Ozone Boundaries
Ozone Standard: SC Boundary Designations, 2015 Ozone Standard Boundaries, November 16, 2017, The EPA published a Final Rule [, 82 FR 54232, ] in the Federal Register which designated all counties in South Carolina as “Attainment/Unclassifiable”, indicating that the entire state attained the 2015 Ozone NAAQS., September 30, 2016, The design value, or DV, is the metric that the EPA uses to determine if an area meets the NAAQS. In the case of ozone, the DV is defined as the three year average of the annual 4th highest daily maximum 8 hour average ozone concentration at each monitor in an area. The highest DV for an area is compared with the NAAQS. If the highest DV is higher than the NAAQS, currently 70 ppb, then the area…, here, ., October 1, 2015, The binding , Final Rule, was signed. The Final Rule sets 0.070 ppm (70 ppb) for both primary and secondary standards. For more information on the new ozone NAAQS see the, EPA's webpage, ., November 26, 2014, The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed the federally mandated 5-year review of the national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for ozone and , proposed , a revised ground-level ozone standard range of 0.065-0.070 parts per million (ppm)., 2008 Ozone Standard Boundaries, May 21, 2012, EPA published the implementation rule (77 FR 30160) for the 2008 ozone standard, , which included the area classifications approach, attainment deadlines and revocation of the 1997 ozone standard for transportation conformity purposes. The effective date of this rule is July 20, 2012., April 30, 2012, EPA has designated all of South Carolina as unclassifiable/attainment for the 2008 ozone standard, except for a portion of York County. Although the monitor in York County is meeting this standard, EPA included the eastern, urbanized area of York County in the Charlotte-Rock Hill, NC-SC nonattainment area because of its proximity to Charlotte. This is the same portion of York County that EPA…, Learn more about the EPA's attainment/nonattainment designations for South Carolina, ., February 29, 2012, DHEC responded to EPA's December 8, 2011, proposed boundary for the 2008 ozone standard., February 7, 2012, EPA proposed the implementation rule, for the 2008 ozone standard., December 20, 2011, EPA announced a public comment period, for its responses to states' and tribes' boundary recommendations for the 2008 ozone standard. On January 12, 2012,, EPA extended the comment period, deadline from January 19, 2012, to February 3, 2012., December 9, 2011, DHEC certified the ozone monitoring data for the 2011 Ozone Season, , further substantiating the, attainment recommendation for each county, of the entire State of South Carolina for the 2008 ozone standard., December 8, 2011, EPA responded to DHEC's October 11, 2011, boundary recommendation, for the 2008 ozone standard. EPA intends to modify DHEC's recommendation so that a portion of York County would be a part of the Charlotte-Gastonia-Salisbury, NC-SC nonattainment area. This is the same portion of York County that EPA designated nonattainment for the 1997 ozone standard., For more information, see EPA's website., October 11, 2011, DHEC submitted an amendment to the 2008 boundary recommendations, to EPA recommending all counties of the entire state be designated attainment., September 22, 2011, EPA announced that it will implement the 2008 ozone standard, . In this announcement, EPA discussed the designation process for the 2008 standard., January 19, 2010, EPA announced it was extending by one year the deadline, that it was extending by one year the deadline for promulgating designations for the 2008 ozone standard that were promulgated in March 2008. The new deadline was set for March 2011., September 16, 2009, EPA announced it would reconsider the 2008 ozone standard, ., July 12, 2009, DHEC submitted an, errata to the 2008 boundary recommendations, to EPA., March 12, 2009, Upon delegation of Governor Mark Sanford's authority, DHEC submitted, South Carolina's boundary recommendations for the 2008 ozone standard, to EPA., South Carolina 2008 Ozone Nonattainment Boundary Recommendations, Map of Boundary Recommendations, Previous Ozone Standards - History, 1997 8-Hour Ozone Standard, In 1997, EPA promulgated an 8-hour ozone standard to replace the 1-hour standard. EPA revised the standards to establish the more stringent 8-hour standard at a level of 0.08 ppm. This was done to reflect the latest understanding of the effects of ozone exposure and to provide public health protection with an adequate margin of safety., 1997 8-hour Ozone Early Action Compact (EAC) process, On July 14, 2000, in accordance with the requirements of Section 107 of the Clean Air Act, DHEC submitted initial boundary recommendations for the 1997 8-hour ozone standard. These were based upon 1997 through 1999 monitored ozone data. DHEC recommended that the boundaries of seven Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) be designated nonattainment areas. EPA then proposed changes,…, Additional Resources, Ozone Designations Process (EPA), National Ambient Air Quality Standards (EPA),Manning Quarry Public Meeting/Hearing
SCDES will hold a combination public meeting and public hearing on March 19, 2026 to accept oral and written comments on the proposed Manning Quarry . The public meeting will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, with the public hearing beginning at 7:00 PM. Sign-in and an opportunity to meet SCDES staff will begin at 5:30 PM. These events will take place at the Jones Center at Columbia International…What Not to Recycle: Recycling's Dirty Dozen
Wrong or improperly prepared items – called contamination – may seem recyclable but are unwanted in recycling markets. Contamination can place workers at risk, damage sorting equipment, lower the value of the material that can be recycled, and increase program costs. Here’s recycling’s Dirty Dozen – items that should, never, be placed in your recycling cart., (1) PLASTIC BAGS, Reuse, donate to food banks, or recycle at your local grocery store., (2) BAGGED RECYCLABLES, Place items loose in your recycling cart or bin., (3) LIQUIDS, Empty liquids from all recyclable containers., (4) FOOD, No food or recyclable containers with food residue. This includes greasy pizza boxes., (5) CLAMSHELLS, No clamshells or other plastic containers used to hold takeout food, berries, or lettuce., (6) ROPE-LIKE ITEMS, No string lights, water hoses, wire, or similar items., (7) SCRAP METAL, No pots and pans, silverware, bicycles, car parts, or plumbing leftovers. Donate these or take them to a convenience center or scrap yard., (8) BATTERIES, Batteries can cause fires or explode if not properly managed. Recycle rechargeable batteries at Best Buy, Lowe’s, Target, The Home Depot, and other retail outlets. Learn more at, Be Battery Smart, ., (9) HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS, Give products to someone who will use them. Check local program options (i.e., household hazardous waste events or programs) at, RecycleHereSC, or dispose of these items according to label instructions., (10) PLASTIC PACKAGING, No block foam, bubble wrap, peanuts, or shrink wrap., (11) PROPANE AND BUTANE CYLINDERS, Do not place these in household trash or recycling bins. Both pose dangers (e.g., fire, explosion) to workers and machinery in recycling facilities. Check, RecycleHereSC, to see if your program has a household hazardous waste program or an upcoming single-day event. Many retailers also accept these containers., (12) DIRTY DOZEN PLUS, No clothing, hangers, frozen food boxes, ice cream containers, toys, VHS tapes, CDs, ceramics, glassware, CFLs and other light bulbs, paint, motor oil, shoes, syringes, sharps and needles, or textiles. See Know Your Nos below for more items that DON’T belong in the bin. Always check to see what your local recycling program accepts. To find your program, visit, RecycleHereSC, . For more information on how to properly recycle or dispose of hard-to-manage items, click, here, ., Know Your No’s, It is essential to know the difference between recycling right and wrong. The table below lists items that should never end up in your recycling bin, but often do. Items that never go in your curbside recycling bin Batteries (household Pizza boxes (greasy) Batteries (lead-acid) Plastic bags Bubble wrap Polystyrene Christmas lights Rubber balls Coat hangers Scrap metal Chains Sharps (e.g., needles…South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award
South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award, The S.C. Environmental Awareness Award, now in its 33rd year, was established by the S.C. General Assembly during the 1992 legislative session to recognize outstanding contributions made toward the protection, conservation, and improvement of South Carolina’s natural resources. Each year the public is invited to submit nominations that are reviewed by an awards committee. Members of the awards…, Call for Nominations for 2025 Award - CLOSED, The state of South Carolina is seeking nominations for an award to recognize individuals who are doing extraordinary work for the natural environment. The nomination period is now closed. Nomination Guidelines Areas of accomplishment include, but are not limited to: Protection, conservation, or improvement of soil, water, or air Protection or conservation of native plants, animals, or their…, Previous Winners of the Environmental Awareness Award, 2024 – Kelly Thorvalson – South Carolina Aquarium 2023 – Elizabeth Vernon (E.V.) Bell – SC Sea Grant Consortium 2021 – Dr. James Frederick – Clemson University 2020 – Jane Hiller, Education Director, Sonoco Recycling (SC DNR) 2019 – Dr. Gloria McCutcheon, Claflin College (SC FC) 2018 – Dr. Patrick McMillan, Clemson University (SC Sea Grant) 2017 - Sean Poppy, Savannah River Ecology Lab (SC DHEC…State Implementation Plan (SIP)
The State Implementation Plan (SIP) is developed to show how a state will meet the, National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), for six common pollutants, called ", criteria pollutants, ," as set forth by the, Clean Air Act, . A SIP is the accumulated record of many documents that form a blueprint and timeline for the state's plans to assure compliance with the NAAQS for criteria pollutants (carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, lead, and particulate matter), as outlined in the Clean Air Act. SIPs include, among other things, control plans, regulations, inventories of emissions within the state,…, EPA's SIP webpage, . South Carolina's SIP includes the initial SIP, which was submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1972, and the accumulated record of its amendments. These amendments, going back to 1973, along with the original SIP, constitute South Carolina's SIP. Though there are many amendments, there is only one South Carolina SIP. SCDES submits amendments to the EPA, and after…, Federal Register, . Possible proposed actions include approval, disapproval, partial approval, conditional approval, and a direct final rule. Following a review of the comments, the EPA issues a final rule on the amendments. The EPA memoranda that guide the SIP review process include a, 1992 memorandum, and, April , and, November, 2011 memoranda. The EPA maintains approvals of all states' SIPs in the, Code of Federal Regulations, . South Carolina's is at, 40 CFR Part 52, Approval of Implementation Plans, Subpart PP, South Carolina, ., What's in the SIP?, Several individual elements can make up the state's complete "SIP." There are many different components of the SIP, including: Infrastructure SIP elements Nonattainment SIP elements Attainment Demonstrations Maintenance Plans Section 111(d)/129 Plans, Infrastructure State Implementation Plan (SIP), Sections 110(a)(1) and (2) of the Clean Air Act, require all states to submit plan elements to provide for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of the, NAAQS, . Sections 110(a)(1) and (2) further require states to address basic SIP requirements, including but not limited to the following elements: emissions limits and other control measures, ambient air quality monitoring, a program for the enforcement of control measures, adequate resources to implement the SIP, and public notification and government consultation. These elements are commonly called "…, EPA's Infrastructure SIP webpage, ., Nonattainment SIP elements, A nonattainment plan is the specific SIP plan element designed to address a particular area in the state that has been designated as nonattainment for a standard. Once nonattainment designations take effect, the state has three years to develop a nonattainment SIP revision outlining how a particular area will attain and maintain the standards by reducing air pollutant emissions in that area. The…, York County part of the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill NC-SC nonattainment, area for the 2008 Ozone NAAQS. On August 22, 2014, the Department submitted a, Marginal Nonattainment Area SIP, to meet the requirements for the York County portion of the Charlotte-Rock Hill NC-SC 8-hour Ozone Nonattainment Area, for the 2008 NAAQS ozone standards. This SIP certifies that each Clean Air Act 182(a) marginal area requirement has been met, to include an emissions inventory. On April 17, 2015, DHEC submitted a, SIP Package, request to redesignate the York nonattainment area to attainment. A, Notice of Final Amendment, to the Air Quality SIP was published in the State Register on April 24, 2015. This action is due to the latest ozone monitoring data that show all monitors in and near the nonattainment area to have 2014 design values lower than the 2008 NAAQS (0.075 ppm.) A public hearing was held March 30, 2015. No comments, written or oral, were received from the public. On December 11, 2015 the EPA approved…, 76865, ) and the redesignation to attainment became effective on January 11, 2016. The Clean Air Act also requires states with areas designated as nonattainment areas for Ozone(O 3 ), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ), or nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) to demonstrate that any transportation plans, programs, and projects planned for the area are consistent with the state's air…, Transportation Conformity, ., Attainment Demonstrations, The Clean Air Act requires that states submit attainment demonstrations for nonattainment areas to show that the area will attain and can continue to attain the NAAQS for which it was in nonattainment., Maintenance Plans, An area that was once designated as nonattainment, but has been redesignated as attainment, must submit a maintenance plan, as required by section 175A of the Clean Air Act. South Carolina has submitted maintenance plans for two areas of the state, Cherokee County and the York County portion of the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill NC-SC nonattainment area., Section 111(d)/129 Plans, Section 129 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) regulates solid waste combustion sources, such as incinerators. Section 111 of the CAA requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue "Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources" (NSPS). Within one year of when EPA issues NSPS rules for solid waste combustion sources, Section 111(d)/129 requires plans from states, commonly called "…, Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incinerator (CISWI) Rule, and SCDES is currently updating this plan due to recent changes in the federal CISWI rule.Sources of Air Pollution
Need to Report an Environmental Concern?, Access our online complaint system, which will help direct you to the most appropriate authority for your issue. , Air pollution can take many forms, all of which can cause harm to our health and our environment. SCDES monitors air pollution in South Carolina, and part of that process involves identifying the sources of pollution in the air we breathe. About 75 percent of air pollution originates from human-made sources, and their emissions are controlled through the federal Clean Air Act and individual state…, Mobile, ,, Nonpoint, , and, Point, ., Mobile Sources of Air Pollution, Mobile Sources, include vehicles (such as cars, trucks and buses) and off-road equipment (such as boats, airplanes, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and other agricultural and construction equipment). Bus and car lines around schools, gas-operated equipment used to maintain your yard, and gasoline and oil spills on the roads can all contribute significant pollution to the air. Running vehicles and equipment generate…, carbon monoxide (CO), ,, particulate matter (PM), ,, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), , and, Volatile Organic Compounds, (VOC), , which are also known as Hydrocarbons. They also greatly contribute to the formation of, ground-level ozone, . According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 200 million vehicles driving on U.S. highways contribute 77 percent of total carbon monoxide (CO) and 45 percent of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in our air., Nonpoint Sources of Air Pollution, Nonpoint Sources, include small pollution sources like dry cleaners, gas stations, and auto body paint shops. They also include sources like heating and cooling units, fireplaces, paints and coatings in buildings, and even your neighborhood's barbecue grills. Waste disposal in the form of open burning, landfills, and wastewater treatment are significant area sources. There are few nonpoint source specific…, particulate matter (PM), emissions, which is higher than point or mobile sources. They also emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) (also known as hydrocarbons) and, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), emissions, which contribute to the formation of, ground-level ozone, ., Point Sources of Air Pollution, Point Sources, include major industrial facilities like chemical plants, steel mills, manufacturing plants, power plants, and hazardous waste incinerators. In South Carolina, the Bureau of Air Quality (BAQ) uses a, permitting, process to monitor point source air pollution. Safe limits and conditions are established for a business, facility, or industry that has an air permit, requiring regular reporting of the amount of air pollutants they use, produce, or store. BAQ inspectors are also sent to these facilities to assess compliance with their air permit's conditions. If the permit conditions are not met, State and…National Battery Day: South Carolinians Reminded to ‘Be Battery Smart’ About Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 18, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — As February 18 is recognized as National Battery Day, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) urges residents to learn about the risks associated with common household batteries. Lithium-ion batteries power more household devices than ever before — from phones and laptops to toys, tools and electric scooters, —, which is why SCDES reminds residents to, “Take Charge! Be Battery Smart, ". Launched in la, te 2023 through a partnership with the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), the, Take Charge! Be Battery Smart, public education campaign focuses on battery safety. When damaged, overheated, improperly charged or discarded incorrectly, lithium-ion batteries can ignite, explode or cause fast-moving fires that are difficult to extinguish. Fire officials across South Carolina continue to report an increase in battery-related fires, many tied to improper storage or disposal. South Carolina State Fire Marshal…, Jones said., “Following the manufacturer’s instructions for using, charging, storing, maintaining and disposing of lithium-ion batteries — along with having working smoke alarms in your home — can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy, helping keep South Carolina families safe.” Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in everyday household items, including rechargeable toys, gaming devices…, Store lithium-ion batteries safely., Keep devices and spare batteries away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and flammable materials. Avoid charging devices on beds, couches, or near children’s sleeping areas. , Protect children and pets., Keep batteries — especially damaged or loose ones — out of reach. Chewed or punctured batteries can spark fires or release hazardous chemicals. , Never throw batteries in the trash., Lithium-ion batteries should never be placed in household garbage or curbside recycling bins, where they pose a serious fire risk to collection trucks, recycling facilities, and landfills. Horry County Fire Rescue Captain and Fire Investigator Matt Rice said lithium-ion battery fires are a recurring issue locally, often tied to incompatible batteries and chargers (, video message from Cpt. Rice is available at, youtube.com/@southcarolinade, s ). “Every year in Horry County, we respond to multiple lithium-ion battery fires and failures,”, Rice said., “Many of these incidents involve cheap, knockoff batteries or chargers that aren’t compatible with the device. Using manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers, monitoring devices while they charge, and avoiding overcharging. If a battery begins to fail or produce smoke, move away and call 911 immediately, as the chemical smoke can be extremely dangerous to breathe.” In addition to fire…, des.sc.gov/recyclerightsc, and, BeBatterySmart.com., ### , A recording of an SCDES Media Briefing held Feb. 17, 2026, about National Battery Day and the Take Charge! Be Battery Smart campaign is available at, youtube.com/@southcarolinades, .Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant Program
Florence County Recycling Locations
Florence County, County Recycling Coordinator:, Kayla Wilson , Physical and Mailing Address:, 180 North Irby Street, MSC-G, Florence, SC 29501 , Hours:, Monday - Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm , Fax:, (843) 292-1607 , Waste Management:, (843) 413-3013 or (843) 413-3001 , Public Works:, (843) 665-3050 (Emergency telephone number for weekends & Holidays) , Staffed County Drop-Off Sites, Site 1 - Greenwood:, 2325 Carnell Drive, Florence 29505, Site 2 - Airport:, 708 South Stadium Road, Florence 29506, Site 3 - Quinby:, 1508 East Marion Highway, Florence 29506, Site 4 - Timmonsville:, 1840 S Warren Street, Timmonsville 29161, Site 5 - Pamplico:, 411 South Oak Street, Pamplico 29583, Site 6 - Coward:, 3315 US 52 Highway, Coward 29530, Site 7 - Lake City:, 1228 East Main Street, Lake City 29560, Site 8 - Landfill:, 2616 Papermill Road, Florence 29506, Site 9 - Effingham:, 6760 Friendfield Rd, Effingham 29541, Site 10 - Hannah:, 3648 Tree Haven, Pamplico 29583, Site 11 - Paul Jones:, 4807 Buddy's Lane, Effingham 29541, Site 12 - Ebenezer:, 359 South Ebenezer Rd, Florence 29501, Site 13 - Olanta:, 4212 Chandler Rd, Olanta 29114, Site 14 - Johnsonville:, 230 W Egg Farm Rd, Johnsonville 29555, Site 15 - Cussac:, 5169 Sardis Highway, Timmonsville 29161, Hours for all sites:, Monday - Saturday, 7AM - 7PM CLOSED Sunday, SITES COLLECT:, Aluminum (cans, pans, foil, trays) Appliances, large (refrigerators, washers, dryers) Cardboard Farmer oil (, up to 55 gallons; ONLY ACCEPTED, at Sites 7 and 9) Household electronics (desktop computers, laptops, notebook computers, monitors, televisions, printers;, ONLY ACCEPTED, at Sites 7, 9, 12 and 14) Mixed paper (newspaper, inserts, office paper, magazines) Oil/gasoline mixtures (, ONLY ACCEPTED, at Site 12) Plastic bottles, jugs, and jars (#1 and #2) Scrap metal Steel cans Tires (, NOT ACCEPTED, at Sites 8, 10 and 15) Used motor oil, filters, and bottles, **Commercial tires accepted at: 7205 Don McCain Drive, Florence, SC 29506., Back to Top, City of Florence, Physical and Mailing Address:, 1440 McCurdy Road, Florence, SC 29506 , Phone:, (843) 665-3236 , Fax:, (843) 665-3200 , Website:, City of Florence Sanitation Division, Curbside Collection, Aluminum (cans, foil) Cardboard Mixed paper (office paper, newspaper and inserts, magazines) Plastic bottles, jugs and jars (#1 and #2) Telephone books Back to Top, Additional Used Motor Oil Collection Sites, Florence, City Fire Station 4, , 2160 West Palmetto Street, Florence 29501 (also accepts used oil filters), City Fire Station 3, ,1321 South Edisto Drive, Florence 29505 (also accepts used oil filters), City Fire Station 2, , 250 East Marion Street, Florence 29506 (also accepts used oil filters), Advance Auto, , 860 South Irby Street, Florence 29501, Advance Auto, , 1802 West Evans Street, Florence 29501, Advance Auto, , 3217 West Palmetto Street, Florence 29501, Auto Zone, , 830 South Irby Street, Florence 29501, Jiffy Lube, , 2189 West Evans Street, Florence 29501, Jiffy Lube, , 815 South Irby Street, Florence 29501, Jiffy Lube, , 3206 Pine Needles Road, Florence 29501, Tractor Supply Company, , 2590 South Irby Street, Florence 29501, Walmart Tire and Lube Express Center, , 230 North Beltline Drive, Florence 29501, Walmart Tire and Lube Express Center, , 2014 South Irby Street, Florence 29501, Lake City, Advance Auto, , 245 North Ron McNair Boulevard, Lake City 29560, Auto Zone, , 215 South Ron McNair Boulevard, Lake City 29560 Back to TopRegulatory Determinations
Below are some of the memorandums, determinations, and summaries that the Asbestos section has distributed concerning Regulation 61-86.1, Standards of Performance for Asbestos Projects (pdf) . Memorandum - Asbestos Response to Hurricane Florence Applicability of Federal and State Asbestos Regulations to Condominiums (pdf) Asbestos Cementitious Floor Tiles (pdf) Asbestos Containing Floor Mastic (…, Contact, Asbestos Section (803) 898-4289