$944,000 settlement announced in class-action lawsuit against aluminum plant in Lowcountry
A resolution may be on the horizon for a class-action lawsuit against a Berkeley County aluminum plant, as a settlement of $944,000 has been presented in federal court. The suit was filed against the Mt. Holly Century Aluminum facility following multiple incidents that released emissions into the atmosphere. The issue began in September 2023 when the plant emitted ‘alumina dust’ during four events, triggering complaints from numerous residents in the vicinity who observed the powdery substance covering various outdoor surfaces in Goose Creek.
In response to community concerns, a meeting was held in the following month to address the impact of the emissions; however, many attendees left feeling unsatisfied with the lack of answers provided. Subsequently, a class-action lawsuit was initiated in November 2023 to address the harm caused by the plant’s emissions.
Recent developments saw Century Aluminum being penalized by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, receiving a $360,000 fine for failing emissions tests and violating EPA regulations. As a facility under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Century Aluminum is required to adhere to strict regulatory standards. These standards mandate the conduct of daily pressure drop readings, monthly maintenance checks, and annual internal inspections.
A consent order from SCDES indicated that between March 2021 and June 2023, Century Aluminum exceeded emission limits on over a dozen occasions. Following three rounds of mediation conducted in August and September 2024, and January 2025, the parties involved in the class-action lawsuit concerning property damage claims reached a settlement agreement. According to the terms of the settlement, Century Aluminum agreed to pay $944,000 to resolve the claims.
Elliotte Quinn from the Steinberg Law Firm, one of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs, revealed that additional legal steps and court approval are necessary for the settlement to be finalized. Century Aluminum declined to provide a comment on the matter.
In conclusion, the journey towards reaching a settlement in the class-action lawsuit against the Mt. Holly Century Aluminum plant has been marked by regulatory violations, community concerns, and legal negotiations. The proposed resolution signifies a significant step towards addressing the environmental impact and property damage caused by the plant’s emissions, providing a potential path towards closure for the affected residents and stakeholders.
