Board approves planting and privacy-fence plan for Edisto Electric substation buffering

At the start of old business, Planning staff refreshed the board on an Edisto Electric request for variance from planting and buffering requirements around a substation. Staff said the applicant returned with a planting plan showing crepe myrtles (wax myrtles) and that the company proposed plantings and discussed alternatives such as privacy fencing or mesh on the chain-link fence.

An Edisto representative identified in the hearing as Daniel explained engineering constraints: overhead lines, underground cables and root-depth considerations limit tree options near equipment, and high-opacity mesh on a long chain-link fence can create wind-load risks. He emphasized the asset value and potential damage costs: "that's an $8,000,000 asset that's sitting right there," he said, noting transformers cost roughly $1.5 million each and replacement lead times can be years.

Board members discussed masking versus safety, the use of shallow-rooted myrtles, and the option of adding privacy fabric on fencing as an interim visual solution while plantings mature. Several members noted a preference for a mix of planting and fence treatment to balance aesthetics with reliability and maintenance.

One board member moved to approve the planting plan and associated privacy-fence measures and the motion passed on voice vote. Staff said the county will follow up with the applicant on the approved plan and any conditions for installation and maintenance.

The board closed public comment and moved on to administrator remarks and adjournment.