Effects on Health, Environment
Health Effects, Even short-term exposure to low levels of SO2 in the air can: Narrow the airways and cause breathing problems for children and adults who have asthma and are physically active outdoors. Cause wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath even among healthy people who do not have asthma. Symptoms worsen as SO2 levels in the air increase or when breathing becomes faster or deeper. Lung function…, Environmental Effects, Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are the major precursors of acid rain, which acidifies soils, lakes and streams, accelerates corrosion of buildings and monuments, and reduces visibility. Sulfur dioxide also is a major precursor of fine particulate soot, which poses a significant health threat., Contact, Mary Peyton Wall , Manager, (803) 898-4064NPDES Overview
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Program was created by Section 402 of the 1972 Federal, Clean Water Act, . In 1975, the Bureau of Water received authority from the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) to administer the NPDES Permit Program in SC. The Bureau is responsible for the permitting, compliance, monitoring, and enforcement activities of the program., Persons, with, point source discharges, to surface waters are required to have NPDES permits. Typical regulated point source discharges are: Discharges from wastewater treatment systems owned by municipalities, industries, private utilities, State and Federal government, etc.; Discharges such as cooling water, boiler blow down, etc.; Stormwater discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s); Stormwater discharges…, discharge with flap gate, While certain stormwater discharges are regulated under the NPDES Permit Program, the stormwater portion of the NPDES Permit Program is not presented here. Rather, NPDES Stormwater is presented on the Bureau's, NPDES Stormwater Program, Web page. A discharger can either be issued an individual NPDES permit or, if an applicable, General Permit, is available, be granted coverage under a General Permit. All draft permits, individual and general, are public noticed. Coverage under a General Permit is not public noticed. When there is sufficient public interest or significant issues, a public hearing will be held prior to a final permit decision. To ensure protection of water quality, NPDES permits contain:, Effluent limitations, on, Pollutants, of concern; Pollutant monitoring frequencies; Reporting requirements;, Schedules of compliance, , when appropriate; Operating conditions;, Best management practices, ; and Administrative requirements. Requirements on, sludge disposal and use, , groundwater monitoring, surface water monitoring, municipal pretreatment programs, etc. may also be included in NPDES Permits. The "Water Facilities Permitting Division" is responsible for issuing NPDES permits for industrial facilities, federal facilities, municipalities, state owned facilities, commercial facilities, and private non-industrial systems. The NPDES Permit Program, the, Wastewater Construction Permit Program, , the, Pretreatment Program, , the, Satellite Sewer System Program, , the, Land Application System Permit Program, , and the, Sludge Program, are integrated into a comprehensive water pollution control program on transportation, treatment, and disposal or use of wastewater and sludge. Wastewater facilities are monitored by the, EA Regional Offices, for compliance with their NPDES permits. Dischargers are assisted by the Bureau and EA Regional Offices in achieving and maintaining compliance with their permits. Enforcement actions are used by the Bureau when necessary to attain compliance with permits, water quality standards, and State and Federal Laws and Regulations., Laws, SC Pollution Control Act, SC Environmental Protection Fund Act, Federal Clean Water Act, (EPA's site), Regulations, Regulation 61-9, Water Pollution Control Permits, Regulation 61-68, Water Classifications and Standards, Regulation 61-69, Classified Waters, 40 CFR Subchapter N (Federal Effluent Limitation Guidelines), Permitting, Application Information:, Applications and Forms, (download apps & forms here), Definitions, Drafting and Issuing Permit Information:, Permit Process Flow Chart, (PDF-5KB), Fees, General Permit Program, Public Notice Information:, Mailing Lists, NPDES Permits on Public Notice, Public Notice Requirements, Renewal Information, Wastewater System Schematic Diagram, - shows regulations and laws applicable to the different aspects of wastewater facilities (collection systems, wastewater treatment systems, effluent disposal, and sludge). (PDF-10KB), Contacts, Permitting, EA Regional Offices, Compliance, Brian Wisnewski,, (803) 898-4160, Enforcement, Adam Cannon, , , (803) 898-1647, Outreach and Education, Bureau and Regional Staff are available to give talks and presentations on the different aspects of the NPDES Program. Please send an E-mail to one of the contacts listed above if you are interested in arranging a presentation for a group or class., Related Topics, Bureau of Water, Land Application Permit Program, Sludge Program, Wastewater Construction Permit Program, Pretreatment Program, NPDES Stormwater Program, Satellite Sewer System Program, NPDES/Pesticide Permit Information, PQL List for WW, (PDF), EPA WEB Pages, National Compliance Assistance Clearinghouse, NPDES Permit ProgramRabid Raccoon Confirmed in Williamsburg County; One Person Potentially Exposed
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed that a raccoon found near Cade and Barrineau roads in Cades, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was potentially exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. The raccoon was submitted to DHEC's laboratory for testing on May 16, 2024,…, (843) 915-8801, during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at, (888) 847-0902, (Select Option 2). "Rabies is usually transmitted through a bite or scratch that allows saliva from an infected animal to be introduced into the body of a person or another animal,", said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director, . "However, infected saliva or neural tissue contact with open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose or mouth could also potentially transmit rabies. To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space. If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer,, wildlife control operator, , or a, wildlife rehabilitator, . Please report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DHEC.” It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease. This raccoon is the first animal in Williamsburg County to test positive for rabies in 2024. There have been 28 cases of rabid animals statewide…, scdhec.gov/RabiesContacts, . For more information on rabies, visit, scdhec.gov/rabies, or, cdc.gov/rabies, . ###Regulatory & Government
Ozone Boundaries State Implementation Plan (SIP) Transportation Conformity South Carolina's Nonattainment Areas Ozone Advance Program for Local Governments, Contact, Mary Peyton Wall , Manager, (803) 898-40642024 Tide Tables
"Pretty in Pink," Roseate Spoonbill from Sea Pines Plantation in Hilton Head Island - Photo by Mary Alice Tartler Download a convenient desk version of the 2024 Tide Chart, 2024 Tide Tables - Quick Views:, January February March April May June July August September October November December, Note: All times indicated are for Charleston - Custom House. Tide heights relative to Mean Lower Low Water., Tide data provided courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Location Correction Information, Location, High Tide, Time Difference, Cherry Grove +10 min. Myrtle Beach, Springmaid Pier -26 min. Socastee Bridge ICWW +3 hr. 26 min. Garden City Pier -26 min. Litchfield Beach Bridge +44 min. Pawleys Island Pier -24 min. Winyah Bay Entrance -21 min. Georgetown, Sampit River +1 hr. 25 min. Isle of Palms Pier -25 min. Cooper River, Goose Creek Entrance +43 min. Ashley River, Magnolia Gardens +1 hr. 02 min. Stono River, Limehouse…, Distribution Locations - Limited to Supply On-Hand, The 2024 Tide Table Posters are available. Quantities are limited to supply on-hand at select SCDES office locations. Please call ahead to check availability and office hours., Myrtle Beach/Grand Strand, 927 Shine Ave. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Tel: (843) 238-4528, Charleston, 1362 McMillan Ave. Suite 400 Charleston, SC 29405 Tel: (843) 953-0200 , Beaufort, 104 Parker Drive Beaufort, SC 29906 Tel: (843) 846-9400 , Tide Charts are not intended for individual retail sale., For all order inquiries, please contact Liz Hartje at hartjeen@dhec.sc.gov or 843-953-9237 .DHEC Reopens Additional Shellfish Beds Effective Immediately on Jan. 4
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 4, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is immediately reopening additional shellfish harvesting beds, the agency announced today. "Several additional shellfish harvesting areas are now reopened, however, some shellfish management areas need to remain closed until water quality data indicate that bacteria…, said Mike Marshall, Manager of DHEC's Shellfish Sanitation Section. , The following areas are now reopened: , Georgetown County Shellfish Management Area 04 - Murrells Inlet Charleston County Shellfish Management Area 6B - McClellanville/Cape Romain Harbor/Cape Island Shellfish Management Area 7 - Bulls Bay , The following areas currently remain closed: , Shellfish Management Area 8 - Bull Island/Capers Island/Isle of Palms Shellfish Management Area 9A - Isle of Palms/Hamlin Sound/Sullivans Island DHEC has communicated these additional reopenings and remaining closures to the state's shellfish dealers and permit holders and is updating the online closure map, webpages, and shellfish hotline. For additional information, visit scdhec.gov/shellfish…DHEC Reopens Portions of Shellfish Beds Effective Immediately on Dec. 29
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 29, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is immediately reopening portions of shellfish harvesting beds, the agency announced today. "Several sections of shellfish harvesting areas are now reopened, however, some shellfish management areas need to remain closed until water quality data indicate that bacteria…, said Mike Marshall, Manager of DHEC's Shellfish Sanitation Section. , The following areas are now reopened as indicated below:, Georgetown County, Shellfish Management Area 4 - Murrells Inlet is reopened North of the Murrells Inlet Jetty but all Southern portions will remain closed Shellfish Management Area 5 - North Inlet is reopened except in Winyah Bay Shellfish Management Area 6A - North and South Santee are reopened, Charleston County, Shellfish Management Area 6B - McClellanville/Cape Romain Harbor/Cape Island are reopened, except portions of Shrine Creek, DuPre Creek, Clubhouse Creek, and Congaree Boat Creek, The following areas currently remain closed:, Shellfish Management Area 7 - Bulls Bay Shellfish Management Area 8 - Bull Island/Capers Island/Isle of Palms Shellfish Management Area 9A - Isle of Palms/Hamlin Sound/Sullivans Island DHEC has communicated these reopenings and closures to our state's shellfish dealers and permit holders and is updating our online closure map, webpages, and shellfish hotline with the latest information. For…DHEC Encourages Residents to Reduce Food Waste, Recycle Properly throughout Holiday Season
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 18, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) encourages residents to be good stewards of the environment this holiday season by properly recycling and helping reduce food waste. Celebrations this time of year tend to also include giftwrap, packaging, decorations and other items that increase amounts of household…, 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 giftwrapping paper and other items used during the holidays.” The Don’t Waste Food SC public education campaign, which is coordinated by DHEC, the S.C. Department of Commerce and many ambassadors around the state, provides helpful resources for directing food waste…, Meal planning., Only buying the amount of ingredients you need for each dish helps reduce food waste. , Do a head count., Knowing how many people to prepare food for helps reduce the amount of prepared but unneeded food. , Reusable containers for leftovers., Send your guests home with leftovers in a reusable container. This helps eliminate single-use materials like plastic wrap and keeps large quantities of food from going unused and spoiling in your fridge. , Composting., If you can’t donate or reuse your leftovers, another option is composting. Sending food waste to a composting facility or composting at home can improve soil health and structure, increase water retention, support native plants and reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides. DHEC provides composting tips at scdhec.gov/recycling. To help cut back on the amount of household waste that’s…, Make sure to recycle right., Putting the wrong thing in the recycling bin is called “contamination.” If a load of recyclables has too much contamination, it gets thrown away instead of being recycled., Know what is recyclable., What you can recycle at work may be different from what you can recycle at home, or what you can recycle if you’re visiting someone in a different county. Take a minute to learn what’s accepted for recycling wherever you are by visiting scdhec.gov/RecycleHereSC., Be mindful of hard-to-manage items., Some common items like lithium-ion batteries, electronics, and household hazardous waste can be recycled but should not go into your recycling bin. These items require specially handling to make sure they don’t hurt people or the environment. For help with these items, visit DHEC’s webpage about recycling hard-to-manage items or call 1-800-768-7348 . For more info on safely handling and recycling…, Keep it clean., Make sure items you recycle are empty and relatively clean. No liquids, food or residue should go in your recycling bin., Reducing and reusing support recycling., Recycling can be supported by reducing the amount of household waste that’s generated and by reusing or repurposing items. More information about local recycling programs, proper recycling tips, and food waste reduction efforts are all available on South Carolina’s Recycle Right SC campaign page . ###DHEC Closes Shellfish Harvesting Locations in Charleston and Georgetown Counties due to Excessive Rainfall
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 18, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is closing multiple shellfish harvesting beds in Charleston and Georgetown counties due to excessive rainfall, the agency announced today. Harvesting areas temporarily closed are:, Georgetown County, Shellfish Management Area 4 - Murrells Inlet Shellfish Management Area 5 - North Inlet Shellfish Management Area 6A - North and South Santee, Charleston County, Shellfish Management Area 6B - McClellanville/Cape Romain Harbor/Cape Island Shellfish Management Area 7 - Bulls Bay Shellfish Management Area 8 - Bull Island/Capers Island/Isle of Palms Shellfish Management Area 9A - Isle of Palms/ Hamlin Sound/Sullivans Island "These temporary closures go into effect at official sunset today, December 18,", said Mike Marshall, manager of DHEC's Shellfish Sanitation Section., "These harvesting areas will be evaluated and reopened once water quality data indicate bacteria levels are once again suitable for shellfish harvesting." For more information about these clam and oyster harvesting areas, please visit scdhec.gov/shellfish or contact your local DHEC Environmental Affairs Office in Charleston or Beaufort counties…S.C. Mining Council to Meet December 6, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 4, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Mining Council will meet at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, 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 . ###