted from a U.S. Supreme Court member’s concern that landowners don’t fully understand the definition of surface waters and the impact to the environment.

When did it get to the level where non-experts/ non-scientists are in a position to determine the fate of human survival?

Based on this monumental irresponsible decision, the consequences of wetlands and intermittent waterways – which are ecologically connected to perennial rivers and streams – are no longer relevant and now will be unprotected and unregulated from development and, undoubtedly, will only result in irreversible environmental degradation.

Let’s hope that the Supreme Court will not weigh in on the science and relevance of cardiac and cancer decisions that doctors make, too.

Daniel Shinder, HHI

Whose governor?

I am appalled by Gov. McMaster’s horrifying statement at the South Carolina GOP convention about hunting Democrats.

I am a Democrat and a citizen of South Carolina and I expect my governor to respect and represent me.

He is a disgrace to the office of governor and I will do everything I can to see that he never holds office again.

Alice Schulte, HHI

Protect St. Helena

Another vote is coming up on protecting the Gullah people and culture of St. Helena Island or allowing developers to build resorts, increase land values and taxes, and uproot our neighbors from property owned by their families for generations.

There’s a sign after crossing the bridge to St. Helena Island that proudly says, “Seat of the Gullah culture.” The county seal has the phrasing “Preserving heritage.”

Now my point: What you say with your vote about protecting the Gullah culture will say a lot about your culture.

Jerry Floyd, St. Helena Island

Improve inspection law

I enjoyed Brian Tolley’s recent article on changing a law in our state.

It has been said that our legislators will not take up the discussion of a revised law on annual vehicle inspections.

Every day we see or read a story in the news concerning a vehicle wreck that injured or killed people. Everyday my wife and I see vehicles that have no business being on South Carolina roads. Lights that are not working on vehicles, bald tires, no front-end bumpers.

Can an investigative report on the lack of a state law dealing with vehicle inspections help in changing the attitudes of the public and the legislators?

Certainly, the previous law was flawed. Those flaws could be addressed in writing a new law that would have a chance of passing.

Ed Cerny, Elgin

Thanks from AMIkids

With a slight breeze and partly sunny skies, and with great fellowship and fun, the AMIkids Beaufort 2023 Croquet Picnic at Brays Island was a hit on May 6.

On behalf of the AMIkids Board of Trustees and our fine staff, I extend a special “thank you” to the Brays Island community and to Phil and Amelie Cromer, who hosted our Captains’ Party at their beautiful Beaufort home.

We also thank Mark Robertson of 98.7 The River radio station for joining us as master of ceremonies.

With the support of 24 croquet teams, dozens of court sponsors and those who gave so generously, we exceeded our fundraising goal and will be able to make much-needed improvements at our campus this summer, including new bathrooms and painting all the structures.

At AMIkids Beaufort, we help young men separate a troubled past from a bright future and have been doing so since the mid-1980s in Beaufort County.

AMIkids Beaufort’s campus in Dale provides not only education but numerous hands-on vocational opportunities, treatment and behavior modification.

We have a nationally-recognized welding program and utilize a YouthBuild federal grant, a new carpentry shop and partnership with LowCountry Habitat for Humanity to help our students learn construction skills.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success.

John C. Williams, Beaufort

Friendly ‘strangers’

On a recent Wednesday, I shopped at the Publix on Hilton Head Island.

Due to the fact that a relative was visiting and the menu involved grocery items of which I am unfamiliar, I approached a young lady in the produce department for help.

I truly have never before encountered such a pleasant person. She truly amazed me with her willingness to help in my grocery shopping even beyond the needs I presented in the produce area.

Then, when I checked out, the woman who served me also was pleasant. How wonderful to have been served by “strangers” in such a touching personal manner.

Elizabeth Rae, HHI