Hurricane Florence Update 09-28-2018
Friday, September 28th, 2018 - updated at 12:00 p.m., This page will be updated regularly as information becomes available, ., SCDES is closely monitoring developments with Hurricane Florence. We are working with Governor McMaster and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division in accordance with the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and the South Carolina Hurricane Plan., Stay tuned to your local weather forecast and get the latest information about our preparation and response efforts by following us on, Twitter, and, Facebook., In response to Hurricane Florence, SCDES staff continues to actively assess and respond to ongoing public health and environmental needs across the state. For important information, please visit our , hurricane preparedness page, ., Latest Updates:, As part of our preparedness efforts, SCDES has taken the following actions (updated at 12 p.m. on 09/28/2018):, More than 700 SCDES staff have been dispatched as part of our emergency response efforts., Our call centers have fielded more than 8,100 calls assisting the public, with questions related to special medical needs, health department services and other general concerns., SCDES Urges South Carolinians to Avoid Contact with Flood Waters:, SCDES recommends that you minimize contact with flood waters because there are many health and safety concerns, including:, Health Concerns:, Infectious Diseases (, e.g, ., tetanus, norovirus, hepatitis and TB) Diarrheal Diseases Wound Infections Chemical Hazards (, e.g., , gasoline, diesel and oil from submerged vehicles), Safety Concerns:, Drowning Animal & Insect Bites Fire ants float on flood waters and re-establish where they land Snakes can be anywhere water may have carried them Other wildlife (foxes, coyotes, beavers, etc.) can be relocated by flood waters Electrical Hazards – Water and electricity can be a dangerous combination. When returning to flooded homes, it is important to turn the power off at the breaker box so…, CDC’s Flood and Standing Waters, website., Health Care Facilities:, The Department is working with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources and local emergency management officials to monitor projected flooding and ensure potentially impacted health care facilities are addressed as needed., As of Friday at 9 a.m., the following health care facilities regulated by SCDES have been evacuated:, South Island Assisted Living, (on September 25th), Blue Ridge in Georgetown, (on September 25th), Tidelands Georgetown Memorial, (on September 25th) - Tidelands Georgetown Memorial will evacuate all currently admitted patients, but their emergency room will remain open, ., Oasis Residential Home, (on September 26th), Special Medical Needs Shelters:, SCDES has 1 special medical needs shelter open, to provide shelter for people whose medical conditions exceed the capabilities of the general population shelters but are not severe enough to require a hospital stay. These are individuals who live at home and have a health condition that requires specialized, electric-powered equipment or need medication that requires refrigeration. Individuals in these shelters must bring an adult caregiver…, ., *NOTE: if you think you may need this type of shelter, please call our CARELINE at, 1-855-472-3432, ., Immunization Clinics, SCDES will use its WIC mobile Clinic to provide some key services to residents in areas recovering from severe flooding. SCDES's mobile care van will travel to Cheraw and Marion to offer WIC services to eligible women and children along with Tdap and Flu shots for adults. The mobile unit will be available these times and locations: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28, at Chesterfield County DSS (203 Commerce Dr., Cheraw) 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29, at the CD Joyner Auditorium (161 Elizabeth St., Marion), SCDES is waiving all fees for the immunizations at the mobile clinics on Friday and Saturday., Environmental Assessments and Monitoring, SCDES conducted baseline water sampling last week for general chemistry, (, e.g.,, pH, oil, grease), and metals analyses, (, e.g., , arsenic, lead, mercury, selenium), from the Waccamaw River and from the two coal ash ponds at the Santee Cooper Grainger Station., The Department, along with Georgetown County Water and Sewer District and Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority, continues to monitor the conditions closely. Based on discussions with these public water utilities, they have plans in place to address any releases from Grainger Station. SCDES continues to be in contact with Santee Cooper regarding conditions at the Grainger Station. The Department…, SCDES was notified by Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority on Thursday that the Conway Wastewater Treatment Plant is back online and able to treat wastewater. , SCDES remains in close contact with Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority and other Public Water and Wastewater Systems across the affected area regarding the status of their systems and support to their customers., Boil Water Advisories:, As of Friday at 9 a.m., SCDES is aware of the following boil water advisories: Boil water advisory from the City of Florence has been lifted. Boil water advisory for Trico Water in Dillon which impacts 6 homes is still in effect. A precautionary boil water advisory has been issued for the Lakeside community of Bennettsville., Visit this page, for tips on how to purify bacteria-contaminated water by boiling., Shellfish Beds:, SCDES has closed some shellfish harvesting beds in Georgetown County due to flooding from Hurricane Florence. The closure affects all shellfish harvesting from North Inlet south to the South Santee River. The affected area will reopen once water quality data indicate that bacteria levels are once again suitable for shellfish harvesting., Private Wells:, SCDES is waiving bacteriological testing fees for private wells impacted by the flood. Residents with questions about private wells should call, 1-888-761-5989, ., We will provide information on boiling your water, disinfecting your well, and testing your well., *NOTE: If the well was not flooded, the water quality is the same as before the flood., Dams:, SCDES, assessed 262 dams, prior to the storm. The Department utilized the, CodeRED, system multiple times to notify more than 2,000 dam owners via voice call, text message and email. Dam owners were urged to evaluate their water levels and coordinate lowering levels with other owners downstream to avoid flooding., SCDES and the US Army Corps of Engineers have conducted 264 post-storm assessments of regulated dams., Over the course of the heavy rain, there were several dams in the Pee Dee region that overtopped., As of 12 p.m. Friday, SCDES had confirmed 11 regulated dams had breached:, Lakewind, (significant-hazard) – Chesterfield County, Crawford Pond, (low-hazard) – Chesterfield County, Jordan Pond, (significant-hazard) – Darlington County, Lake Darpo, (low-hazard) – Darlington County, Springwood Lake, (low-hazard) – Darlington County, McColl Pond, (low-hazard) – Dillon County, Baxley 501 Pond, (significant-hazard) – Marion County, McMeeken, (low-hazard) – Marlboro County, McLaurins Mill Pond, (significant-hazard) – Marlboro County, David’s Millpond, (significant-hazard) – Marlboro County, Covington Millpond, (low-hazard) – Marlboro County, NOTE: Understanding Dam Classifications, Unless exempted by law, dams regulated by SCDES are classified based on size and hazards, and must meet one of the following criteria: 25 feet in height impounds (holds back) 50 acre-feet or more of water classified as a high-hazard dam, regardless of size, Hazard classification, applies to potential loss of human life or property damage in the event of failure or improper operation of the dam or connected works., High-hazard (C1), - Failure will likely cause loss of life or serious damage to infrastructure., Significant-hazard (C2), - Failure will not likely cause loss of life but may damage infrastructure., Low-hazard (C3), - Failure may cause limited property damage., SCDES Office Closures:, SCDES follows the closings and delays of county offices. For example, if Beaufort County offices are closed, our health clinics and offices in the county will be closed as well. The latest information on delays and closures can be found at, http://scemd.org, or on local media. We will update this information here as it becomes available., Previous Updates:, Hurricane Florence Update 09-27-2018, Hurricane Florence Update 09-26-2018, Hurricane Florence Update 09-25-2018, Hurricane Florence Update 09-24-2018, Hurricane Florence Update 09-21-2018, Hurricane Florence Update 09-20-2018, Hurricane Florence Update 09-19-2018, Hurricane Florence Update 09-18-2018, Hurricane Florence Update 09-17-2018, Hurricane Florence Update 09-16-2018, Hurricane Florence Update 09-15-2018, Hurricane Florence Update 09-14-2018, Hurricane Florence Update 09-13-2018, Hurricane Florence Update 09-12-2018, Stay Connected, Stay tuned to your local weather forecast and get the latest information about our preparation and response efforts by following us on, Twitter, and, Facebook.2011-2012 Champions of the Environment
West Ashley High School, , Charleston County, W.A.T.E.R. Wildcats Preserve Pond Using STEM, West Ashley High School YouTube Video The W.A.T.E.R. (West Ashley Team of Environmental Restoration) Wildcats at West Ashley High School will be studying the impact of polluted rainwater runoff into wetlands. Students will work to improve the ecology of the school's pond and surrounding wetlands by installing a floating wetland and underwater reef. They will work in teams on different aspects of…, Barnwell County Career Center, , Barnwell County, "Green" Living Project, Barnwell County Career Center YouTube Video Barnwell County Career Center, will establish a "Go Green" Demonstration Facility to educate 8th -12th grade students on how "green" technology can make energy and agriculture more efficient and increase sustainability. Students in drafting, building construction, electricity, and agriculture programs will incorporate solar heat, wind energy, rain water collection, drought tolerant landscaping, and composting into the "green"…, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, , Richland County, Highlander School Environmental Education Programs, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School YouTube Video Students at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School will implement three environmental projects. First, a rain barrel and drip irrigation system will be constructed to collect and store rainwater. Twelve rain barrels will be elevated on a wooden platform to generate hydraulic pressure and irrigate the school's Certified South Carolina Grown vegetable garden.…, Pickens Middle School, , Pickens County, Watershed Connections, Pickens Middle School YouTube Video Pickens Middle School students will learn about watersheds and the effect of runoff pollution on water quality. They will do water quality testing of a local creek with help from the Clemson Extension Service. They will also educate the community about the importance of clean water by GPSing and labeling nearby storm drains, participating in creek clean ups,…, Gaffney Senior High School, , Cherokee County, Green Teens: Sustainability is a Reality!, Gaffney Senior High School YouTube Video At Gaffney High School, a student organization called the Green Teens, has started a recycling program that accepts paper, plastics, batteries, aluminum, printer cartridges, and cell phones. The Cherokee County recycling center picks up the collected items on a weekly basis. Now the students are expanding the program to include the collection of cafeteria…, Wren Middle School, , Anderson County, Rainy Day Garden, Wren Middle School YouTube Video Sixth and seventh grade students at Wren Middle School are studying the impact of storm water on the local watershed. Through their "Rainy Day Garden" project, students will learn how rain gardens treat storm water to improve water quality, reduce water quantity, and reduce erosion. Students will lay out a design plan using scaled drawings and square foot…, Moore Intermediate School, , Florence County, Better With Butterflies, Moore Intermediate School YouTube Video Moore Intermediate School has been working toward becoming more environmentally friendly. A school environmental club was formed last year and the school has been participating in South Carolina's Green Steps program. Now, students and teachers are working to establish a butterfly garden where students can learn about environmental issues in a natural…, Roebuck Elementary School, , Spartanburg County, Roebuck Eagles Are Waste Free, Roebuck Elementary School YouTube Video Roebuck Elementary School will educate students and the community about the impact of waste free lunches on the amount of trash that goes to the landfill. In order to receive the lunch kit, students and parents must agree to pack food in the reusable food containers, wash and reuse the silverware and cloth napkins, store drinks in the reusable Bisphenol A (…,2012-2013 Champions of the Environment
Ocean Bay Middle School, , Horry County, From Seeds to Shoreline: Engaging Students in Salt Marsh Restoration, Ocean Bay Middle School YouTube Video, Ocean Bay Middle School's seventh grade science classes will study the characteristics and life cycle of, Spartina alterniflora, (Saltmarsh Cordgrass) and learn how organisms are interdependent upon the salt marsh. The students will grow the, Spartina, plants from harvested seeds in a greenhouse and then transplant them into salt water marshes in Oyster Bay at Huntington Beach State Park. Staff and students from the Marine and Wetland Studies Department at Coastal Carolina College will work with the 7th graders to place oyster reefs (constructed by 5th graders) on the water's edge of low tide and then plant the seedlings behind the oyster reefs…, Bookman Road Elementary School, , Richland County, Composting, Bookman Road Elementary School YouTube Video, Fifth graders at Bookman Road Elementary School, will compost cafeteria food waste and use the compost to enrich the soil in the school's flower and vegetable beds. The students will record the weight of food waste collected from lunch each day. Three different types of compost bins will be used, including a turning unit, a static unit and a worm compost bin, so that the students can also compare different methods of composting. By recycling…, The Barclay School, , Richland County, The Barclay School Community Garden with Sustainable Earthen Classroom, The Barclay School YouTube Video, Special needs students at The Barclay School, will utilize green"/sustainable building techniques to plant and maintain a garden that will include animals, raised beds for planting, and compost. Artesian builders from Kleiworks Natural Alternative Building will teach the students how to build an outdoor classroom from recycled, reused materials, and sand, clay and straw. The classroom will also include a living roof and rain barrel water…, with real life experiences and an understanding of "green" gardening and building practices., Beaufort-Jasper Academy for Career Excellence (ACE), , Beaufort County, ACE Alternative Energy, Beaufort-Jasper ACE YouTube Video, The, Beaufort-Jasper ACE Alternative Energy project will teach students about the long-term environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy sources. Students in the Electricity class will construct two functioning solar panels. Building Construction students will help build a housing frame for the solar panels using wood and plastic. After the panels are assembled, the students will test for…, plans to expand on this model with students in future classes. Lighting, a circulating water pump and a fan could be added to demonstrate wider use of the energy system. The school's greenhouse could be heated with solar heated water during cold weather. This knowledge will prepare these students for seeking solutions to their personal and professional energy efficiency decisions., Eleanor S. Rice Elementary School, , Greenwood County, The Eleanor S. Rice Elementary Meadow Garden Expansion, Eleanor S. Rice Elementary School YouTube Video, Fourth and fifth grade students at Eleanor S. Rice Elementary School will learn how to prevent environmental problems caused by stormwater runoff, while also learning about ecological communities and food webs. The meadow garden will be expanded using Filtrexx erosion control "socks" filled with Milkweed and mulching material to prevent erosion caused by stormwater runoff from the school's…, will get to tour the garden and receive a visual lesson on erosion control, soil preservation, and watershed stewardship. Greenwood Master Gardeners, Lander University, and Davis and Floyd will be assisting on the project, so the community will be involved as well., A J Whittenberg Elementary School, , Greenville County, Recycled Bottle Greenhouse and Rain Water Collection Station, A J Whittenberg Elementary School YouTube Video, Students and adult volunteers at A J Whittenberg Elementary School, will construct a greenhouse using recycled two-liter plastic bottles. The roof will be constructed so that rainwater is filtered into a series of rain barrels, reducing stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution, and encouraging water conservation. The water collected in the rain barrels will be used to irrigate plants in the garden and seedlings grown in the greenhouse. The greenhouse will…, through the Connections for Sustainability Project. The Livability Educator will work with the students to create outreach materials about the project that will be available online and signage that will be located next to the greenhouse., Loris Middle School, , Horry County, "Growing in Education", Loris Middle School YouTube Video, Students and parent volunteers at Loris Middle School, will construct a hydroponics greenhouse to learn about the benefits of growing plants in nutrient solutions in water instead of soil. Students will discover how a hydroponics system can reduce soil-born diseases and produce fruits and vegetables faster, better, and in higher yield. The system will be maintained throughout the school year by the science club and summertime maintenance will be…, Gateway Elementary School, , Greenville County, Bunched Arrowhead Restoration, Gateway Elementary School YouTube Video, Gateway Elementary School will restore and maintain the habitat of the bunched arrowhead, a wetland-dependent plant which is currently endangered by stormwater runoff issues on the school's property. The stormwater runoff will be channeled instead to a rain garden constructed with native plants. Students will also learn what plants and planting mediums work best to infiltrate stormwater. A…, to preserve the bunched arrowhead and the natural area that surrounds it at the school.2013-2014 Champions of the Environment
Pickens County Career & Technology Center, , Pickens County, The Prairie Project: Restoring and Preserving a Piedmont Prairie Ecosystem, Pickens County Career Center YouTube Video, The Pickens County Career & Technology Center (CTC) was named the top 2013-2014 Champion of the Environment for their Prairie Project. Students will learn about the environmental benefits of a piedmont prairie ecosystem by restoring and preserving a fully functioning prairie site located on CTC property. The site will serve as an outdoor learning lab with a historical and cultural "Prairie…, Strom Thurmond Career & Technology Center, , Edgefield County, French Fries to Football, Strom Thurmond Career & Technology Center YouTube Video, The Strom Thurmond Career & Technology Center ranked among this year's highest scoring Champions of the Environment projects for their French Fries to Football project. The Pre-engineering Program and the Agribusiness program at the Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center will team together to produce bio-diesel using oil from the high school cafeteria. The bio-diesel will be used to fuel…, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, , Richland County, S.E.ED Team Projects, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School YouTube Video, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School also ranked among this year's highest scoring Champions of the Environment projects. Student members of the School Environmental Education (S.E.ED) Team will learn about energy, food waste composting and meteorology by carrying out three projects. Project I will test the efficacy of a passive solar wall heating system for use in a classroom or home at reduced…, Adam Enggasser with, Greenville Senior High Academy, , Greenville County, Citizen Science Adopt-a-Stream Initiative, Greenville Senior High Academy YouTube Video, Under the leadership of Adam Enggasser, a student at Greenville Senior High Academy, a core group of students and a teacher will implement a water quality monitoring program following procedures from Georgia's Adopt-a-Stream program (GA AAS). Participants will be trained to become certified with GA AAS in test methods and the monitoring site(s) will be registered in the GA AAS database tool.…, Jane Edwards Elementary School, , Charleston County, Butterflies by the Beach, Jane Edwards Elementary School YouTube Video, Students at Jane Edwards Elementary School will plan and design a butterfly garden using native plants and herbs. The goal is to establish a Monarch Way Station to protect and promote the lifecycle of the butterfly and enhance student awareness of air pollution issues. Jane Edwards Elementary School has partnered with Brookwood School in Manchester, Massachusetts allowing South Carolina students…, West Ashley High School, , Charleston County, Just Add Fish, West Ashley High School YouTube Video, West Ashley High School students will install an aquaponics food production system for their project. Just as this system relies on a symbiotic relationship between plants and animals, so will many different groups of students work together to learn about its benefits. Engineering students will plan, design and build the system. Marine Biology students will care for the freshwater fishes and…, The Center for Advanced Technical Studies, , Lexington/Richland Counties, Sustainable Roofing Materials Project, The Center for Advanced Technical Studies YouTube Video, Students from the Clean Energy Technology Program and the Building and Construction Program at The Center for Advanced Technical Studies will collaborate on this project to study a locally viable clean energy technology. They will learn how modifications to building materials can reduce urban air temperature and offset carbon dioxide emissions. Students will construct several different scale-…, Sandlapper Elementary School, , Richland County, Recycling at Sandlapper, Sandlapper Elementary School YouTube Video, Students at Sandlapper Elementary School will be expanding their recycling program this year to include Lunchables, ink cartridges, cell phones, small electronics, writing utensils and tape dispensers. Students will develop an action plan, organize the collection of recyclable items, build business partners throughout the community to help recycle the various materials and get the items…2014-2015 Champions of the Environment
Sumter Career and Technology Center, , Sumter County, Operation Recycle Greenhouse, Sumter Career and Technology Center YouTube Video, Sumter Career and Technology Center was named the top 2014 - 2015 Champion of the Environment for their Operation Recycle Greenhouse project. Students will learn the importance of waste reduction by starting a school wide recycle and compost program. The program will start with paper and plastic bottles. Students will also learn the importance of water conservation by maintaining a rainwater…, Leaphart Elementary School, , Lexington / Richland Counties, Kinley Creek Watershed Management Plan, Leaphart Elementary School YouTube Video, Students will take part in the development of a, Watershed Based Plan, for the Kinley Creek Watershed. First, an existing conditions inventory will be performed to study the natural history of the watershed, and maps will be created to illustrate land use, land cover, flood plain boundaries, stream networks and stormwater infrastructure. Next, students will implement stormwater management practices such as harvesting rainwater, creating rain gardens, and conducting…, Ebinport Elementary School, , York County, Ebinport Classroom Garden, Ebinport Elementary School YouTube Video, Ebinport Elementary will enhance their existing Classroom Garden through increased composting effectiveness, organic protection from pests and frost, space utilization with vertical gardening, and indoor seedling growth. Students will make organic pest sprays from garden resources, release earthworms to improve soil aeration, and taste home grown food. All students at the school will go to the…, Whittemore Park Middle School, ,, Horry County, Pick It Up, Whittemore Park Middle School YouTube Video, The Pick It Up Campaign idea comes directly from Whittemore Park Middle School students wanting to promote a litter-free environment in which to live and learn. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will pick up litter on and off campus, wearing safety vests and accompanied by School Resource Officers. Students will also develop Public Service Announcements ( PSAs ) that will serve as an educational tool to…, Southside Middle School, , Florence County, Southside Middle School Recycling, Southside Middle School YouTube Video, Students at Southside Middle School currently run a paper and cardboard recycling program. With their Champions of the Environment Grant they will expand the program to include plastic and aluminum products. Students will pick up waste each week from individual classrooms, weigh the amount collected, chart the data together, and analyze the impact of their initiative. They will also create PSAs…, Charles Towne Montessori, , Charleston County, Charles Towne Montessori Water Management and Habitat Enhancement, Charles Towne Montessori YouTube Video, Science Club members at Charles Towne Montessori will learn how low impact development features, such as rain gardens and rainwater harvesting, can help reduce nonpoint source pollution, provide flood control management and increase habitat for native plants and insects. Students will first conduct a stormwater audit on campus to identify erosion patterns and poor drainage areas, as well as…, Orchard Park Elementary School, , York County, Watch Our Garden Grow, Orchard Park Elementary School YouTube Video, Orchard Park Elementary School students will revitalize an existing space with the creation of a Xeriscape garden, which encourages water conservation and reduces energy costs. Students will perform pre-assessment studies of soil, plants, and amounts of sunlight and rainfall to serve as a baseline for assessing growth and habitat vitality. In the spring, students, parents and community members…, pilot a composting program, . DHEC will provide the school with a composting bin and the compost generated will be used in the garden. Orchard Park will also partner with the York County Soil and Water Conservation District and a local landscaping company for additional guidance and assistance., St. John Neumann School, , Richland County, Monarch Butterfly Waystation / Pollinator Garden, St. John Neumann School YouTube Video, St. John Neumann School plans to follow in the footsteps of the White House Garden and add a pollination section to an existing garden to combat the decline of pollinator populations such as butterflies and bees. By adding various Milkweed plants and tracking the progress of Monarchs on their way to breeding grounds in Mexico, the students will work to certify the garden as a National Butterfly…2015-2016 Champions of the Environment
, The Palmetto School, , York County, , Rain Gardens, The Palmetto School was named the top 2015-2016 Champion of the Environment for their Rain Gardens project. Two rain gardens will be installed on campus to capture stormwater runoff from paved and hard surfaces, absorbing and filtering pollutants that would otherwise be carried to nearby wetlands and streams. Students from third to eighth grades will be involved in the planning, design,…, "1,000 Rain Gardens of York County, ." The Palmetto School at the Children's Attention Home provides a safe and individualized educational experience that stimulates academic achievement and personal empowerment for disadvantaged children. The Rain Gardens project continues the school's goal to enhance science and environmental education curriculum and create outdoor learning opportunities for these students., Deerfield Elementary School, , Lexington County, , Deerfield Recycling Initiative, "Planet Heroes: Environmental Club" students will work to create a culture of recycling throughout the school with a strong effort focused on working with the community and teaching others about the importance of recycling. The current recycling program will expand from paper, plastic bottles and cans to include cardboard, plastic grocery bags and other plastic film, drink pouches, personal care…, Sandlapper Elementary School, ., Bookman Road Elementary School, , Richland County, , It's For the Birds, Students in Kindergarten, fifth grade and the school's Ecofriendly Club will create bird sanctuaries in the existing nature trail on the school property. Through this project, students will learn the importance of relationships within habitats, and they will learn to be responsible custodians of the land, animals, and other living creatures in this mini-ecosystem. First, the nature trail will be…, A. C. Moore Elementary School, , Richland County, , Improving Rocky Branch Watershed, In light of the recent flooding, A. C. Moore Elementary school students will learn about the Rocky Branch Creek Watershed and how their actions impact water resources. They'll learn how impervious surfaces, such as parking lots and paved roads, cause rainwater to flow rapidly across the land causing floods and erosion, and impairing water quality. They will adopt stormwater drains to keep them…, Cape Romain Environmental Education Charter School, , Charleston County, , Building a Living Shoreline, The entire student body will be engaged in the restoration of a salt marsh habitat. In November, the whole school will harvest Spartina alterniflora seeds from the marsh. The seeds will be incubated in water for two months and then germinated in January. Elementary school students will plant the seeds in cups to be kept in the school greenhouse. In May, elementary school students will transplant…, Chesnee High School, , Spartanburg County, , Stop the Plastic Trash, This student led project will result in a decreased number of plastic water bottles used on campus and in the community, and promote sustainable living practices by encouraging people to drink tap water instead of bottled water. All students and faculty at the school were provided reusable water bottles, courtesy of donations from various organizations in the community. Students and faculty were…, Dutch Fork Elementary School, , Richland County, , Bees and Biodiversity, Local beekeepers from the Mid-State Beekeepers Association will build and install an observation beehive that can be viewed from inside the building, and an outside guide wall that directs the bees towards the sky when taking off and landing at the outside hive access point. Students will experience first-hand the life cycle and benefits of honey bees as well as the relationship between pollen…, North Myrtle Beach Middle School, , Horry County, , Chiefs Recycle Every Day, Upon an initial survey, most students at North Myrtle Beach do not recycle. This Champions Grant will serve to add recycling bins throughout the school and make students more aware of recycling. To help support a behavior change, classes will participate in the Department of Education' K-12 Litter Curriculum and DHEC's Action for a Cleaner Tomorrow. Students will be exposed to conserving…2016-2017 Champions of the Environment
, Dent Middle School, , Richland County, , Mitigating Stormwater Runoff, Dent Middle School was named the top 2016-2017 Champion of the Environment for their Mitigating Stormwater Runoff project. The school has numerous storm drains that empty through culvert pipes into Carys Lake adjacent to campus, and drainage issues have led to erosion and localized flooding. Dr. Rachel Tustin's seventh-grade science class students, along with the Gills Creek Watershed Student…, Little Jackson Creek/Carys Lake, , adjacent to Dent Middle School, is an official Adopt a Stream Monitoring site. Finally, students will learn how to apply sustainable practices in stormwater management by designing and constructing a rain garden to reduce the amount of stormwater draining from campus to Carys Lake. Dent Parent Teacher Organization and the local Chick-Fil-A will also provide support., Windwood Farm School, , Charleston County, , Beehive Scale Project, Exceptional education students at Windwood Farm Home for Children will work to improve the health and well-being of honeybees. The school's apiculture program has grown from two bee hives to four successful hives since it was established in March 2011. Funding from the Champions grant will provide access to networked live, biological data servers and a technology toolkit to conduct experiments…, Honey Bee Net, to assist NASA in land use and climate research. By determining the beginning and end of nectar flow, as well as quantity of nectar, beekeepers will be more knowledgeable about when to add and remove supers, when to move hives, and where to locate hives for maximum honey production. Honey from the hives is extracted, bottled, labeled and sold seasonally, providing money for school projects that…, Richland Two Institute of Innovation (R2i2), , Richland County, , Ecofitness Project, High school students in the Next Energy class will learn about alternative energy sources while promoting healthy lifestyles. A Read and Ride bicycle is a stationary bike that has been adapted to use energy generated by pedaling to charge small batteries and power small wattage applications, while allowing a student to read and exercise at the same time. An LED display on the bike helps students…, Leaphart Elementary School, , Lexington/Richland Counties, , Solar Power Shines at Leaphart, A small off-grid solar panel energy system will be installed on the school greenhouse to help fifth grade STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) students learn about alternative energy and renewable resources. Students will first collect data on sunshine hours around the greenhouse and study irradiance maps to determine the best placement for the solar panels. After the solar panels…, Carolina Springs Middle School, , Lexington County, , CSMS Beautification Collaboration, Middle School students studying world languages will learn about gardening and environmental concerns in their target language by constructing and maintaining a water-efficient, handicap accessible raised vegetable garden. The Student Government Association, World Language Department, and special education classes will partner with Pelion High School to learn how to protect and conserve natural…, Sneed Middle School, , Florence County, , Soiled Again!, Ms. Lisa Perry's seventh grade science class students and the Environmental Action Club will compost food waste from the cafeteria kitchen and use it to enrich the soil of two pollinator gardens on campus. Science students will learn about composting through DHEC's Action for a Cleaner Tomorrow Curriculum and the Environmental Action Club will design a program to educate the student body about…, Northwest Middle School, , Greenville County, , Bring Back the Birds and Reduce Waste, Northwest Middle School will use their Champions grant to reduce waste and enhance natural areas on campus. The school does not currently have a strong recycling program so the newly created Panthers Eco Club will distribute bins to the cafeteria, commons areas, and classrooms to collect paper, plastic bottles, and glass. Public Service Announcements about recycling will be shared through the…, Newberry Academy, , Newberry County, , Think Outside the Trash, Newberry Academy will partner with Keep Newberry Beautiful and Newberry County Soil and Water Conservation District to improve the school's recycling program and enhance the campus environment. New bins will be placed indoors and outdoors to collect recyclable material during and after school hours and eco-friendly recycled plastic benches will show students what can be made with recycled…2018-2019 Champions of the Environment
Washington Center , Greenville County Sustainable Seagulls Washington Center was named the top 2018-2019 Champion of the Environment for their Sustainable Seagulls project. Students at this separate school facility have significant intellectual, health, and/or physical disabilities, and are productive members of the community, doing their part for the environment. They will reduce land pollution…2019-2020 Champions of the Environment
Bluffton High School, , Beaufort County, Project Unify Farm Market , Students at Bluffton High School will enhance their food garden/outdoor classroom by reducing water usage and incorporating a composting program. The Project UNIFY Farm Market began in 2018-2019 when Environmental Club members partnered with special education students to develop job skills and grow healthy produce using sustainable gardening practices. This year sprinklers, drip irrigation, and…, Blythewood High School, , Richland County, Bengal Biodiesel, Blythewood High School students will learn about sustainable energy and prepare for STEM careers as laboratory technicians in biodiesel production. Thanks to the discovery of a small-scale biodiesel production apparatus on campus, students currently produce fuel from recycled cooking oil through a catalyzed transesterification process to power tractors and lawnmowers. However, the fuel is not…, James B. Edwards Elementary School, /, Mount Pleasant Academy, , Charleston County, Citizen Scientists, Fourth grade students will become citizen scientists as they restore a salt marsh habitat, and track changes in the atmosphere and hydrosphere. Through the Seeds to Shoreline Program students will harvest Spartina alterniflora seeds, germinate them over the winter, then transplant them in an estuary in the spring to offset negative human impact. Throughout this process, students will also use a…, Windsor Elementary School, , Richland County, Flexible Watering System, The school garden will be enhanced with the addition of a low-maintenance watering system to ensure year-long hydration. Since May 2015, the school has developed a .25-acre garden with twenty-one raised beds, a butterfly garden, compost bins, trees, bird houses, and bird feeders. It has been a challenge to secure volunteers willing to commit the time to keep the extensive garden watered, using…, Henry L. Sneed Middle School, , Florence County, Wildlife Oasis, Sneed students will create a habitat for wildlife displaced from nearby development and provide a year-round food source for native pollinators. SC Clemson Extension 4-H has funded the development of a wildlife food plot on the school campus. Quality Deer Management Association and Wannamaker Wildlife donated seeds for sunflowers, sorghum, buckwheat, and cowpeas to provide food for deer and honey…, Polo Road Elementary School, , Richland County, Dirty Details, Third and fifth grade students in the STEM Outdoor Learning Club will learn about soil conservation and the importance of relationships within habitats. Program facilitators from Camp Discovery will instruct students using a hands-on learning model about soil, applying a lesson plan provided by the Richland County Soil and Water Conservation District. Students will observe decomposers such as…, Walhalla High School, , Oconee County, Pollinator Garden Expansion, The school campus is on the migratory pathway for Monarch butterflies and has a Langstroth bee hive, as well as an observational hive. To support these pollinators, the Green Steps class will expand two existing gardens by increasing the number of flowering plants and establishing an irrigation system for both gardens. They will install a drip irrigation hose and rain barrel to conserve water and…, North Myrtle Beach Middle School, , Horry County, Green Wall Project, Service-Learning class students will create a vertical garden to demonstrate water and energy efficiency. Several factors were considered to determine the best location for this Green Wall Project: 1) it should not be in a high traffic area so students are not be tempted to pull the plants down, 2) it should have morning sun, and 3) it should be installed near a building water spigot and gutter…, Emerald High School, , Greenwood County, Viking Garden, Emerald High School students will learn how to maintain a healthy body and a healthy environment by recycling, composting, and enhancing the ecosystem. Students will establish a vegetable garden, include a pollinator element to attract local bee populations, and install a school bee hive. Students and teachers will study soil maintenance, water efficiency, and composting as they work together to…, Dent Middle School, , Richland County, Improving Air Quality, Students will learn how to collect outdoor air quality data, as well as how to identify factors influencing air quality. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students in magnet programs will collect air quality data using the Air Egg. These air quality sensors are designed to be student-friendly and easy to operate. They also include software to download and manage data. The focus will be on air…2022-2023 Champions of the Environment
$2,500 Winners, Ashley Hall School, Charleston County, Sweetgrass Restoration Project, Honors Biology II students will work with environmental infrastructure growers and the Gullah Geechee community to establish a sustainable stand of native Sweetgrass on Ashley Hall’s athletic campus. Students will learn how Sweetgrass provides wildlife habitat, how an established stand can address stormwater runoff, the threats to sweetgrass communities, and the cultural importance of Sweetgrass…, Beechwood Middle School, Lexington County, Pollinator Garden and Nature Trail Project, Beechwood Middle School WACH News Story, The Project Citizen Club and seventh grade science classes will establish a pollinator garden and nature trail. The garden will support their participation in the Great Pollinator Census through the University of Georgia and the nature trail will provide opportunities to learn about biodiversity., Coastal Montessori Charter School, Georgetown County, Longleaf Pine Habitat Improvement Project, Students will work with community partners to develop an outdoor educational space adjacent to the school that will include the restoration and management of a long leaf pine habitat. A nature path with “Habitat Exploration” boxes, pollinator habitat, sensory garden, playscape, and educational signage will also be included in the space., Dacusville Middle School, Pickens County, Sustainable Gardening Project, The Garden Club will purchase a greenhouse to support the development of a sustainable botanical garden on campus. The garden will provide food and shelter for wildlife, as well as food for students and the community. Clemson Extension, Alice Farms, Double B Ranch, and school volunteers have donated time and/or resources to support the project., Glenforest School, Lexington County, Pollinator Garden and Vernal Pool Habitat Project, At this Green Step school, students will use computer software to plan and design themed gardens attractive to birds, bees, butterflies, and frogs. For example, the vernal pool garden will attract the local population of Southern Chorus frogs. Paths will be smooth and level so that everyone can enjoy the gardens, and plant identification will be available in Braille and bilingual signage., Liberty STEAM Charter School, Sumter County, Garden/Outdoor Classroom Project, Students will design, plant, and maintain a school garden. It will also be used as an outdoor classroom to study pollinator habitats, seasonal changes, sustainable gardening practices, and healthy food options. The Sumter Master Gardener Club and parent volunteers will support the students through this project., Mid Carolina High School, Newberry County, Litter Prevention and Pollinator Garden Project, At this Green Step school, students will work with Newberry County Soil and Water Conservation and Master Gardeners to create a pollinator garden using native plants. They’ll also develop an anti-litter campaign, creating educational materials to be shared with the school and surrounding community., Richland Two Institute of Innovation, Richland County, Wind Turbine Project, Students at this Green Step school will learn about generating clean, sustainable energy in urban areas using wind turbines. They will build a vertical turbine on campus, test it, and learn how to optimize its associated rechargeable battery., Trident Academy, Charleston County, Rain Garden Project, Students will improve the water quality of Wakendaw Lakes by working with Community Hydrology to create a rain garden designed to intercept stormwater runoff. The garden will incorporate plants rescued from land planned for development and locally harvested native seeds., , Waccamaw High School, Georgetown County, Gardening Project, The Life Skills class will practice work skills by planting and maintaining a garden that includes trees, vegetables, herbs, and flowers attractive to pollinators. Composted waste from lunch and culinary classes will enhance the garden, and walkways will be covered with natural and recycled materials to prevent erosion., $2,000 Winners, Brookdale Elementary School, Orangeburg County, Hydroponic Gardening Project, Brookdale Elementary School WOLO News Story, Students will learn about Deep Water Culture and Wick System hydroponic gardening. After planting, they will maintain the growing systems by checking the temperature and water daily, while keeping logs of their observations., Lugoff Elgin High School, Kershaw County, Pollinator Garden Project, At this Green Step school, students will design and plant a garden using milkweed and other native plants to attract bees and Monarch butterflies. They will also raise and release Monarch butterflies to coincide with the Spring migration., Palmetto High School, Anderson County, Adopt-a-Stream Project, Students will learn about water quality by charting biological, chemical, and bacterial data collected from a nearby stream by their teacher, a trained Adopt-a-Stream volunteer monitor. They’ll also perform litter clean-ups of the stream., Plain Elementary School, Greenville County, Eco Brick Project, Students will collect plastic bottles and coffee containers, clean them, dry them, and cut them into strips to be incorporated in bricks. Parent volunteers will help students create a bench from the bricks and it will be placed in the school courtyard as a reminder that waste materials can be repurposed into functional items., $1,000 Winners, Darlington Middle School, Darlington County, Outdoor Classroom Project, The school will construct an outdoor classroom where students can learn about solar energy, rainwater harvesting, composting, stormwater reduction, biodiversity, and the importance of native plants. Although the area will be used primarily for middle school classes, community organizations will be encouraged to utilize the space too., Greer Middle College Charter High School, Greenville County, Monarch Butterfly Garden Project, Students will design, plant, and maintain a native plant habitat to serve as a waystation for the endangered Monarch butterfly. Signage will also be placed in the garden to educate students and visitors about the Monarch butterfly., Leaphart Elementary STEAM Magnet, Lexington County, Urban Wildlife Preserve and Garden Project, Leaphart Elementary WACH News Story, In partnership with the SC Wildlife Federation, students at this Green Step school will design, plant, and maintain a garden using native plants to attract pollinators. They’ll also post signage to educate visitors about the plants., Mitchell Road Elementary, Greenville County, Pollinator Garden Project, Students at this 2022 National Blue Ribbon school will create a sustainable pollinator garden in raised beds. The garden will also be used as a lab to study weather, insects, soil, and plant-related experiments., Swansea High Freshman Academy, Lexington County, Pollinator Garden Project, Students in the garden club and agricultural science classes will expand a garden that is currently on campus and add a pollinator garden. Clemson will provide transplants for the garden which will help mitigate costs., Wellford Academy of Science and Technology, Spartanburg County, Garden Project, Students will plant a pollinator garden outside and create container gardens for study inside. Multiple rain barrels will be purchased and installed to provide sustainable irrigation.