Living Rural

The proposed coal-fired power plant(shown here) reared its ugly head again today. The documents (a case by case Maximum Achievable Control Technology, MACT) submitted by Santee Cooper to DHEC for approval has been given a Draft Notice of MACT Approval (NOMA) written by the Bureau of Air Quality outlining the proposed  project and applicable regulations. The draft is not approved and is STILL open for comment from the PUBLIC, Santee Cooper, and the US EPA.

As I have discussed,

Energy Challenge while livingrural …,

before, it is being promoted as a positive addition to the Kingsburg area due to the new jobs it should bring, the additional electricity demands it will meet and an overall boost to a sluggish economy in this area after the closing of Delta Mills and just recently announced closing of Wellman Industries. This is all true;  however, may be exaggerated in the favor of Santee Cooper.

What has not been talked about in groups of people actually living in the area is the reason for the NOMA (Notice of MACT Approval). It is necessary because the US Court of Appeals eliminatd the Federal Clean Air Mercury Rule for power plants! So until the EPA issues a new power plant regulation, EACH NEW POWER PLANT will have to propose emission limits to control hazardous air pollutants, including mercury. Which is a ‘biggy’ for this area, being located on the Great Pee Dee River - fished by many and enjoyed as a recreational get-a-way. Does it not seem strange that the power plant will write its own emission controls? It bothers me, but apparently only a few others as shown by the poor turn out for the public meetings held in the surrounding towns over the last year and a half. Although, publication of dates and times were publicised, it was not enough to get the word out into the community. But as they say - past is past.

These are the hazardous air pollutants that will be emitted from this plant: Mercury, Hydrocholric acid, Hydrogen Floride, non-Mercury HAP metals and organic HAPs. Property is available, would you like to make an appointment to view it?  The real worry is the following wording, “If approved, the conditions of this NOMA will be incorporated into Santee Cooper Prevention of Significant Deterioration Permit … this permit is still in draft form and has not been approved. The BAQ WILL make a final NOMA decision and PSD decision at the same time.” (Public Notice #08-085-N-H, September 23, 2008)

DHEC is holding a public hearing on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium of Hannah-Pamplico High School at 2055 S. Pamplico Highway, Pamplico, SC. DHEC representatives will explain the NOMA at this hearing. Oral and written commnets will be accepted. If you have strong feelings either for or against, this will be your last opportunity to voice them. Written comments will be accepted through the close of business on November 6, 2008. To learn more about the project, the webpage is:  http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/baq/SanteeCooper.aspx

I will try to post the outcome of the hearing in October. It feels good to get that out to the public!

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Kingsburg is a small community in SC where Santee  Cooper is planning to build a huge coal burning plant. There is opposition to this coal burning plant due to the quality of air that it will produce. Santee Cooper is naturally presenting a “pretty” picture to the community and surrounding areas siting the number of new jobs that it will bring, how it will help met the energy needs of many customers and the money it will save their customers. Of course, not much is said about the amount of money it will make for Santee Cooper. Check out their annual reports HERE and form your opinion.

We have an energy challenge in South Carolina. It’s time to come together and change our future.
When it comes to finding solutions, we must meet climate change goals while keeping costs down and electricity available. America needs a plan. Immediately. Because we all know that our energy needs keep on growing - every day. Now is the time to have a candid conversation with your elected officials. Together, we can find answers and take action. Start the conversation today at Our Energy.
Our Energy, Our Future, A Dialogue with South Carolina

Source: Ad from, Living in S. C., August, 2008

It took many years to grow the trees above. It will take only days to chop them down to clear the land for the new coal burning plant proposed by Santee Cooper. Watch your local news for dates and times of the meetings being held to show convince us how wonderful the new plant will be for our energy needs and our economy, put them on your calendar and ATTEND. Listen to what Santee Cooper has to say, then research coal burning plants used for energy and form your opinion and then talk to your elected officials. We are being pushed to this source as the only source - it is not the only answer.

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Oops, I made an error - I know I can not believe it either!

Correction: I  mixed-up the names of the two power suppliers, SEC and Santee Cooper. I apologize if this may have caused any inconvenience to SEC or Santee Cooper. The company responsible for building the new plant near Kingsburg is Santee Cooper.

Beautiful isn’t it? This is what can be seen as you drive through South Carolina at this time of year in many areas. The drive, even with the price of gas is worth it. Put South Carolina on your list of places to visit - you will not regret it!

I have had computer problems, posting problems, and this site in a non-accessible state with the lose of three drafts/posts which is the reason for my absence - all not in my control. I have been told the problems have been solved … I hope so. The most upsetting has been the lose of written drafts … time, effort, creativity lost.

Oops, I did not mean to go off on a rant.

I wanted all the readers to see the beautiful landscapes to be found around my state now and give an invitation to visit. Tourism everywhere is suffering because of gas prices, our economy, and money needs elsewhere, but in this stressful time is the best time to take a moment and “see the sights” and then, “breathe” … when you return home - you will be amazed at the difference in your outlook after a break from the routine of your life.

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!” % )

My goodness, it can not be … but it is … another Monday! Maxine says it best, “The only thing worse than a Monday is a decaffeinated Monday!” Old Maxine always says what I feel and it is getting scary! My college, AIU, started back today. I am taking Medical Terminology and Accounting. Both classes are very detailed and lots of material to cover in five (5) weeks - wish me luck. The weather has turned cold again … a freeze warning tonight … March 20 was the FIRST DAY of SPRING, right? Daylight savings time screws up everything, doesn’t it! My days and nights are a little mixed up since the change which makes the time to study interesting.   Even with the chill in the air, my “little piece of heaven” is a nice place to be! I’m headed out …Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ here!” 

In South Carolina!

It happened quietly around midnight last night. The upper part of the state was expecting the lovely, white stuff, but not in the Pee Dee area, closer to the coast … well, mother nature said, “Snow in the Pee Dee!” and it did.

It was not much, enough to cover everything in white and then the rain started and the wonderful white stuff was gone!

SNOW, South Carolina, Pee Dee area, winter

Read about the opening: HERE

and see it: HERE

Our new Library opened last week. It is a beautiful building, a tribute to former mayor and personal friend, Dozier M. Munn who was instrumental in the possibility of this wonderful addition to our small rural town. It is a smaller version of the main Library in Florence. The Library has always been a vital part of Pamplico, though the other was a small building, the young people came in the afternoons to make use of a quiet space to study and to have access to the Internet. “The Library Lady”, Mrs. Poppie Munn, has been the gatekeeper at the Library for many years; she says she is retiring and certainly is entitled to do this - a favorite who will be missed, but wished well on a wonderful retirement. It will be nice to display the many postcards she will send from her travels!

Florence County Library, Pamplico Library, retirement, travel

Today is a HUGE day in our small town.

Our Bank has been sold to a huge; well, larger Bank. The change takes place this afternoon, June 8, 2007.

Our bank has been a family owned institution as long as I can remember.

The President/CEO is seventy-five(75). It’s time to pass it on … or sell. He chose to sell. I don’t blame him, I just hate to loose the special things about a small hometown bank. Things like calling a person to find out your balance. Yes, no automated voice or numbers to push! Dropping in and knowing everyone! Being called by name, not having to show ID, cashing a check without a hold being placed on it; also, making a deposit without any holds … amazing … and nice features! Personal care from the bank officers when applying for a loan. Small town banking is truly hassle free! If you have been a customer for a LONG time, they usually will call you when your balance is lower than a check that comes through … unbelievable! These are the things I will miss.

For information about our small town: http://www.city-data.com/city/Pamplico-South-Carolina.html

banks, merging, small towns, loans, checking accounts, Pamplico, SC

My small rural town has one blinking light; one doctor; one dentist; one grocery store; one drug store; one laundry mat; one bank; one hardware store; one car(Chevrolet) dealer; one attorney; one accountant; one consignment shop; one movie rental store combined with a plant/nursery shop; one elementary school; one middle school; one high school and one public library. It has seven(7) plus places to eat. This alone tells the focus of rural living … just kidding! There are four(4) plus places of worship … which “… is a good thing …” as Ms. Martha would say. I think there are two(2) gas stations. Our police force is also small, but does an excellent job. This is not saying we do not have “crime”, we do because we are still human beings. Having fewer choices keeps life simple which is the reason most people “living rural” choose to do so. Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

small towns, business, restaurants, worship, church, police, crime, Chevrolet, education, Pamplico

The last post dealt with statistics about Pamplico, SC based on information from the US Census Bureau. I have traveled away from my rural living space in SC by plane from Myrtle Beach, SC (a fun place!) to Boston, MA. Then by car to Portland, ME.

First, everyone north of the Mason-Dixon Line, speaks “Northern”; twangy, fast and not at all like “Southern.” It’s very hard to understand and you’re constantly asking “them” to repeat. It’s much easier to converse with your own kind … just kidding! I love traveling and the North; no, angry posts or emails, please!

Second, gasoline costs MUCH more in the North; $3.10 approximately for regular; $2.79 at home for regular. Of course, being Americans EXPECTING freedom, price of gasoline does not keep us out of cars. Which brings me to number tres.

Third, drivers here in the North are fast and furious! They can whip in and out of traffic, make turns, stop and brake “on a dime” while “flipping you off” all at the same time. Southern drivers are slower by nature. It’s how we approach life … slow and leisurely. We will hold up a lane of traffic, while motioning someone “y’all come on through” and make your left turn in front of us and the lane of traffic next to us, into the on-coming lane of opposite traffic … because it’s the polite thing to do.

Three differences, two groups of people, several states; yet, deep down rural living and “city” living is a lot alike: caring, hard-working, family oriented men and women trying to make it in this world of ours. I like the differences and cherish the similarities. County Gal hears lobsters calling her … until next time … take care.

SC, MA, ME, airports, rental cars, dialects, North, South, drivers, traffic, leisure, gasoline, family, lobsters, rural, city

The town of Pamplico is located 84 miles ( 135 km )
— heading 90o (east) from Columbia.

Pamplico Profile

Demographics

Population:

Pamplico is located in Florence County, South Carolina and had a population of 1,139 in 2000.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF1, Table P1.

Population by Sex: 2000

Total Population 1,139

Male 538
Female 601

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF1, Table P12.

Population by Race: 2000

Total Population 1,139
White Alone 513
African
American Alone 598
American Indian and
Alaska Native Alone 4
Asian Alone 1
Native Hawaiian or
Other Pacific
Islander Alone 0
Some Other Race Alone 12
Two or More Races 11

A person of Hispanic or Latino origin is defined as a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. There were 17 people, or 1.5 percent of the total population, who were counted as Hispanic or Latino in Pamplico in 2000.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF1, Tables P3 and P4.

Population by Age: 2000

Total Population 1,139

0 to 18 Years 353
Under 5 Years 84
Under 6 Years 69
5 to 17 Years 243
18 to 29 Years 184
30 to 39 Years 142
40 to 49 Years 170
50 to 59 Years 121
60 to 69 Years 105
70 to 79 Years 67
65 Years and Over 82
80 Years and Over 23
85 Years and Over 12

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF1, Tables P12 and P14.

Urban and Rural Population:

2000

Total Population* 1095

Urban 0
Rural1095

*Note: Since SF3 data is based on a sample of the population, total population numbers may not correspond exactly with those released in SF1.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P5.

Marital Status:

Marital Status: 2000

Population 15 Years and Over 820

Never Married 246
Now Married 433
Married, Spouse Present 364
Married, Spouse Absent 69
Widowed 70
Divorced 71

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P18.

Languages Spoken:

The population who speaks a language other than English includes only those who sometimes or always speak a language other than English at home. It does not include those who speak a language other than English only at school or work, or those who were limited to only a few expressions or slang of the other language. Most people who speak another language at home also speak English.

For people who speak a language other than English at home, the response represents the person’s own perception of his or her ability to speak English, from very well to not at all. Because census questionnaires are usually completed by one household member, the responses may represent the perception of another household member.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P19.

Linguistically Isolated Households: 2000

A linguistically isolated household is one in which no member 14 years old and over: (1) speaks only English, or (2) speaks a non-English language and speaks English “very well.” In other words, all members 14 years old and over have at least some difficulty with English.

Total Households 417

Speak English 392
Speak Spanish 16

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P20.

Economics:

Income

Household Income: 1999

Household Income includes the income of the householder and all persons 15 years old and over in the household, whether related to the householder or not. Since many households consist of one person, average household income is usually less than average family income.

Total Households 417

Annual Household
Income Less
Than $10,000 101
$10,000 to $14,999 33
$15,000 to $24,999 53
$25,000 to $34,999 62
$35,000 to $49,999 63
$50,000 to $59,999 29
$60,000 to $74,999 29
$75,000 to $99,999 27
$100,000 to $124,999 7
$125,000 to $149,999 8
$150,000 to $199,999 0
$200,000 or More 5

Median Household Income $28,304

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P52.

Family Income: 1999

Family income is the income of all members 15 years old and over in a family, summed and treated as a single amount.

Total Families 314

Annual Family
Income Less
Than $10,000 65
$10,000 to $14,999 18
$15,000 to $24,999 46
$25,000 to $34,999 39
$35,000 to $49,999 46
$50,000 to $59,999 26
$60,000 to $74,999 27
$75,000 to $99,999 27
$100,000 to $124,999 7
$125,000 to $149,999 8
$150,000 to $199,999 0
$200,000 or More 5

Median Family Income $31,618

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P76.

Per Capita Income: 1999

Per capita income is the average income computed for every man, woman, and child in a particular group. The Census Bureau derived per capita income by dividing the total income of a particular group by the total population in that group (excluding patients or inmates in institutional quarters).

Per Capita Income in 1999

Total Population (All Races) $14,233
White Alone Population $20,356
African American
Alone Population $9150
Hispanic or Latino Population $13,714

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Tables P82, P157A-B and P157H.

Labor Force and Employment Status by Race: 2000

White African-American Hispanic

Population 16 Years and Over 416 379 7

In Labor Force 271 174 7
In Armed Forces 0 0 0
In Civilian Labor Force 271 174 7
Not In Labor Force 145 205 0

* Of the 271 people in the civilian labor force who are White, 96.7 percent (262 people) were employed and 3.3 percent (9 people) were unemployed.

* Of the 174 people in the civilian labor force who are African American, 71.8 percent (125 people) were employed and 28.2 percent (49 people) were unemployed.

* Of the 7 people in the civilian labor force who are Hispanic or Latino, 100 percent (7 people) were employed and 0 percent (0 people) were unemployed.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Tables P150A,B,H.

Education:

Educational Attainment: 2000

Population 25 Years and Over 662

Less Than 9th Grade 81
9th to 12th Grade, No Diploma 111
High School Graduate 210
Some College, No Degree 116
Associate Degree 25
Bachelor’s Degree 78
Graduate or Professional Degree 41

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P37.

Educational Attainment By Race: 2000

White African American Hispanic or Latino

Population 25 Years and Over 355 296 3

Less Than 9th Grade 7 71 3
9th to 12th Grade, No Diploma 40 69 0
High School Graduate 96 111 0
Some College, No Degree 86 27 0
Associate Degree 20 5 0
Bachelor’s Degree 66 12 0
Graduate or
Professional Degree 40 1 0

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P148A,B,H.

School Enrollment: 2000

Population 3 Years and Over 1032

Enrolled in Nursery School or Preschool 21
Enrolled in Kindergarten 23
Enrolled in Grade 1 to Grade 4 82
Enrolled in Grade 5 to Grade 8 66
Enrolled in Grade 9 to Grade 12 73
Enrolled in College (Undergraduate) 34
Enrolled in Graduate or Professional School 7
Not Enrolled in School 726

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P36.

Housing:

Households

A household consists of all the people who occupy a housing unit. A house, an apartment or other group of rooms, or a single room, is regarded as a housing unit when it is occupied or intended for occupancy as separate living quarters; that is, when the occupants do not live and eat with any other persons in the structure and there is direct access from the outside or through a common hall.

A household includes the related family members and all the unrelated people, if any, such as lodgers, foster children, wards, or employees who share the housing unit. A person living alone in a housing unit, or a group of unrelated people sharing a housing unit such as partners or roomers, is also counted as a household. The count of households excludes group quarters. There are two major categories of households, family and nonfamily.

There were a total of 419 households in Pamplico in 2000, with an average household size of 2.7 people.

Family Households: 2000

Total households 419

Total family households 323
Married couple households: 185
With own children under 18 years 74
No own children under 18 years 111
Male householder, no wife present: 26
With own children under 18 years 6
No own children under 18 years 20
Female householder,
no husband present: 112
With own children under 18 years 72
No own children under 18 years 40
Total Single-Parent Households
with Children Under 18 78

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Tables P17 and P18.

Housing Units

A housing unit is a house, an apartment, a mobile home, a group of rooms, or a single room occupied, or intended for occupancy, as separate living quarters. Separate living quarters are those in which the occupant(s) live separately from any other people in the building and which have direct access from outside the building or through a common hall.

In 2000, Pamplico reported having 463 housing units.

Housing Units: 2000

Total Housing Units 463

Occupied Housing Units 419
Owner Occupied 279
Renter Occupied 140
Vacant Housing Units 44
Vacant for Rent 8
Vacant for Sale 14
Rented or Sold, Not Occupied 5
Vacant for Seasonal, Recreational,
or Occasional Use 2
Vacant for Migrant Workers 0
Vacant for Other Reasons 15

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF1, Tables H1, H3, H4 and H5.

Poverty:

Poverty Status: 1999

Population for Whom Poverty Status is Determined 1093

Income in 1999 Below Poverty Level 347
Income in 1999 Above Poverty Level 746

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P87.

Poverty Status by Age: 1999

Total Income Above Poverty Level Income Below Poverty Level

Population Under
Age 5 96 29 67
Age 5 14 6 8
Age 6-11 126 65 61
Age 12-17 79 56 23
Age 18-64 614 451 163
Age 65-74 103 89 14
Age 75 and Over 61 50 11

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P87.

Poverty Status by Race: 1999

Total Income Above Poverty Level Income Below Poverty Level

White Alone Population 501 446 55
African American
Alone Population 561 279 282
Hispanic or Latino
Population 7 5 2

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P159A-B and 159H.

I hope you found the information interesting and educational. Next week we’ll look at an urban area in SC and their statistics. CountryGal is pooped! “Y’all come back ya’ hear!”

small town, Pamplico, SC, US Census Bureau, 2000, 1999, Race, White, African-American, Hispanic, Latino, Population, Education, Housing, Vehicles, Work force, Employed, Unemployed, Income, Below Poverty, Above Poverty, Poverty, Owner, Renter, Marital Status, College degree, Retirees, Statistics