Richmond Hill council takes another step to block proposed nickel refinery site

BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Richmond Hill City Council voted to affirm a zoning agreement with a property owner that prohibits heavy metal refining at the proposed site of a nickel refinery on Caesarstone Drive.

Residents packed Tuesday night’s council meeting to see council’s next steps on Westwin Elements bringing a nickel refinery to Bryan County. Some residents even had to wait outside due to capacity.

City leaders said the property is zoned for industrial general use, but the property is not zoned for refining heavy metals. The council voted on a four-part agreement with the property owner, with the major provision not allowing the refining of heavy metals at the site.

Residents and environmental groups called the vote a win.

“So all the pressure is on Westwin, and if they want to continue, they’re gonna have to do a lot to convince people that their plant isn’t damaging and that they’re going to be good community partners,” said Jeffery Beauvais. “They’ve not shown that to date, and now it’s on them to make that case if they want to come back. From our perspective, we hope they don’t.”

In the past, residents have raised concerns about pollution, the company’s legal record and its lack of transparency.

Representatives for Westwin Elements were not at Tuesday night’s meeting.