COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. says it will use a synthetic liner to protect groundwater at a landfill southeast of Columbia.
The utility had said it would put power plant waste on natural clay. Critics said the material might leak into groundwater.
The State newspaper reported Monday that opponents worry because records show existing disposal sites near the Wateree power plant have leaked arsenic into groundwater.
SCE&G plans a 140-acre site in eastern Richland County.
Attorney Bob Guild represents a local farmer challenging state permits for the project. Guild said the upgraded design is a step in the right direction.
The waste comes from new equipment to control air pollution from the coal-fired power plant. SCE&G spokesman Eric Boomhower said the project will help the environment.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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