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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- Several environmental groups are suing Carnival cruise lines over its service to Charleston.

The complaint filed in state court Monday by the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League alleges that the company does not comply with city regulations on hotel locations. The complaint says the line's Carnival Fantasy docks in an area where no hotels are allowed.

The environmentalists want a judge to declare that the ship docking in Charleston amounts to locating a hotel in violation of city regulations.

The South Carolina State Ports Authority and Mayor Joe Riley planned a news conference later Monday to respond to the complaint. The Ports Authority is planning a new $25 million cruise terminal.

Environmentalists and neighborhood residents worry about the impact on the city.

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