Longleaf Environmental Consulting - Forest City

01/15/2026

09/10/2025

07/19/2025

It's official! The Saluda Grade Trail coalition has purchased the Saluda Grade Railroad. Our vision is to create a new 31.5-mile rail trail that runs from Upstate SC into the mountains of Western NC, passing through charming small towns along the way.

And now we have the land! There is still a lot of work ahead. We'll need to work with our communities on design and planning so we can create the best version of the Saluda Grade Trail. And we will need to raise millions of dollars for construction, before we can start building.

But this is a huge milestone and a day to celebrate!

A huge thank you to the funders who made it possible! Funding came from the states of North and South Carolina, the South Carolina Conservation Bank, the federal Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE), the Polk County Community Foundation, and private donors.

This is a big day for all of the Saluda Grade Trail partners - Conserving Carolina, PAL: Play Advocate Live Well, and Upstate Forever.

Learn more at saludagradetrail.org

10/05/2024

Hurricane Helene hit our State and left significant devastation. As cleanup gets underway here is some guidance on proper removal of soils and sediments. Other debris should be removed from the soil if at all possible before cleanup as follows👇

1️⃣ No signs of Contamination (discoloration or abnormal odor such as fuel)- Soils and sediments from roadways, parking lots, and other open areas may be stockpiled in an area where they can be recovered and reused for construction or other needs in the recovery effort.

2️⃣ Signs of Contamination (discoloration or abnormal odor such as fuel)- Soils and sediments from roadways, parking lots, and other open areas should be isolated and stockpiled on a surface not allowing fluid to pass through or a tarp and cover where possible.

3️⃣ Removal from inside of Flooded Homes and Garages- If there is no sight of contamination, follow steps #1 above. Where there is clear evidence of a spill, sediments should be containerized and taken to a Municipal Solid Waste landfill for disposal.

4️⃣ Business/Commercial Removal with Contamination-Should be containerized pending determination of proper disposal in coordination with the Division of Waste Management, Inactive Hazardous Sites Branch. Regional contact is Brett Engard, (828) 767-2424 or [email protected]

It is recommended that material not be placed back in a flood prone area and that adequate runoff controls (silt fence, etc) be installed around the stockpiles. These guidelines are subject to change as more information becomes available from local, state, or federal partners on the overall management of debris. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Division of Waste Management at 828-296-4500.

10/02/2024

09/15/2024

09/12/2024

Reminder: Our Division of Water Resources is accepting comment on a request to set interim maximum allowable concentrations, or IMACs, for eight per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater. Comments will be accepted until Oct. 4. Learn more: https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2024/09/04/deq-accepting-comments-request-set-interim-groundwater-limits-pfas

01/28/2024

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