WHEREAS, on January 6, 2005, a train collision occurred in the vicinity of the Town of Graniteville in Aiken County, South Carolina, releasing hazardous chemicals that have endangered the lives, health and safety of the citizens and the environment in the affected area;

WHEREAS, injuries and fatalities have occurred, and Aiken County officials have ordered that citizens shelter-in-place, and local officials have requested state assistance in responding to the emergency;

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Governor pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of South Carolina, I hereby declare that an emergency exists in Aiken County, South Carolina, and I direct that the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan be placed in effect and that the State Emergency Operations Center be activated with the appropriate emergency support function personnel present to provide necessary support for ongoing response operations in Aiken County.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 6th DAY OF JANUARY, 2005.

MARK SANFORD
Governor

Last Updated: Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 4:07 P.M.