CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – The Horry County Infrastructure and Regulation Committee met Tuesday to discuss making changes to the ordinance that allows companies to apply for a mining permit within the county.

The ordinance, which would require a 12-month waiting period to reapply for a mining permit, passed in the infrastructure and regulation committee. The ordinance change spawned from Red Bluff Rock, LLC applying twice within a few months to open a mine in the area of Red Bluff Road and Highway 905.

“It could come back up again in twelve months for Red Bluff.  Nobody’s going to change their mind.  Nothing’s going to be any different, and we have well over 28 mines within the county now.  I mean, really, when is enough, enough?” questions Red Bluff resident James Lilley.

The ordinance amendment will now head to Horry County Council for a vote.

“It’s time consuming not just really for the people, for the community, but for council itself.  They’re busy.  They’ve got a lot more important things to do than to keep coming up every month or every other month or every five months or whatever it might be just to keep saying ‘no,’” expresses Lilley.

Residents in the Red Bluff Road area strongly opposed the limestone mine, saying the work that would take place within a quarter-mile of several homes would constantly disturb residents and the large trucks would damage the roads.