NOTICE OF 30-DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD The State Newspaper Facility Columbia, South Carolina The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is accepting public comments on a proposed Voluntary Cleanup Contract through September 2, 2025. The Voluntary Cleanup Contract, 25-7401-NRP, will affect approximately 22.35 acres located at 1401 Shop Road, Columbia, South Carolina. The site is further identified by Richland County Tax Map Serial Number R11209-02-12. A company known as LMP Shop Road Owner, LLC (LMP), wants to acquire the property and intends to develop the property for a two and three-story multifamily housing complex. The site has had two known primary uses over the years – an equipment and bearings facility in the 1950's and 60's and The State Newspaper's headquarters and printing facility from 1987 to 2020. The past use of the property may have caused environmental pollution on the property. SCDES uses Voluntary Cleanup Contracts to encourage productive reuse of Brownfield sites. If this Voluntary Cleanup Contract is implemented, SCDES will allow LMP to acquire the property as a "Brownfields Site" because of the potential for environmental pollution from past activity on the property. SCDES will not hold LMP responsible for pre-existing pollution in exchange for doing work under the Voluntary Cleanup Contract. Under the proposed contract, LMP will test soil and groundwater on the property. If significant contamination is found, LMP will be required to take steps to protect human health and the environment. LMP did not create the pollution, but will control it to keep the property safe for re-use. Under State law, LMP will not be responsible if anyone has been affected by the contamination. The responsibility of former owners or operators of the property is 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 September 2, 2025. Questions or comments may be directed to Jerry Stamps, Project Manager, by e-mail at jerry.stamps@des.sc.gov, telephone at (803) 898-0927, or TOLL-FREE at (866) 576-0924. Written comments should be directed to Jerry Stamps at SCDES, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201.