Overview
- Commissioners voted unanimously to investigate the Richmond Hill site’s condition, with one abstention due to a conflict tied to well work.
- County officials said the inquiry will pause any property sale while they determine whether contamination exists and how to proceed.
- Bryan County’s attorney noted that if contamination is confirmed, cleanup responsibility would rest with Caesarstone rather than a prospective buyer.
- Westwin Elements seeks to buy the site for a nickel refinery and has promoted about 800 jobs over seven years with average pay near $90,000.
- The project still lacks a formal bond request to the development authority for up to $230 million, and public scrutiny continues following a contentious town hall.