Adrian Sand/Clay Mine - Horry County
Adrian Sand LLC has applied for environmental permits from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to mine sand and clay at a 52.3-acre site located on Chow Lane in Horry County, approximately eight miles northeast of Conway, SC. The site is bordered by Chow Lane to the south, a wooded area to the west, Maple Swamp to the north, and a residential area to the east…, This webpage has been developed by DHEC as a community resource and will be updated as new information is made available, . Please bring this webpage to the attention of others you know who may be interested., Existing General Mine Operating Permit Coverage, On September 1, 2023, Adrian Sand LLC was granted coverage under General Mine Operating Permit GP1-002406 “Mining General Permit for the Excavation of Topsoil or Sand/Clay.” Coverage under this general permit allowed mining operations limited to the excavation of topsoil or sand/clay affecting an area, no greater than five (5) acres, , a maximum depth of twenty (20) feet, and with no further material processing. The General Mine Operating Permit was issued on November 18, 2014. A general permit undergoes public notice and comment procedures prior to issuance or renewal, therefore additional public notice and comment procedures are not required if an applicant requesting coverage has demonstrated that its proposed operation…, which precedes the current pending permit action, , are available below:, Application for Coverage Under General Mine Operating Permit GP1 “Mining General Permit for the Excavation of Topsoil or Sand/Clay”, – April 25, 2023 , Map of Adjacent Land Uses and Distances to Nearest Homes, – April 6, 2023, Request for Wetlands Delineation and Jurisdictional Determination by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, - March 30, 2022, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation & Jurisdictional Determination, – December 21, 2022, S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Comment Letter (includes Spotted Turtle Assessment Protocol dated March 2018), – June 9, 2023, Issued Permit Package for Coverage Granted Under General Mine Operating Permit GP1-002406 (includes cover letter, permit, reclamation plan, CZC certification and map), - September 1, 2023 , General Mine Operating Permit Inspection Report, – December 20, 2023 , Proposed Individual Mine Operating Permit, DHEC’s Bureau of Land and Waste Management (BLWM) received an application for an individual mine operating permit for the Adrian Sand/Clay Mine on January 4, 2024, to expand its existing mine operation to approximately 52 acres with a maximum 30-foot depth. The BLWM provided notice of the application in The Horry Independent newspaper and began accepting comments on January 18, 2024. Additionally…, DHEC’s ePermitting Portal, . , Public Notice of Intent to Mine, - January 18, 2024 , Notification to Adjacent Landowners, - January 18, 2024 The mine permit application, reclamation plan, maps, and other related documents are available below. These documents, as well as others used in the BLWM technical review/permitting process, are also, available online, through the end of the public comment period. , Application for Mine Operating Permit, – January 4, 2024 , Mine Map, – October 26, 2023 , Reclamation Map, – October 26, 2023, Biological Evaluation (includes Wetland Delineation and Threatened & Endangered Species Survey), – November 6, 2023 (Originated May 4, 2023, Revised May 11, 2023 & Updated November 6, 2023), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation & Jurisdictional Determination, –, December 21, 2022 , State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) Comment Letter, – January 31, 2024 , Phase I Archaeological Survey, – March 2024, S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Comment Letter, – February 16, 2024, Applicant Response to DNR Comment Letter, – March 4, 2024 During the initial public comment period, the BLWM received a request for a public hearing on the proposed Adrian Sand/Clay Mine. DHEC acknowledged this request on February 14, 2024. In response to the level of interest shown during the public comment period, DHEC is holding both a public meeting and public hearing on the proposed mine. Notice of the public meeting and public…, With this notice, the public comment period on the mine permit application has been extended through May 22, 2024., Acknowledgment of Public Hearing Request, – February 14, 2024 , Notice of Public Hearing, – April 4, 2024, SCDES's Final Mine Operating Permit Decision, After careful review and consideration of all comments and information received from concerned citizens and local, state, and federal agencies, along with supplemental information provided by the applicant, SCDES determined that the Adrian Sand/Clay Mine can comply with the South Carolina Mining Act and applicable mining regulations. Having made this determination and being in receipt of the…, Approved Permit Package, Summary Response to Comments, Join Notification of Approval Memo, Questions about the proposed Adrian Sand/Clay Mine and the BLWM’s mine permitting process may be directed to: Katelyn Mills Phone:, (803) 898-1375, Email:, millske@dhec.sc.gov, , Water Quality, SCDES’s Bureau of Water (BOW) issues National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits to minimize environmental impacts from stormwater runoff and other water discharges that may occur during construction and operation of a facility. Coverage under NPDES General Permit SCG73000 “Discharges Associated with Nonmetal Mineral Mining Facilities” is required for the proposed Adrian Sand/…, Application/NOI for Coverage Under NPDES General Permit SCG73000, – April 27, 2023, Mine and Reclamation Map, – March 30, 2023, Mine Map – U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Topography, – April 25, 2023 , NPDES General Permit Coverage Approval, – July 31, 2023 , NPDES General Permit SCG73000, On November 22, 2023, the BOW received an application from Adrian Sand LLC requesting a modification of the NPDES General Permit for the Adrian Sand/Clay Mine. An NPDES General Permit Minor Modification was subsequently issued by the BOW on January 1, 2024. Documents related to the modification are available below:, Application for NOI Modification, – November 22, 2023 , Mine Map for NOI Modification, – October 26, 2023 , NPDES General Permit Minor Modification Approval, – January 1, 2024 Questions about the NPDES general permit coverage and BOW’s permitting process may be directed to: Brett Caswell Phone:, (803) 898-4396, Email:, Brett.Caswell@des.sc.gov, Coastal Zone Consistency, SCDES’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) issues Coastal Zone Consistency (CZC) certifications of state permits in the coastal zone of South Carolina. This certification is based on the enforceable policies contained within the SC Coastal Zone Management Program. OCRM’s certification is provided to SCDES’s Mine Permitting Program prior to a final decision being made on either…, General Coastal Zone Consistency (GCZC) Certification Request Form, – April 10, 2023, General Coastal Zone Consistency (GCZC) Additional Information, – March 30, 2023 , Application for Coverage Under General Mine Operating Permit GP1 “Mining General Permit for the Excavation of Topsoil or Sand/Clay”, – April 25, 2023 , S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Comment Letter (includes Spotted Turtle Assessment Protocol dated March 2018), – June 9, 2023, Coastal Zone Consistency Certification, – September 1, 2023 A full CZC certification is required for an individual mine operating permit affecting five (5) or more acres. On November 14, 2023, the OCRM received a request from Adrian Sand LLC for a full CZC certification for the proposed expansion of Adrian Sand/Clay Mine. A final CZC certification for the proposed project is currently under review and has not yet been issued or denied…, Coastal Zone Consistency Certification Request Form, – November 14, 2023, Application for Mine Operating Permit, – January 4, 2024, Mine Map, – October 26, 2023 , Reclamation Map, – October 26, 2023, Biological Evaluation (includes Wetland Delineation and Threatened & Endangered Species Survey), - November 6, 2023, Public Notice of Intent to Mine, - January 18, 2024 Questions about the CZC certification and OCRM’s certification process may be directed to: Benjamin Thépaut Phone:, (843) 953-0205, Email:, Benjamin.Thepaut@des.sc.gov, Public Meeting and Public Hearing, DHEC held a combination public meeting and public hearing on May 7, 2024, to accept oral and written comments on the proposed Adrian Sand/Clay Mine, . , Adrian Sand Clay Mine Public Meeting Presentation, Adrian Sand Clay Mine Public Hearing Transcript, For additional information about DHEC public meetings and public hearings, including the differences and what to expect at each, please refer to:, SCDES Community Engagement Tools, DHEC’s presentation from the public meeting will be available on this webpage after May 7, 2024. Questions about participating in the public meeting and/or hearing may be directed to: Donna Moye Phone: , (803) 898-1382, Email: , Donna.Moye@des.sc.gov, Individuals with disabilities or special needs should contact SCDES in advance to discuss any special services required to participate., Impact of Public Comments in SCDES’s Permitting Process , SCDES values all comments made during the public comment period, . Local community members provide a unique perspective and are valuable resources in addressing community concerns in the permitting process. Becoming better informed is an important first step in providing effective public comments that may influence specific terms and conditions that must be followed by the owner/operator if a permit is issued., Effective comments, are those that provide accurate, specific details about the site of a proposed project, inaccuracies in the permit application, errors in SCDES’s technical review or draft permit, and any other information demonstrating that a proposed project cannot operate in compliance with environmental regulations. It is important to know that , SCDES cannot make a permit decision based on a vote or how many comments are received, . There are also some common issues/comments related to mining operations that , SCDES does not have the regulatory or legal authority to consider when making a permit decision, , for example: Truck traffic, access to public roads, weight limits, and traffic patterns are governed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) and the local county. Industrial development and operating hours are governed by the local county through zoning and land use planning. Beginning a conversation early about these and other quality of life issues is an effective way for…, What to Expect After the Public Comment Period Closes , After the public comment period closes on, May 22, 2024, , DHEC will review and consider all comments received and determine if any modifications should be made to the mine permit application. Additional information may also be requested from the applicant, if needed. DHEC will then make a final decision to approve or deny a mine operating permit for the proposed Adrian Sand-Clay Mine. Once a final permit decision is made, DHEC will provide…, registration form, . , South Carolina Mining Council, The , SC Mining Council, resides in the Office of the Governor and acts as an advisory body to the Governor in considering issues relating to mining. The Council considers appeals on decisions made by SCDES regarding the enforcement of , South Carolina’s Mining Act, . , Stay Connected - Community Engagement, SCDES is committed to providing meaningful opportunities to hear the questions and concerns of community members and share information on our permitting processes. SCDES offers multiple ways to connect with our staff during the permitting process and beyond, including: Calling or connecting with SCDES staff to discuss the proposed project one-on-one. Submitting a written comment or question.…, SCDES Community Engagement, SCDES encourages residents to ask questions and share information with us. Staying engaged in our process helps us to learn more about your community. Questions about community engagement in SCDES’s permitting process may be directed to: Donna Moye Phone: , (803) 898-1382, Email: , Donna.Moye@des.sc.gov, Additional Resources, Mining and Reclamation in South Carolina, , South Carolina Mining Act, , Regulation 89-10 through 89-350, Office of the Governor – Mining Council of South CarolinaDHEC Now Accepting Applications for Projects Aimed at Reducing Diesel Emissions
Reduced diesel emissions can lead to improved air quality, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Today, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announces the availability of grant funding for projects aimed at improving air quality by reducing diesel emissions. Diesel emissions make up a significant portion of mobile source air pollution in South Carolina, and less diesel emissions can lead to better air…, Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program., “Diesel engines last a long time, and many older-model diesel engines are still in use throughout our state,”, said Rhonda Thompson, chief of DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality., “These older engines have significantly higher emissions than similar, newer engines. Projects funded through DERA grants will help reduce diesel emissions and, in turn, 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…, DHEC's DERA webpage. , The FFY 2023 State DERA Request for Proposals, which contains detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions, is available at, scdhec.gov/dera, ., Applications are due by April 26, 2024., Please email, dera@dhec.sc.gov, with any questions related to DERA grants in South Carolina. ###DHEC Observes National Hurricane Preparedness Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — In advance of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is joining partners in observing Hurricane Preparedness Month throughout the month of May. “Some climate researchers are forecasting a busier than average season this year, estimating…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC director, . “As our state is especially vulnerable to hurricane impacts, it is critical for all South Carolinians to start their preparations early, to avoid finding yourself in a pinch at the last minute.” In observance of National Hurricane Preparedness Month, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) partnered with the National Weather Service (NWS) to promote a hurricane safety campaign…, NWS website, . DHEC recommends the following five critical components of preparation before hurricane season begins: Develop or review your family’s evacuation plan. If you and your family had to evacuate your home, do you know where you would go and how you would get there? What will you do about your pets? Remember that emergency services may not be able to reach you during a storm, and hospitals and…, Build a Kit webpage, for additional suggestions. Document your significant possessions. Photographs and serial numbers may be useful in the event you have to file an insurance claim. If you reside in a flood-prone area, you may wish to consider purchasing flood insurance and be mindful of the 30-day waiting period. Create or review your family’s communication plan. Remember that the internet and wireless networks…, Make a Plan webpage, for additional guidance. Ensure your home is ready to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim those tree branches that could break windows or damage your roof. Seal any gaps and cracks in the outside wall. While you need not board the windows up now, you may wish to consider purchasing a few sheets of plywood or aluminum panels to keep on hand. You can find additional tips for preparing the home on, FEMA’s website, . If a storm does come, be sure to listen to guidance from officials after the storm passes to stay safe. For example, avoid contact with flood waters, watch for downed power lines, and be cautious of falling limbs from trees. Residents of South Carolina’s coastal areas are also advised to refamiliarize themselves with their evacuation zone, some of which have changed this year, and their area’…, Simmer said, . “Residents are encouraged to brush up on how their area will be affected during a storm on the SCEMD, Know Your Zone webpage, .” Residents are encouraged to download SCEMD’s official mobile app, SC Emergency Manager, on the, Apple App Store, or on, Google Play, . The mobile app contains links to many of the websites listed above as well as other useful tools and resources, and coastal residents can determine their evacuation zone based off their phone’s location. In addition, SCEMD recently launched a, new online home, dedicated to hurricane preparedness. South Carolina residents can view additional information and resources at, hurricane.sc, . For more on hurricane preparedness, including steps to take before, during and after a hurricane, visit DHEC’s, Hurricanes and Floods webpage, . ###DHEC Promotes Dams & Reservoirs Education and Awareness for National Dam Safety Awareness Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― With more than 2,300 state-regulated dams across the state, the South Carolina Department of Health of and Environmental Control’s (DHEC) Dams & Reservoirs Safety Program plays a critical role in ensuring dam owners keep their structures safe, strong and secure. Dams are an important part of national, state and local infrastructure and are…, During Dam Safety Awareness Day, , which is recognized annually on May 31, DHEC encourages residents to learn how dams function, are regulated, and should be maintained, as well as dam safety tips, especially for those who own, live or work near dams. Dam Safety Awareness Day comes just a few weeks after a partial breach of Lake Wallace Dam in Bennettsville, S.C., where a quick and cooperative response from local and state…, said Jill Stewart, P.E., Director of the Dam Safety and Stormwater Permitting Division, . “Our staff perform routine inspections and classification checks on dams, and our inspectors work closely with dam owners to explain any issues that need to be addressed to ensure their dams meet all safety standards.” During the partial breach of Lake Wallace Dam earlier this month, Sully Blair, the Chairman of the Lake Wallace Authority, was the first to notice the low water level at the lake…, Internal erosion, is one of the most common causes of failure among earthen dams, and it can happen without any noticeable indication or surficial sign of soil movement. An additional focus for DHEC on National Dam Safety Awareness Day is the recognition of Stewart for being recently appointed to the National Dam Safety Review Board where she currently serves as a State Representative Board Member. Stewart was…, scdhec.gov/dams, as well as online resources for dam owners and general information about dam and reservoir safety. Additionally, the, 2020 State of the Dams, report provides a detailed overview of dams, dam safety, relevant state regulations and an overview of the statewide improvements that were made since the 2015 floods. The Association of State Dam Safety Officials provides an online, Dams 101, resource where dam owners and people who live or work near can find in-depth information, graphics and resources that explain the importance of dams, as well as potential risks associated with them. Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains a, National Inventory of Dams, for the more than 90,000 dams across the country, of which 76% are considered high-hazard dams. Learn more about the Dams and Reservoirs Safety Program at, scdhec.gov/dams, . ###DHEC to Provide Daily Ground-level Ozone Forecasts beginning April 1
Exposure to high concentrations of ground-level ozone can impact people's health, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — Each year from April 1 through September 30, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) provides a daily forecast for ground-level ozone concentrations across the state. These forecasts can help South Carolinians take precautions for days with expected increases in ozone concentrations. , Ozone, is a colorless gas that is considered a secondary pollutant, meaning it’s formed through complex chemical reactions of molecules in the air. While ozone high up in the atmosphere protects people and the environment from harmful ultraviolet rays, exposure to high concentrations of ground-level ozone can be, harmful to people, who are sensitive to ozone pollution, especially children, elderly people and those with breathing problems like asthma. “High ozone concentrations generally occur on hot, sunny days in the spring and summer when the air is stagnant and the sun’s rays shine more directly on the earth’s surface,”, said Rhonda Thompson, chief of DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality., “We issue our daily ozone forecasts to help South Carolinians make healthy decisions about outdoor activities during the summer when we feel the most impacts from ozone.” There are two main ways to receive the daily ozone and air quality forecast: Visit, scdhec.gov/ozone, and click on the links to DHEC’s ozone forecast page or links to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA), AirNow.gov, online resource Sign up for ozone and other air quality emails or texts using the EPA’s free EnviroFlash service at, enviroflash.info, DHEC reports its air-quality monitoring data to the EPA, and that information is displayed at the ZIP-code level for all of South Carolina through, AirNow.gov., The data is updated nearly every hour. The EPA’s AirNow program also offers a, free mobile app, for quickly checking current and forecast air quality information. On days with elevated ozone forecasts, it’s recommended for people to reduce their ozone exposure by: Schools modifying plans for outdoor activities such as recess, lunch and physical education classes People planning outdoor activities when ozone levels are lower, usually in the morning or evening Those involved in outdoor…, said Greg Quina, Air Quality Modeling Section Manager with DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality., “Mobile sources of air pollution such as cars, trucks and lawn equipment contribute to more than half of South Carolina's ozone levels, so being mindful of engine use during hot summer days can be a help.” People can reduce ozone pollution by: Driving less by carpooling, walking or riding a bike, or using public transportation Reducing idling by turning off vehicle engines if you’re expected…, scdhec.gov/ozone, . Sign up for air quality alerts at, enviroflash.info. , ###DHEC’s Seasonal Water Quality Monitoring at S.C. Beaches Begins May 1
Sampling at 122 sites helps DHEC check ocean water quality during busy beach season, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, April 18, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — To help keep South Carolina beaches a favorite destination during the summer months, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is set to resume its seasonal monitoring of water quality along the coast. Every state with ocean-facing beaches performs beach water monitoring to help detect instances of elevated bacteria levels that have…, 122 locations, along South Carolina's beaches, from Cherry Grove Beach near the South Carolina-North Carolina border to the southern end of Hilton Head Island. DHEC staff test these water samples for, Enterococci, bacteria. If elevated levels of the bacteria are detected, the agency issues public notices at that beach location and on, DHEC’s Beach Monitoring, webpage because high levels of, Enterococci, bacteria could negatively impact some people’s health. “If levels of, Enterococci, bacteria exceed the standard limit, we quickly issue a short-term swimming advisory for that portion of the beach to help alert beachgoers,”, said Bryan Rabon, Manager of Aquatic Science Programs with DHEC’s Bureau of Water, . “A swimming advisory doesn’t mean a beach is closed, it just means that particular area of ocean water should be avoided until the bacteria levels return to normal. Most short-term swimming advisories last just a single day.” What does a swim advisory mean? DHEC tests ocean water for, Enterococci, bacteria, which are naturally found in warm-blooded animals, including humans. However, high levels of Enterococci in water indicate the potential risk for other organisms that may cause disease in humans such as gastrointestinal illness or skin infections. The current advisory status for all 122 sampling sites is available on the online, S.C. Beach Access Guide, . DHEC issues two types of swimming advisories, short-term (or “temporary”) and long-term:, Short-term swimming advisories, typically last one to two days and are issued when two consecutive water samples exceed the state water quality standard of 104 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters (104 CFU/100mL). Often, short-term swim advisories due to elevated bacteria levels are issued after heavy rains, when rainwater washes pollutants into the ocean., Long-term swimming advisories, are issued year-round for areas that have an increased possibility of high bacteria levels, typically where stormwater from pipes or small creeks flows across the beach and into the ocean. Signs posted at these locations provide information about the potential of high bacteria levels. Locations with long-term advisories are reevaluated at the beginning of each year. “We don’t always know the…, Rabon said, . “It’s considered safe to wade, collect shells and fish within a swimming advisory area, but we advise people who enter the water in an affected area to refrain from swallowing it, and we also advise people with open wounds or compromised immune systems to avoid contact with the water in a swim advisory area.” In 2020, DHEC worked collaboratively with the City of Myrtle Beach, the Myrtle Beach…, Check My Beach, program, which is designed to provide quick access to water quality information as well as general beach safety tips. In addition to being a one-stop-shop for online information about Horry County beaches, local businesses, governments, and tourism groups offer brochures and signage that promote, Check My Beach, . DHEC is working to expand Check My Beach to include other coastal communities. For additional information, visit, scdhec.gov/beachmonitoring, or, CheckMyBeach.com, . ###During Food Waste Prevention Week, DHEC Encourages South Carolinians to Save Money, Resources by Reducing Thrown-away Food
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — During national, Food Waste Prevention Week, , the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is reminding residents of the everyday steps they can take at home to limit the amount of food that is thrown away. When food is wasted, all of the resources that went into producing the food also are wasted, and money is wasted by the person who bought the unused food. Food Waste Prevention Week is recognized across…, said Adah Gorton, DHEC Food Waste Prevention Specialist., “We want to encourage South Carolinians to begin taking small steps to prevent food waste and help put unneeded, nonperishable food items into the hands of nearby families who may be experiencing food insecurity.” In 2016, DHEC created the Don’t Waste Food SC (DWFSC) initiative, which aligns with the goals of the national Food Waste Prevention Week. DWFSC is a statewide outreach campaign that…, Reducing Wasted Food at Home guide, and, Food Waste Diary, to help individuals track the food they consistently throw away and then strategize how to cut back on that waste. Steps to reduce food waste include: Plan your meals and shop smart. Use what you have at home first. Make a list of what you need and stick to it. Prep smart and store smart. Prepare perishable food soon after shopping so it doesn’t have time to spoil. Consider meal prepping.…, storage specifics,, especially for produce. Learn about date labels. Food doesn’t magically spoil on, label dates., Love your leftovers. If dining out, take your leftovers home. Be creative to make new meals from extras. Donate non-perishable items. One in 10 South Carolinians faces hunger, according to Feeding America. Find a, food bank location, near you. To learn more about Food Waste Prevention Week, visit, foodwastepreventionweek.com, . To learn more about Don’t Waste Food SC, visit, scdhec.gov/dwfsc, . Follow Don’t Waste Food SC’s handle “@dontwastefoodsc” on Instagram and Facebook for additional information and resources. ###South Carolinians Reminded to 'Be Battery Smart' in Observation of National Battery Day
DHEC joined by S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs, Palmetto Poison Center in promoting the safe use and recycling of household batteries, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 16, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — In recognition of, National Battery Day, on Feb. 18, South Carolinians are encouraged to, “Take Charge: Be Battery Smart”, and learn about the importance of properly using and recycling common household batteries. Batteries are necessary for many household essentials and have become an essential part of everyday life. While household batteries are safe to use when following the manufacturer’s instructions, batteries that are damaged or improperly stored, used or disposed of – particularly rechargeable lithium-ion…, ISRI, the Voice of the Recycled Materials Industry™, , launched the “Be Battery Smart”, public education campaign in November 2023, , with support from Lt. Governor Pamela Evette. “The ‘Take Charge: Be Battery Smart’ campaign was developed to address a lack of general awareness about the potential hazards associated with household batteries,”, said Richard Chesley, DHEC's Section Manager for the Office of Solid Waste Reduction & Recycling., “Lithium-ion batteries, which are the most popular type of rechargeable battery, are especially easy to puncture and can cause fires in the home, garbage trucks, recycling centers, and landfills. We also want residents to know that batteries should be properly recycled to limit their potential harm to people and the environment.” Most South Carolina residents have opportunities to recycle…, Call2Recycle program, offers about 16,000 drop-off sites nationwide for household battery recycling, including Best Buy, Lowe’s and The Home Depot. The retailer, Batteries Plus, also offers recycling options. Additionally, some South Carolina counties have household hazardous material collection programs or collection events that accept certain types of batteries, both single-use and rechargeable. Visit, scdhec.gov/recyclehereSC, to learn more. “An informed consumer is a savvy consumer, so the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs urges consumers to ‘Be Battery Smart’,”, said Carri Grube Lybarker, administrator and consumer advocate with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, . “Take stock of the batteries powering your devices, use and charge them properly, and recycle dead batteries and those from devices you are replacing.” Another critical focus of Be Battery Smart is educating the public about the choking hazards posed by small, shiny button batteries. Children are especially at risk for serious injury or even death if they swallow a button battery or put one…, national study published in 2022, by Safe Kids Worldwide and Nationwide Children’s Hospital showed that a child aged 18 or under visited an emergency room every 75 minutes with a battery-related injury, and button batteries accounted for an estimated 85% of those cases. "Button batteries are found in many products. It is important to always supervise small children while they are using these products, which may include some…, said Dr. Jill Michels, a clinical pharmacist and director of the Palmetto Poison Center at University of South Carolina’s College of Pharmacy., “Children are curious by nature, and often try to discover how something may work. This may lead to the child discovering the battery and ingesting it. Parents need to be aware that any ingestion of a button battery is considered an emergency and children need to be taken immediately to the hospital for an x-ray and treatment. Button battery ingestion can be harmful at any age, so this applies to…, BeBatterySmart.com, . South Carolinians are encouraged to share this information with friends, family, coworkers and students. “We’re thankful for having partners like the Lt. Governor Evette, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, Palmetto Poison Center and ISRI to help spread awareness about the smart handling of household batteries,”, Chesley said. , “Take Charge: Be Battery Smart” is centered on household batteries. It’s important to note that businesses must follow all requirements for both large and small quantity hazardous waste generators. For more information, visit, BeBatterySmart.com., ###SUPERB Advisory Committee to Meet Feb. 26
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 21, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The State Underground Petroleum Environmental Response Bank (SUPERB) Act Advisory Committee will meet on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Office located at 2600 Bull St., Columbia. The agenda for the meeting is available at:, UST Publications | SCDHEC, For more information, contact DHEC Media Relations at, media@dhec.sc.gov, or (803) 898-7769. ###Used Motor Oil Recycling
DIY Recycle Used Oil Thousands of do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) in South Carolina change their own oil in their cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, recreation vehicles and lawnmowers. If you are one of them, you need to know that the used oil must be recycled. It’s the law. Used motor oil can contain hazardous substances such as heavy metals to pose potential risk to the environment. If illegally and…, Where can I recycle used motor oil?, It is simple and convenient for DIY oil changers to recycle used motor oil in South Carolina. Local governments and participating retailers offer more than 900 collection sites throughout the state for residents – not businesses. Most local government programs accept oil filters while many also accept oil bottles. County and municipal governments provide more than 550 used motor oil collection…, Recycle Here SC, . Retailers offer 400 additional used oil recycling locations for DIYers (at no charge). Participating retailers include Advance Auto Parts, Auto Zone, NAPA Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Pep Boys, Walmart and Jiffy Lube. Residents are encouraged to call ahead to ensure the location is a participating retailer., Changing it yourself? Do it right! , If you change the oil in your own vehicle, be certain to work carefully and take the necessary steps to do it right from start to finish – recycling the oil at collection center. Here are a few tips for DIYers for a clean oil change that prevents pollution and turns a waste into a valuable product that conserves energy. • Drain your oil into a clean, leak-proof container. • Make…, Recycle Here SC, for the location nearest you. , Need more details to DIY?, This fact sheet provides basic steps., DIY: How to Recycle Used Motor Oil, Don’t forget the filter!, Used oil filters – with limited exception – are banned from landfills and must be recycled. Filters contain oil – which can be recycled – and are made mostly from steel and can be converted into appliances, cans, cars and more. Here a couple of tips on properly managing your filters. • Filters can hold as much as 10 ounces of oil. When changing the filter, DIYers should place the end of the…