DHEC to Host Public Meeting, Hearing About Westinghouse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 5, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) will host an informational public meeting and a public hearing regarding permit applications from Westinghouse Electric Company on Wednesday, June 6, 2023. DHEC’s Bureau of Water and Bureau of Air Quality will host the informational meeting at 6 p.m. at the Richland…DHEC Spotlights Vital Role of its Dams & Reservoirs Safety Program During National Dam Safety Awareness Day
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 an important role in helping dam owners keep their structures safe, strong and secure. Proper maintenance and upkeep are essential in reducing the risk of dams and reservoirs failing or overspilling.…, said John McCain, program manager for DHEC’s Dam Safety and Stormwater Permitting Division, . “For owners of high- and significant-hazard dams, part of that responsibility is maintaining an Emergency Action Plan that details the steps and notifications that will be made if a particular dam becomes at risk of failing. DHEC reviews these plans on a regular basis as part of our dam safety oversight.” While DHEC maintains an up-to-date database of all state-regulated dams and dam owners in…, McCain said, . “When a hurricane looms, our inspectors are boots-on-the-ground working to make sure dams are in the best possible condition for withstanding severe weather.” In addition to dam inspections, DHEC thoroughly reviews the specifications that are required to be submitted to the agency before a dam can be built, altered, repaired or removed. Once that review is complete, DHEC issues a permit and the…During National Air Quality Awareness Week, DHEC Spotlights South Carolina’s Clean Air
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― This year, May 1-5 is recognized as National Air Quality Awareness Week , an initiative for informing the public about the importance of clean air and the various factors that contribute to poor air quality and pollution. In South Carolina, the Air Program within the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) works…, said Rhonda Thompson, director of DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality., “This is in large part due to the support we receive from local air quality coalitions, industries, schools, local governments and other stakeholders for continually wanting to improve South Carolina's clean air.” DHEC's Air Program ― which includes the Bureau of Air Quality, the Bureau of Environmental Health’s air laboratory, and DHEC regional offices ― develops and implements strategies to…, said Thompson, who also serves as secretary/treasurer of the, Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies., Efforts to help keep air clean include: Using electric-powered lawn equipment. Gasoline-powered lawn equipment emits airborne pollutants. According to the California Air Resources Board, one hour of mowing generates the same pollution as driving a car for 300 miles. Maintaining your vehicle. A well-maintained vehicle can reduce harmful emissions and improve vehicle performance and fuel economy.…DHEC Holding Rapid Hire Events for Seasonal Public Pool Inspectors in the Pee Dee, Lowcountry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― South Carolinians interested in a summer job that helps protect people’s health and safety are invited to attend a rapid hire event hosted by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to recruit public swimming pool inspectors. These full-time, seasonal positions include “pool school” on-the-job training, and…, Rapid hire events during which interested individuals can learn more are taking place:, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, May 4 at DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Office – Beaufort, located at 104 Parker Drive, Beaufort, 10 am.-4 p.m. Friday, May 5 at DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Office – Myrtle Beach, located at 927 Shine Avenue, Myrtle Beach, At the rapid hire events, individuals will take part in pre-screening questions and an interview. Qualified applicants may receive an on-the-spot conditional job offer. College credit may be available for these positions. College students should ask their school about requirements for requesting credit for internships or learning programs. Applying ahead of time is encouraged, but not required.…DHEC, S.C. Rural Water Association Provide Mini-Grants to Support Community Water Fluoridation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the South Carolina Rural Water Association have provided six mini-grants to public water providers in South Carolina for needed upgrades to continue to provide fluoridated water to their customers. The six water systems are City of Aiken; Darlington County Water…, said Mike Tredway, director of DHEC’s Division of Oral Health., “It’s an equitable way to help prevent dental decay among all socioeconomic groups.” The CDC states that drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults. Because of the success of this method to decrease dental health issues among Americans, community water fluoridation has been named one of the Ten Great Public Health Achievements in…, said Vince Osborne, superintendent of the City of Cayce’s water treatment facilities., “I encourage other water systems with aging equipment and equipment issues to contact the South Carolina Rural Water Association about this funding.” Public water system customers can contact their water provider to ask about fluoride levels. The CDC also provides several resources about safety, benefits and more at cdc.gov/fluoridation. DHEC’s Division of Oral Health works to promote good…DHEC Encourages South Carolinians to Celebrate Earth Day Every Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 21, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. — As we join communities around the globe to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) encourages residents to help protect and preserve South Carolina’s irreplaceable natural resources by taking small, earth-friendly actions today and every day. The theme of this year’s …, said Myra Reece, DHEC’s Director of Environmental Affairs., “The annual celebration of Earth Day offers residents an opportunity to reflect on the impact they can have on their local communities and offers a call to action to help create a greener future for all South Carolinians.” There are many ways for you to take part in celebrating Earth Day: Participate in Earth Day events at nearby state parks Plant a native tree or backyard garden Volunteer…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 17, 2023 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 soon beginning 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…, 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.” 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…, 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…DHEC Collects 430 Pounds of Food for Harvest Hope During National Nutrition Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 13, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. — In celebration of National Nutrition Month in March, the, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)’, s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program (SNAP-Ed) organized the donation of 430 pounds of canned food and other items to Harvest Hope Food Bank. Donated items included canned meat, soup and vegetables, peanut butter, mac & cheese, dry beans, paper goods, pop-top foods, pasta, rice, cereal, jelly, and more. Food boxes were set up at Midlands DHEC locations as well as the…, Megan Evans, marketing and communications specialist for Harvest Hope, . “The donation that we received will go directly to our neighbors who need it the most. We truly couldn’t do this necessary work without the support of our generous donors, supporters, and volunteers.” National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created 50 years ago in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making…, Farrah Wigand, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP-Education Dietitian., “One in 10 South Carolinians are affected by hunger, so collecting food on behalf of those who need it was an easy way for us to take action to help our communities.” Harvest Hope is South Carolina’s largest food bank, providing more than 20 million meals on average to the communities that we serve across 20 counties in the Midlands, Upstate and Pee Dee areas. Harvest Hope works with over 300…DHEC Joins National Efforts to Discourage Food Waste, Address Food Insecurity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 10, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. — As Food Waste Prevention Week is celebrated nationally for the first time, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is reminding residents of simple steps they can take at home to limit the negative economic, environmental, and social impacts of wasted food. Food Waste Prevention Week (April 10-16) aims to…, said Myra Reece, DHEC Director of Environmental Affairs., “Most food waste occurs at home, so taking the initiative to first realize the amount of food a home tosses into the trash can lead to smart food habits that create a more sustainable future.” Food is the number one item thrown away by Americans each year, resulting in up to 40% of the nation’s food supply not being consumed and an annual loss of more than $200 billion. Wasted food squanders the…, 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. Freeze items. Remember FIFO: first in, first out. Be mindful of 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 https://des.sc.gov/community/recycling-waste-reduction/dont-waste-food-sc . Follow Don’t Waste Food SC’s handle “@dontwastefoodsc” on Instagram and Facebook…DHEC Employees Receive Statewide Recognition for Outstanding Contributions to Public Health and Environmental Justice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Public Health Association (SCPHA) recently recognized employees with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) for their outstanding contributions in protecting public health and advocating for environmental justice. Five DHEC employees were presented with awards of recognition during the…, Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC Director,, provided remarks as a guest presenter during the conference, focusing on the importance of reaffirming public trust in the scientific and medical communities. DHEC award recipients include:, Dr. Linda J. Bell,, State Epidemiologist and director of DHEC’s Bureau of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, received the Michael D. Jarrett Excellence in Customer Service Award, Keisha D. Long,, DHEC’s Environmental Justice Coordinator, received the Environmentalist of the Year Award, Regina Nesmith-Dimery,, Community Health Educator with DHEC’s Pee Dee Region, received the Lucinda Thomas Award, Rich P. Timmons,, Region Financial Manager for DHEC’s Midlands Public Health Region, received the President’s Award, Vinita Leedom,, Manger of DHEC's SC Birth Defects Program, received the Maternal and Child Health Catalyst Award SCPHA photos “I couldn’t be prouder of the work Linda, Keisha, Vinita, Regina and Rich do to achieve DHEC’s mission of healthy people in healthy communities,”, said Dr. Simmer., “They embody every aspect of public service and devote their careers to protecting the health and wellbeing of our residents and our natural resources – both of which are irreplaceable. We thank the South Carolina Public Health Association for giving them this well-deserved recognition.” Founded in 1921, SCPHA is a statewide non-profit organization aimed at advancing the profession by serving…