2018 Flood: More Language Resources
Boil Water for Consumers, English, Español, Boil Water for Businesses, Español, (pdf), Chinese, (pdf), Portuguese, (pdf), Disinfecting Wells, English, (pdf), Español, (pdf), Portuguese, (pdf), Mold Guidelines, English, Español, CDC Available English/Spanish Resources for After Floods , English, Español, Reentering Your Flooded Home, English, Español, Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency, English, Carbon Monoxide, English, Español, Mold After a Disaster, English, Español, , Tetanus basics, Fact sheet offers overview of, Tetanus disease, and vaccine risks and benefits, English, Español, Additional Resources from Trusted Sources , FEMA: Flood Preparation & Safety (Section on What to Do After A Flood), English , , Español, FDA: What Consumers Need to Know About Food and Water Safety During Hurricanes, Power Outages, and Floods, English, (pdf), Español, (pdf), Power Outages: Before and After, Water Safety When Flooding Occurs, Food Safety When Flooding Occurs, Español, EPA: Safe Water, EspañolDrinking Water Safety After a Flood
A good supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. Flooding can contaminate public water supplies and wells. If you are on public water, check with your water provider to be sure it is safe to drink., If you are on a private well and it was flooded, your well needs to be disinfected and the water tested. Visit the SCDES , Well Water Quality Testing, page for more information., How to make the water safer for you and your family:, Bring water to a rolling boil and keep it there for at least 1 full minute. Then, let it cool before using. Prepare food using water that has been boiled. Wash hands with water that has been boiled and cooled. Wash, rinse and sanitize pots, pans and other equipment with water that has been boiled and cooled. Strain cloudy water by pouring through a clean cloth. Rinse containers for storing water…, How to purify bacteria-contaminated water with bleach:, If you can't boil contaminated water to kill impurities, you can use bleach: Use unscented liquid chlorine bleach containing 4 to 6 percent available or free chlorine. ("Free" chlorine has not combined with organic matter and is therefore available for killing bacteria and algae.) Add 1 teaspoon of bleach to every 4 gallons of water. Let the treated water stand for 30 minutes before drinking or…, Private Wells, Owners of private drinking water wells should seal their well by plugging or covering all openings to the casing before the storm to help prevent it from becoming contaminated by surface flooding. Wells should be inspected after the storm for damage and any plug or covering on casing vent should be removed. If your well has been flooded, it needs to be disinfected and tested after the storm…, Do not use the water from a flooded well until it has been tested., For information on how to have your water tested and your well disinfected, contact your local , SCDES Office, or call the, SCDES Private Well Hotline: , 1-888-761-5989, . For more information, see our , SCDES Residential Well Disinfection, brochure and, Emergency Well Disinfection, video. , Emergency Sources of Water, If a disaster hits and catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use water from these sources:, Within the Home:, Your hot-water heater tank Water in your pipes Ice Water in the tank on your toilet (not the bowl), Outside the Home (water from these sources must be purified/disinfected):, Rainwater Streams, rivers and other moving bodies of water Ponds and lakes Natural springsIndoor Mold
Indoor Mold After a Weather Event - Fact Sheet, (pdf), Many South Carolina residents are concerned about indoor mold as a result of severe weather disasters. As part of our commitment to assist those who have been affected, SCDES has compiled the following information to guide decisions regarding mold in homes and workplaces., Español (Spanish), If you're experiencing any issues with flooding, below is an important resource number to be aware of. Mold Hotline:, 888-815-3509, for general information., Presence of Mold after a Severe Weather Event:, Excess moisture and standing water contribute to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings. Steps can be taken to prevent mold growth if wet items are cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours. Make sure you only enter your home once it is safe. Signs of Mold: Mold can be recognized by sight or smell or present no signs at all (hidden behind walls or under floors) Sight (Mold growth often…, Never mix bleach with other household cleaners. Mixing bleach and ammonia can produce dangerous toxic fumes, ). Nonporous materials include tile floors, countertops, showers, tubs, metal objects, plastic, glass, and other hard nonabsorbent materials and surfaces. Porous materials soak up water like a sponge. Items that cannot be dried thoroughly within 24-48 hours of getting wet are much more difficult to disinfect and may need to be replaced to prevent mold growth. Porous items include wood, drywall,…, Additional Information and Resources:, Mold Hotline:, 888-815-3509, or local:, 803-898-9387., Visit the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's websites about Mold After a Disaster and Floods . Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Mold website or download EPA's Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home . Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website on Mold in Schools and Commercial Buildings or download EPA's Building Air Quality Guide . Find volunteer…, Because there are no state or federal laws, regulations, or standards for mold or indoor air quality, SCDES cannot test, monitor or inspect for mold or indoor air quality in homes or public buildings.Returning Home After the Storm
After the Storm, The hours and days immediately following a hurricane or flood can be especially dangerous due a number of reasons. Hidden debris in floodwaters, no electricity, and structural damage due to winds can pose safety risks to people as they begin to return home. Always follow the recommendations of local officials. Below are general , General Precautions and Recommendations, Return to your home during daylight hours. Before entering your home, check for any structural hazards that might make it unsafe to go in the house. Enter your home with caution. If you can go inside, open all the doors and windows to increase ventilation. Fire is a risk following a storm, often caused by the use of candles. Use battery-operated flashlights and lanterns instead of candles, though…, Precautions to Take When…, Smelling Gas: If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main valve, open all windows, and get out of the house immediately. Don't turn on the electricity, light matches, smoke, or do anything that could cause a spark. Immediately notify the gas company as well as your local fire and police departments. Do not return to the house until you are told it is safe to do so. Handling Electrical…, Possible Impacts to Septic Systems, The large amount of rain and flooding that occurs with a hurricane may cause some problems with septic systems. The problems you might experience include slow-draining toilets and sinks or wastewater bubbling up from the ground. Follow these steps to help limit any potential problems: Limit the use of water. Do laundry at the laundromat. Don't flush the toilet every time it's used. Wash dishes by…, Septic Systems - What to Do after the FloodHigh Hazard Potential Dams Rehabilitation Grant
The application period for the FY24 Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD) Grant Program closed on Monday, November 11, 2024. , , SCDES HIGH HAZARD POTENTIAL DAMS REHABILITATION GRANT FY 2024 , Through the Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD) Grant Program, FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program (NDSP) has made federal funds available to states for FFY24 for pass through to non-Federal governmental organizations or nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate eligible HHPDs that fail to meet minimum state dam safety standards and pose an unacceptable risk to life and property.…, 5:00 PM EST, on, Monday,, November 11, 2024, . All questions about this grant opportunity can be directed to DESresponse@des.sc.gov ., Notice of Funding Opportunity and Application Documents, SCDES FY24 Notice of Funding Opportunity Attachment A-FFY24 FEMA Notice of Funding Opportunity for HHPD Rehab Grants Attachment B-FY24 FY24 State Administrative Plan Attachment C-FEMA HHPD Grant Program Guidance Attachment D-FY24 Department of Homeland Security Standard Terms and Conditions Attachment E-FY24 HHPD Grant FAQs Attachment F-FY24 Application Checklist Attachment G-FY24 Construction…, Grant Overview, SCDES has applied for funding under the FFY 2024 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD) Rehabilitation Grant Program. In order to reduce the risks posed by unsafe South Carolina High Hazard Potential dams, SCDES intends to offer subawards to eligible project sponsors for planning, design, and construction activities on select High Hazard Potential dams that…, Additional criteria may apply to state subawards. , Eligible sponsors will submit one subaward application per dam. All subawards will be disbursed as reimbursements for eligible activities. Full details of this program can be found within the Attachment A-FFY24 FEMA Notice of Funding Opportunity for HHPD Rehab Grants . FEMA has also published additional fact sheets for the HHPD grant program that prospective applicants should review., FY 2024 Grant Informational Webinar, The Dam Safety Program hosted an informational webinar April 10, 2024 on the FFY24 grant subaward application process. A recording of the webinar is available alongside presentation slides . Topics covered included: Background and available funds Dam eligibility Applicant eligibility Eligible/allowable activities Grant application process and timeline SCDES’ application review and award selection…, Period of Performance, The Period of Performance refers to the period of time during which eligible activities within an approved Scope of Work may occur and be considered eligible for reimbursement under the FEMA HHPD Grant Program. Subawards issued under the FY2024 HHPD Grant must comply with the announced Period of Performance and no work done outside of that period will be reimbursed., Eligible Dams, For a dam to be eligible for funds from this grant program, the dam must: Meet the federal definition of “dam” found at 33 U.S. Code § 467 Be classified as a “High Hazard Potential” dam by the State’s Dam Safety Program Have been determined by the State to fail to meet minimum state dam safety standards and pose an unacceptable risk to the public and have a condition assessment rating of POOR or…, Eligible Applicants, This program is exclusive to non-Federal government entities (e.g., State, County, and Municipal governments; special purpose districts) and non-profit organizations that are registered as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profits with the Internal Revenue Service. , Private dam owners cannot apply directly, , and any applications received from a private dam owner will be rejected; however, an eligible applicant can apply for an HHPD grant on any eligible dam, including dams that are privately owned.Dams and Reservoirs Definitions
Alteration, - any change to a dam or reservoir which affects the physical parameters and safety of the dam or reservoir which may include but is not limited to changing the height of a dam, increasing the normal pool or principal spillway elevation or changing the elevation or physical dimensions of an emergency spillway., Appurtenant works, - include but are not limited to such structures as spillways, either in the dam or separate therefrom, low level outlet works and water conduits., Board, - the Board of Health and Environmental Control., Classification inspection, - visual examination of an existing dam or proposed dam site to determine the physical dimensions of the dam and reservoir and the hazard potential of the structure, irrespective of the structural safety of the dam itself., Dam, - any artificial barrier, together with appurtenant works, including but not limited to dams, levees, dikes or floodwalls for the impoundment or diversion of water or other fluids where failure may cause danger to life or property., Department, - the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services or its staff or agents., Detailed inspection, - all studies, investigations and analyses necessary to evaluate conclusively the structural safety and hydraulic capacity of a dam or reservoir and appurtenant works. This inspection may include but is not limited to soil analysis, concrete or earth stability analysis, materials testing, foundation explorations, hydrologic analysis, including basin studies and flood potential. This inspection…, Engineer, - a registered professional engineer licensed to practice in the State or an individual employed by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service with the title of engineer who is qualified and authorized to sign documents prepared and submitted by USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service., Hazard Potential, - the potential for causing property damage or loss of human life in the event of failure or improper operation of a dam or reservoir., Height, of a dam is measured in feet from the top of the dam to the natural bed of the stream or water course at the downstream toe of the barrier; if the barrier is not across a stream or water course, height is measured from the top of the dam to the lowest elevation of the outside limit of the barrier., Operate, a dam or reservoir - to perform functions intended to preserve or protect the dam or reservoir (or the area potentially impacted by the dam or reservoir). Examples of operator functions include removal or replacement of flashboards, opening or closing of gates, removal of accumulated trash at the spillway, and maintenance functions such as mowing grass on the dam, etc, Order, - a written document prepared and issued by the Department which mandates specific actions to be accomplished by a dam owner within a specified time frame., Owner, - those who own, control, operate, maintain, manage or propose to construct a dam or reservoir. In cases where a dam has been abandoned by its owner (either intentionally or unintentionally), and it is necessary to reestablish ownership, the Department shall look first to those entities who hold title to the property on which the dam is constructed and those entities who have acquired some legal…, Preliminary inspection, - a visual but technical evaluation of the structural integrity and physical stability of a dam and may include an analysis of the dam's ability to pass flood waters. The term preliminary inspection - also the recurring routine reinspections that the Department may schedule for certain dams., Probable Maximum Flood, (PMF) - the largest flood that theoretically could occur at a given site during our present geological and climatic era. The initiating event in a PMF determination is the PMP., Probable Maximum Precipitation, (PMP) - the theoretically greatest-depth of precipitation for a given duration that is physically possible over a given area at a given time of year; these projected maximum precipitation numbers are arrived at by the National Weather Service by studying actual storm events that have occurred in similar climatic areas. Information on PMP is available in publications from the National Weather…, Removal, - the destruction or breaching of a dam or reservoir to the extent that no water or fluid can be impounded by the dam or reservoir., Repairs, - any work done on a dam which may affect the safety of the dam. This includes but is not limited to work requiring excavation into the embankment fill or foundation of a dam or work requiring removal or replacement of major structural components of a dam., Reservoir, - an area which contains or will contain the water or fluid impounded by a dam., Storage capacity, or, impoundment storage, of a reservoir is defined to be the volume of water (normally measured in acre-feet) contained in the impoundment at maximum storage elevation (i.e., when water is at the top of the dam.)Dams and Reservoirs - Permitting Process
Permit Requirements, The requirement to obtain a permit applies to construction of new dams that meet the size to be regulated, as well as to alterations , repairs , and removals of existing dams that are regulated. Repaired Carys Lake Dam in Richland CountyDams & Reservoirs
The Dams and Reservoirs Safety Program was established in 1977 with the passage of the S.C. Dams and Reservoirs Safety Act. The failure of the dam upstream of the Toccoa Falls Bible College in Georgia right after passage of the South Carolina Act gave a great deal of impetus to get the program started. This dam failed unexpectedly and caused the loss of many lives and a great deal of property…, During an emergency, call the Dam Safety Program 24/7: , 803-898-1939,Tax Credits
Section 12-6-3370 of the 1976 South Carolina Code of Laws provides for a state tax credit for the construction, installation or restoration of water impoundments and water control structures used for certain purposes. That Section of the 1976 Code is printed here: Section 12-6-3370. Tax credits for construction, installation or restoration of water impoundments and water control structures. A…South Carolina's Electronics Recycling Legislation
South Carolina's Electronics Recycling Legislation, e-cycle logo South Carolina passed electronics legislation (, S.C. Code of Laws §§ 48-60-05 et seq, .) in 2010 that banned the disposal of specific electronics in solid waste landfills effective July 1, 2011. One key component of the legislation requires residents to recycle computers, computer monitors, printers and televisions. Specifically, the legislation says that residents "may not knowingly place or discard" a computer, computer monitor, printer and television "in any waste stream that…