NOTICE OF 30-DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Whit-Ash Columbia, South Carolina The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is accepting public comments on a proposed Voluntary Cleanup Contract through 07/15/2025. The Voluntary Cleanup Contract, 25-8817-NRP, will affect approximately 1.719 acres located at 919 Gervais Street, 914 Lady Street, 911 Gervais Street, and 913 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina. The properties are further identified by Richland County Tax Map Numbers R9013-11-11, R09013-11-04, R09013-11-13, and R0913- 11-12, respectively. Companies known as Avant-919 Gervais, LLC (919 Gervais Street), Avant-National Lady, LLC (914 Lady Street), and Avant Dispensary, LLC (911 and 913 Gervais Street) – collectively known as “Avant” – want to acquire the properties and intend to develop them for mixed use – including “high end retail, [a] restaurant, creative office space, and loft apartments.” The properties have previously seen residential, retail, and service uses – including, but not limited to, a tire and battery wholesaler, a hotel, and a furniture store. The past use of the properties may have caused environmental pollution on the properties. SCDES uses Voluntary Cleanup Contracts to encourage productive reuse of Brownfield sites. If this Voluntary Cleanup Contract is implemented, SCDES will allow Avant to acquire the properties as “Brownfields Sites” because of the potential for environmental pollution from past activity on the properties. SCDES will not hold Avant responsible for pre-existing pollution in exchange for doing work under the Voluntary Cleanup Contract. Under the proposed contract, Avant will test soil, groundwater, and soil vapor on the properties. If significant contamination is found, Avant will be required to take steps to protect human health and the environment. Avant did not create the pollution, but will control it to keep the properties safe for re-use. Under State law, Avant will not be responsible if anyone has been affected by the contamination. The responsibilities of former owners or operators of the properties are not reduced by this contract. The proposed contract is available at https://des.sc.gov/PublicNotices . Printed copies may be obtained from the SCDES Freedom of Information Office at (803) 898-3882. The public may provide written, email, or telephone comments on the proposed contract through 07/15/2025. Questions or comments may be directed to Konstantine Akhvlediani, Project Manager, by e-mail at konstantine.akhvlediani@ des.sc.gov, telephone (803) 898-0738, or TOLL-FREE at (866) 576-3432. Written comments should be directed to Konstantine Akhvlediani at SCDES, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201.