Celebrate Earth Day with DHEC
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22. This year’s Earth Day theme is “invest in our planet”. We are on this planet together and together we can invest our time, energy, and effort, to protect and preserve this planet we call Earth for ourselves and future generations. As citizens of the Earth and South Carolina, we can actively invest in our planet by: Participating in Citizen Science…DHEC Provides Tips for Ozone Forecasting Season
Spring is here and that means the return of the ozone forecasting season, which for South Carolina is April 1st through September 30. As it heats up in the Palmetto state and we drive our vehicles, the exhaust mixes with other pollutants and contributes to ground-level ozone in our atmosphere. Under certain conditions, ozone levels can be high enough that an “Ozone Action Day,” or “orange day”…, Ozone Forecast, webpage during the forecasting season. Subscribe to , EnviroFlash, ,, which is a free service that provides you with information about the air quality via email or text. Check the , Realtime air quality for your area on EPA’s AirNow, webpage. Understand the , Air Quality Index, for ground-level ozone to make better informed decisions. You can also do your part to help reduce ground-level ozone and avoid an Ozone Action Day: If you live close enough, walk or bike to work or to run errands. Cut down on energy usage.Reducing the amount of energy you and your family use will help reduce emissions in the air. Do not idle. Park and walk inside instead of waiting in…Get to know DHEC’s Environmental Surveillance and Oversight Program (ESOP)
Beginning in 1995, the Midlands Aiken Environmental Affairs office of DHEC became the home base for Environmental Surveillance and Oversight Program (ESOP) . This program was established through an agreement between the Department of Energy-Savannah River (DOE-SR) and DHEC to provide non-regulatory, environmental monitoring of the Savannah River Site, a post-Cold War-era nuclear material…Environmental Laboratory Certification - Additional Documentation Required
The following checklists are available to the laboratory to assist in completing the application package., Field Measurements (e.g. pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Chlorine, etc.), Initial start-up data which includes completed bench sheets, calibration records, and applicable quality control records for each parameter the laboratory is seeking certification to perform. This is to include analysis and calibration records for the Proficiency Testing (PT) samples. Procedures for Chain-of-Custody, SOP Development, and Common Field Parameter Measurements , Inorganic, Initial or multilevel calibration (ICAL) and calibration verification records documenting that method acceptance criteria have been met for each parameter related to the PT sample, method detection limit (MDL) study, and LLOQ study (LLOQ required for SW-846 methods only). Linear Range Studies and all supporting documentation (if applicable). Compiled initial demonstration of capability (IDOC)…, Organic, Multilevel calibration (ICAL) and calibration verification records documenting that method acceptance criteria have been met for each analyte related to the PT sample study. Where applicable, the data must be submitted for both the primary and confirmatory techniques. Most recent multilevel ICAL and calibration verification for each analyte, parameter, analytical method, and sample preparation…, Trace Metals, Multilevel calibration (ICAL) and calibration verification records documenting that method acceptance criteria have been met for each parameter related to the PT sample. Also, include digestion records, standard preparation records traceable to the certificates of analysis, quality control data, all data system reports for the completed analyses demonstrating traceability. Linear Range Studies…, Microbiological, Media quality control records, media preparation records (if applicable), sterility check records for equipment and media, AM/PM temperature records (incubators, water baths, etc.), and Quanti-Tray® sealer check records (if applicable) related to the equipment and media used for the PT sample. Sample analysis records pertaining to PT sample results submitted for the application to include…, Cryptosporidium, Quality control records to include the following: IPR, OPR, MB, and MS analysis records. The most recent three months of analyst verifications for each pertinent Cryptosporidium method. Two complete sample data packages from the past 12 months. This would include the chain-of-custody records, analysis records, and quality control records for those packages., Whole Effluent Toxicity, Completed culture and test records (reference toxicant and/or baseline data, YCT, and algae preparation records), bench sheets, and instrument calibration records (pH, DO, residual chlorine, alkalinity and specific conductance) must be submitted. Note that the laboratory must obtain and maintain concurrent certification for the following parameters under the Clean Water Act: pH, DO, alkalinity,…, Biosolids, SOPs for fecal coliform analysis for biosolid (i.e. sludge) samples and % total solids (SM 2540G). These procedures must include sample preparation, analysis, and calculations as documented in Appendix F of EPA/625/R-92/013 (Revision 2003). Completed sample preparation records, biosolid analysis records (fecal coliform and % total solids), and quality control checks associated with fecal coliform…, Taxonomy, SOP and/or QA plan for taxonomic identifications must address the procedures for sample collection, preservation, sorting, identification, documentation, reference and voucher collection maintenance, and quality control (e.g. sorting and efficiency checks). Collection equipment used and their purpose must be listed. List of reference materials and taxonomic keys used to identify organisms in the…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 .Publications