Scout Motors site work continues after 3-month pause over environmental concerns

BLYTHEWOOD, SC (WOLO) — Work has resumed at the future site of Scout Motors in Blythewood after development was halted over environmental concerns.

After a three month pause, a wetlands permit issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers allows work to continue on the future site of the 1,100 acre, $2 billion, electric vehicle plant on Community Road.

The hiatus stemmed from concerns made by community members and environmental groups who believed construction may lead to destruction of the wetlands, flooding downstream, and issues with tributaries.

Richland County’s Director of Economic Development, Jeff Ruble, explains how they plan to offset these possible issues.

“There are streams on the site, so those needed to be mitigated, and the way we do that, is we purchase or secure mitigation properties in other parts of the counties or area, and that is a tradeoff for any of those wetlands or streams that will be impacted on site,” Ruble says.

Scout representatives say that mitigation includes paying to protect around 5,000 acres of wetlands near Congaree National Park and Shelton Island, as well as the rebuilding of streams in Sumter National Forest.

Regarding the 4,000 jobs to be created by the plant, Ruble says commitments have been made to expand roads around the site and for the building of a new interchange. He believes this will address many of the traffic issues that may arise.

Vice President of Growth for Scout Motors, Cody Thacker, says the company aims to ensure the project is completed responsibly.

“The Blythewood Town Council has been an extremely collaborative partner. Of course, we’ve had some challenging conversations. They’ve notified us where we need to dedicate more attention or more resources. And that’s exactly the sort of partner we want. So that we can get to the finish line. So that we can grow responsibly in Blythewood. So that we can have a long term presence,” says Thacker.

Company officials say construction on the plant is scheduled to begin next month. Testing of the assembly line should take place in 2025, and production of the electric vehicles are scheduled to begin by the end of 2026.