A proposed industrial development east of Harlem could bring a concrete batch plant and solid waste transfer station to Columbia County. The site could create 14 jobs and add waste-handling capacity, but it must first clear the county's rezoning process. Here's what residents should know:
1. A local company is behind the proposal
Developer Sewell Brother Ventures LLC has filed plans for a project that would include a concrete batch plant and waste transfer station on nearly 31 acres off the 3900 block of Gordon Highway east of Harlem.
2. The site sits near a rail line
The property is described as a pie-shaped parcel along a CSX rail line beside Old Augusta Highway. The land is owned by Cedar View Farms LLC.
3. Rezoning is required
The project cannot move forward without
county approval. The land would need to be rezoned to accommodate the proposed industrial uses. A request is scheduled to appear before the Columbia County Planning Commission on Aug. 6.
4. The development is valued at about $2 million
State filings estimate the project's value at buildout at approximately $2 million.
5. About 14 jobs are expected
According to project documents, the development would create 14 full-time jobs.
6. The waste transfer station would handle up to 200 tons daily
Developer Price Sewell said the facility is expected to process roughly 160 to 200 tons of solid waste per day, helping consolidate trash for transport to disposal facilities.
7. The concrete plant would supply construction projects
Plans call for a concrete batch plant at the rear of the property that would produce ready-mix concrete for nonresidential and infrastructure projects.
8. The developer says the county needs more waste infrastructure
In filings accompanying the proposal, Sewell argued that Columbia County's growth has increased demand for waste-management services and noted that the county landfill closed years ago. He described existing waste infrastructure as inadequate for a county of Columbia County's size and projected growth.
9. The project is large enough to trigger a state filing
Because of its size, the development required paperwork to be submitted to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
10. County officials will ultimately decide its fate
Before construction can begin, Columbia County decision-makers must consider and act on the rezoning request. The proposal is still in the planning stage.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information-gathering, review, editing, and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Columbia County could get new concrete plant and waste station
