SC terminal permit goes to administrative court

Opponents of South Carolina cruise terminal permit appeal to state's Administrative Law Court

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- Opponents of a planned $35 million Charleston cruise terminal are taking their case to South Carolina's Administrative Law Court.

Neighborhood and environmental groups this week appealed a permit state regulators issued last year for the project. The permit allows the pilings to be pounded into the Cooper River under an old warehouse being converted into the terminal. Those objecting to the terminal had said after the permit was issued that they would appeal.

Opponents want an administrative law judge to either reverse the permit or get regulators to analyze other terminal locations and review noise, traffic and pollution impacts of any terminal in the city's historic district.

The controversy over Charleston's year-round cruise industry has also sparked lawsuits in both state and federal courts.