Charleston plans new box terminal

Charleston plans new box terminal    The South Carolina State Ports Authority took an initial step toward developing a new marine terminal at the port of Charleston’s former navy base by appointing an environmental consultant to begin studies for the terminal.
   The port authority awarded a contract to Applied Technology & Management to initiate the environmental study required to permit a new three-berth, 250-acre container terminal at the base. Permit applications were filed earlier this year.
   Applied Technology & Management will be under contract to the port authority, but will work under the direction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in preparing documents. The environmental consultant will work with the Corps on the scoping process over the next six months.
   “It is expected that all of the studies and public involvement needed to acquire permits will take about two years and cost $1.8 million,” a spokesman for the South Carolina State Ports Authority said.
   The various permitting agencies will rely on information produced by the company to decided on the permit application.