More Coal to pass through Charleston

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina health officials have approved an energy company’s request to increase the amount of coal that passes through Charleston.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control announced on Friday it had approved the request from Kinder Morgan Energy Partners.

The Post & Courier of Charleston reports that the approval came after a three-year review of the Texas-based company’s proposal. It allows Kinder Morgan to more than double the volume of coal transported through the Cooper River terminal on its way to power plants throughout the Southeast.

Company officials aren’t sure when they’ll expand because of the weakened market.