DHEC Applauds Increased National and Statewide Recycling Efforts on America Recycles Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Nov. 15, 2022, COLUMBIA, S.C., — In observance of America Recycles Day, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is applauding national and statewide efforts to increase recycling and encourages residents to continue these trends so the Palmetto State can be a cleaner and safer place to live. America Recycles Day falls each year Nov. 15. “Numbers across the nation and here in South Carolina show…, said Myra Reece, DHEC’s Environmental Affairs director, . “We want that trend to continue and are committed to teaching residents the proper ways to recycle and the benefits of recycling so we can create cleaner communities across our state.” Data compiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that Americans recycled more than 69 million tons of waste in 2018. That amount is part of a decades-long increase, dating back to 1960 when…, said Reece, . “We encourage those who participate in recycling to spread the word to their friends and family, so we can continue seeing improvements that will make our communities and planet a better place for future generations.” Information on where to recycle near you can be found on DHEC’s Recycle Here page and additional information on recycling correctly can be found on DHEC’s residential recycling…DHEC Issues Recreational Water Advisory for a Cove on Lake Wylie due to Harmful Algae
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 4, 2022, COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today issued a recreational water advisory for a small cove of Lake Wylie in York County after detecting the presence of a harmful algal bloom (HAB). DHEC was notified of a potential HAB by a resident on Oct. 25, 2022. In conjunction with the Catawba Riverkeeper, DHEC collected samples from Lake Wylie. A…DHEC and Carolina Human Reinvestment of South Carolina Promote Health, Environmental Benefits of Local Community Garden
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 4, 2022 PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. ― On Oct. 31, members of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s (DHEC) Pee Dee Regional Leadership Team joined representatives from Carolina Human Reinvestment of South Carolina at the Carolina Human Reinvestment (CHR) Community Garden in Pawleys Island to showcase the benefits of community garden projects. …‘Lead Poisoning is Preventable’: DHEC Shares Important Information, Resources during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 24, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Oct. 23-29) , the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) encourages residents to learn the dangers of lead exposure and how to protect themselves and their families from it. Both DHEC’s Public Health division and Environmental Affairs division perform important work…, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Public Health Director., “The key is to educate parents and caregivers about preventing children from contact with lead and educating adults about possible lead exposure routes at home or at work. Because the symptoms of lead poisoning often initially go unnoticed, it’s important that we all focus on prevention in the first place.” Simple blood tests that check for lead levels are often performed by pediatricians during…, said Myra Reece, DHEC’s Director of Environmental Affairs., “That’s why, in addition to regulating public drinking water providers for safe water standards, we work to educate homeowners about protecting their drinking water from lead, which can include having their old plumbing components replaced.” Additionally, DHEC’s Bureau of Water oversees the state’s Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care Centers Program , which is funded through the U.S.…Clemson, DHEC expand food pantry and resource map to better help families facing food insecurity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 18, 2022 CLEMSON, S.C. -- Clemson University College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Environmental Affairs, have created a statewide map showing food pantries in every county to aid families facing food insecurity. Nearly 490,000 people face hunger and food…, Hossfeld said., “A crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic only makes clearer the need for good, reliable information on what type of help is available and where to find it. This map has been put in place to serve as a repository for that information.” This statewide map is an expansion of an Upstate map created by Clemson CBSHS, Ten at the Top, and the United Way of Pickens County two years ago. Karen Sprayberry,…, said Keisha Long, DHEC Environmental Justice Coordinator., “Participants have worked with Clemson CBSHS to confirm food availability within their communities. We are delighted that the Food Access Map is a key component of the EJ Strong project.” Brooke Brittain, associate director of food and nutrition security for CBSHS Clemson Rural Health, also envisions that health care providers, who screen for socioeconomic difficulties during patient…, Brittain said., “Our goal is to increase people’s access to food. This map is interactive and easy to navigate and shows resources in every single county in the state.” Also included on the map, which is housed on the CBSHS website, are DHEC locations and South Carolina Department of Social Services offices throughout the state. “The EJ Strong Food Access Map is an innovative tool that empowers communities by…, said Myra Reece, DHEC Director of Environmental Affairs., “I value the partnership between Clemson and DHEC and appreciate Clemson’s amazing commitment to serving communities across South Carolina.” Clemson students have worked to verify and update information on over 900 food pantries and food resources in the state. Food pantry entries not only include contact information and hours, but more detailed information about the need to bring ID or fill…, Gardner said., “In a time where we treasure individual success over community involvement and are less likely to know our neighbors than ever before, experiencing this collaboration with professionals committed to their community felt like a much-needed sign that we are still committed to looking out for one another.” The Food Access Map is a detailed, extensive resource, but it is by no means complete. It…, Established in 2016, the Clemson University College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS) is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in seven schools and departments – Communication; Nursing; Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management; Political Science; Psychology; Public Health Sciences; and Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice – to further its mission in “…DHEC Reopens Additional Shellfish Beds in Charleston County at Official Sunrise on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 14, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) will reopen shellfish harvesting beds in Charleston County on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. "Water quality data indicate that bacteria levels are once again suitable for shellfish harvesting in Shellfish Management Area 11, which includes Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, and…, said Mike Marshall, Manager of DHEC's Shellfish Sanitation Section., “This shellfish management area will reopen at official sunrise on Saturday, October 15.” For more information on shellfish harvesting in your area, please visit https://des.sc.gov/community/environmental-sites-projects/pollution-advisories-monitoring/shellfish-bed-monitoring or contact your local DHEC Environmental Affairs Office in Myrtle Beach, Charleston, or Beaufort. ###DHEC Reopens Additional Shellfish Beds in Georgetown County at Official Sunrise on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 12, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) will reopen additional shellfish harvesting beds in Georgetown County on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. "Shellfish harvesting in Shellfish Management Area 04, which includes Murrells Inlet in Georgetown County, will reopen at official sunrise on Thursday, October 13,”, said Mike Marshall, Manager of DHEC's Shellfish Sanitation Section, . “Shellfish Management Area 11, which includes Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, and the Stono River in Charleston County, will remain closed until water quality data indicate that bacteria levels are once again suitable for the harvesting of shellfish.” For more information on shellfish harvesting in your area, please visit https://des.sc.gov/community/environmental-sites-projects/pollution-…DHEC Reopens Two Additional Shellfish Beds at Official Sunrise on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 11, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), will, reopen shellfish harvesting beds, in Georgetown and Charleston counties on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022., "Two shellfish harvesting areas will reopen at official sunrise on Wednesday, October 12,”, said Mike Marshall, Manager of DHEC's Shellfish Sanitation Section., “The two areas are Shellfish Management Area 05, which includes North Inlet and Winyah Bay in Georgetown County, and Shellfish Management Area 10A, which includes Folly Beach, Sol Legare Island, and Morris Island in Charleston County." , Two shellfish management areas will remain closed until water quality data indicate that bacteria levels are once again suitable for the harvesting of shellfish:, Shellfish Management Area 04 – Murrells Inlet in Georgetown County; and Shellfish Management Area 11 – Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, and the Stono River in Charleston County For more information on shellfish harvesting in your area, please visit https://des.sc.gov/community/environmental-sites-projects/pollution-advisories-monitoring/shellfish-bed-monitoring or contact your local DHEC…DHEC Now Accepting Applications for Projects Aimed at Reducing Diesel Emissions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 11, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Today, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announces the availability of grant funding aimed at reducing diesel emissions and improving air quality throughout the state. Diesel emissions make up a significant portion of the mobile source air pollution in South Carolina. For federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022,…, said Rhonda Thompson, Director of DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality., “This funding will support projects that curb diesel emissions and thereby provide benefits to both public health and the environment in South Carolina.” DERA funding is intended for county, city, or other local government entities, private businesses, colleges and universities, and non-profit organizations. Grants are awarded to eligible applicants for the implementation of diesel emissions…, Applications for the FFY2022 SC State DERA grant cycle are due by Nov. 18, 2022. , Please email dera@dhec.sc.gov with any questions related to DERA grants in South Carolina. ###DHEC Assesses Damages, Offers Health and Safety Reminders Following Hurricane Ian
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Oct. 5, 2022, COLUMBIA, S.C., — Following Hurricane Ian’s landfall in South Carolina, DHEC is working with state and local partners to assess related damages and impacts across the state. Below is a summary overview of the agency’s efforts, as well as key resources for residents. , Dam Safety Assessments , DHEC’s Dam Safety team completed its assessment of regulated dams in the impacted areas of the state and has found no storm-related issues. If you are a dam owner and would like to learn more about the resources DHEC has to offer, please click here . , Private Well Testing, If your private well was not flooded, the water is likely unchanged, and no action is necessary. If your well was flooded, use bottled water or boil your well water before consuming it until the well has been properly disinfected and tested . You can use unscented household bleach to disinfect your well, and please be sure to test the well water to ensure it was properly cleaned. For any…, 1-888-761-5989, . Additionally, severe storms can result in standing water around the outside of the home. If you see standing water, safely eliminate it to prevent mosquito spread and breeding., Mold, If your home was flooded or damaged by water, please to do not reenter until it is safe to do, as mold could be present on flooded floors, walls, furniture, appliances or clothing. Drying your home and removing water-damaged items within 24 to 48 hours is the most-important step in stopping mold growth, damage and potential exposure. While DHEC does not perform remediation for mold, residents can…, 1-888-815-3509, to receive resources and speak to a DHEC representative who can help answer questions about mold. For more information, visit DHEC’s page on indoor mold ., Ocean & Coastal Recovery, After a hurricane, DHEC’s Ocean & Coastal Resource Management team assesses damages 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.org/sc . This is an online portal the agency uses…