By Lindsay Street, Statehouse correspondent  | Plastic is a growing export business in South Carolina, but the tiny plastic pellets could also be a big environmental hazard — and the next battle in the so-called War on Plastic.  

State Ports Authority CEO Jim Newsome last week called plastic transportation “a significant part” of the port’s growth strategy.

But downstream from the port’s headquarters on the Cooper River, Sullivans Island Mayor Pat O’Neil said he’s worried.  The town’s single-use plastic ban appeared to curb litter. Then in July, a spill of plastic pellets (also known as nurdles) from Frontier Logistics at the port traveled to its beaches. Despite cleanup efforts, pellets remain in the sand, the mayor said.  The pellets are used in the production of plastic homegoods. 

“Industry is important (and) economic growth is important but we need to be selective and prudent in the types of industries we encourage,” O’Neil said.