Giant mound of tires in SC visible from space

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A sprawling pile of hundreds of thousands of tires in South Carolina is so massive it can be seen from outer space.

Authorities have charged one person in connection with the mess of roughly 250,000 tires, which covers more than 50 acres on satellite images. And now a Florida company is helping haul it all away.

Litter control officer Boyce Till said he contacted the local sheriff and state health department, which is investigating who had been dumping the tires. But the worst possible penalty that could be imposed locally? A single $475 ticket for littering.

However, one man has been charged with violating a state law. He could face much heftier penalties — including thousands of dollars in fines and jail time — if convicted.