DHEC Encourages Residents to Reduce Food Waste, Recycle Properly Through Remainder of Holiday Season
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Dec. 19, 2022, COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) encourages residents to be good stewards of the environment and be mindful of the foods they purchase that could potentially go to waste during the rest of the holiday season. Celebrations during the last few weeks of the year may also include gift packaging, decorations and other items that increase the…, said Richard Chesley, DHEC's Section Manager for the Office of Solid Waste Reduction & Recycling, . “We encourage all South Carolinians to be conservative in how much food they purchase to prevent food waste, and to do the same with gift-wrapping paper and other items used during the holidays.” DHEC further encourages healthy food habits through its Don’t Waste Food SC campaign, one that includes working with various organizations with the common goals of information-sharing and coordinating…S.C. State Agencies Present Environmental Awareness Award to Clemson University Professor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 13, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. ―, Dr. James Frederick,, professor and agricultural science specialist with Clemson University, is the recipient of the 2022 South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award. Dr. Frederick was presented the award earlier today by, Myra Reece,, Environmental Affairs Director at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). S.C. Rep. Robert Q. Williams nominated Dr. Frederick for his extraordinary work advocating for conservation of the state’s natural resources during his 33 years of service with Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences. South Carolina Environmental Awareness…, Myra Reece, Environmental Affairs Director at DHEC, presents the 2022 South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award to Dr. James Frederick, professor with Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, during an award ceremony on Dec. 13., “Dr. Frederick’s advocacy for environmental sustainability and his dedication to public awareness about the necessity for conservation have benefited our state in impactful ways,”, said Reece., “His research has helped educate farmers, landowners, environmental groups, industry representatives, teachers and students, and entire communities about how dependent we all are on having a healthy, sustainable environment around us and the actions we can all take to help protect South Carolina’s invaluable natural resources.” Dr. Frederick has helped develop environmental research programs…, Dr. Frederick said., “It has been a pleasure collaborating with so many dedicated individuals from various state and federal agencies, community organizations, and private industry on programs focused on the betterment of our environment. Environmental awareness is for everyone, having no demographic boundaries, and education is the key to greater awareness. I particularly enjoy working with youth from underserved…DHEC’s Bureau of Water Employee Receives ‘Friend of Rural Water Award’ from SC Rural Water Association
OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 5, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s (DHEC) Bureau of Water is proud to announce that Chuck Gorman, Assistant Director of the State Revolving Fund , recently received the Friend of Rural Water Award from the South Carolina Rural Water Association . Gorman was presented the award during the Association’s annual…, said Jennifer Hughes, Chief of DHEC’s Bureau of Water., “For decades he’s devoted his professional career to caring for our state’s environment, and his service with our State Revolving Fund program is helping municipalities around the state complete wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater projects that are critical to supporting healthy communities. We appreciate the South Carolina Rural Water Association for spotlighting Chuck’s great work.” …S.C. Mining Council to Meet Nov. 29, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 28, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Mining Council will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29 in Board Room No. 3420 of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, 2600 Bull Street, in Columbia. The agenda is available here . ###DHEC Issues New Consent Order Requiring New Indy to Take Additional Actions for Ending Issues at its Catawba Facility
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 23, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― Today, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) entered into a Consent Order with New Indy Catawba LLC that requires New Indy to take additional and significant actions that will fully correct and control undesirable levels in the communities surrounding its Catawba facility. This Consent Order amends the Order…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC Director. , On Nov. 16, 2022, a Consent Decree between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New Indy was approved by the United States District Court. DHEC’s Nov. 23 Consent Order supplements the requirements of the federal Consent Decree, ordering the facility to perform additional actions ― at a substantial cost to New Indy ― that DHEC believes are necessary to completely prevent undesirable…DHEC and SEAARST Announce Student Winners of 2022-23 S.C. Radon Poster Contest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 22, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― As part of National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (SEAARST) are pleased to announce the winners of the 2022-23 South Carolina Radon Poster Contest. The annual poster contest, held…, said Rhonda Thompson, DHEC's Bureau of Air Quality Chief., “We’re proud of these students for joining our efforts to raise awareness of the simple steps that can be taken to reduce radon exposure.” Radon Poster Winner , The first-place drawing, by Trenton Demery of Olanta Creative Arts & Science Magnet School in Florence, will represent South Carolina in the National Radon Poster Contest., All three 2022-23 winners attend Olanta Creative Arts & Science Magnet School in Florence County, and were recognized with prizes by SEAARST: First place: Trenton Demery, $125 for his poster “Radon Test.” Second place: Lyza Moore, $100 for her poster “Radon Killed Me” Third place: David Floyd, $75 for his poster “Radon – Don’t Want It” The first-place poster will represent South Carolina in…Report an Environmental Concern
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Hurricane Idalia Recovery and Requirements , After a hurricane, DHEC’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management team assesses damage to beachfront structures within the state's jurisdiction so that these issues can be resolved as quickly as possible. Coastal residents should report damage to beachfront structures, including homes, pools, seawalls, revetments, and dune walkovers, at, MyCoast SC Storm Witness Program, . This is an online portal the agency uses to collect and analyze pictures and data about coastal events. Submitted reports can help DHEC efficiently analyze post-storm beachfront structures and expedite permitting and other regulatory decisions. , Post-Storm Recovery , Permitting priorities for DHEC OCRM after Hurricane Idalia will focus on repair and maintenance of existing structures impacted by the event. Depending on the severity of damage to our coastal communities, issuance of permits for non-essential alteration to the critical areas may experience processing delays. We appreciate your patience during this time. Structures located within the state's…, Emergency Authorizations , DHEC OCRM is closely monitoring impacts from Hurricane Idalia on coastal communities. Depending on the severity of impacts, DHEC may issue various emergency authorizations on a statewide, local/countywide, or case-by-case basis. DHEC may issue emergency orders to local government to allow property owners to conduct emergency actions to provide temporary protection to structures from wave uprush…DHEC Highlights Free Radon Test Kit Program during National Radon Action Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 7, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― January is National Radon Action Month, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is encouraging South Carolinians to become familiar with the risks of radon when it’s present inside a home. Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that is dispersed in outdoor air, but radon can reach…, said Rhonda Thompson, Bureau of Air Quality Chief., “The only way to know if a home has high radon levels is to test.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year nationally. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the country after smoking, and the health risks from radon are greater for smokers. “South Carolina has nationally certified radon contractors…, said Leslie Coolidge, Coordinator for South Carolina's Radon Program., “Links to lists of credentialed radon professionals and other resources on radon mitigation and choosing a radon contractor can be found online at www.scdhec.gov/radon .” The South Carolina Radon Program offers a free home radon test kit that can be requested at www.scdhec.gov/radon. Radon test kits can also be purchased from the National Radon Program ( www.sosradon.org , 1-800-767-7236) for $…