ISLE OF PALMS S.C. (WCIV) — A legal battle is unfolding on the Isle of Palms as environmental groups clash with a seawall owner over the impact of the structure on the rapidly eroding beach. The Coastal Conservation League argues that the seawall, owned by Rom Reddy, violates the South Carolina Beach Management Act and exacerbates erosion problems for neighboring properties.

“Everything that is, updated or managed on a beachfront has to be approved by the Department of Environmental Services,” said Lori Cary-Kothera, the league’s chief conservation officer. “This is creating erosion problems, people seaward of his home.”

Reddy, who is appealing to an administrative law judge to keep his seawall, contends that removing it would lead to the loss of his home within three months. “We will lose our house, I would say within three months,” he said.

READ MORE | “Isle of Palms seawall dispute continues as Reddy appeals removal order“

He also emphasized the significance of the case, stating, “If I cave in on this, this will be the biggest confiscation of private property anywhere.”

Cary-Kothera highlighted the broader implications of the case, calling it “a bit of a landmark decision for the state of South Carolina.” She added, “So it is an important case and we will continue to, to fight for it.”

As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome could set a precedent for coastal management across the state.

Meanwhile, other beachfront properties in the area have resorted to using sandbags to combat the encroaching waters.