DHEC Presents Community Star Award to Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 25, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)’s Office of Environmental Affairs has announced the latest winner of its Community Star award for collaborative partnerships. Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation was presented with the Community Star award for her leadership, service and dedication to…, said Myra Reece, director of DHEC Environmental Affairs., “We are a better agency capable of making better decisions because of relationships with partners like Queen Quet.” Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation , Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation was presented with DHEC’s Community Star award for her advocacy efforts centered on environmental justice, environmental education and community resiliency. From left to right are Daniel Blackman, EPA Region 4 administrator; Queen Quet; and Myra Reece, director of DHEC Environmental Affairs. , Queen Quet was recognized during a ceremony held at the St. Helena Branch Library in Beaufort on Tuesday, Feb. 22. During the presentation, Reece was joined by Daniel Blackman, EPA Region 4 administrator, and members of DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Community Engagement Team. For more information about DHEC’s Community Star program and to learn how to nominate a business, group or individual,…EPA Must Take Swift, Strong Action against New Indy Facility to Mitigate Odor Issues
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) continues to work with state and federal leaders to address the negative impact the New Indy Containerboard facility in Catawba is having on the wellbeing of the people who live in the area. To more quickly mitigate the odor issues stemming from operations at New Indy…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC Director., “For too long, residents of North and South Carolina who live near the facility have been enduring undesirable levels of odors that are impacting their quality of lives. It is imperative that a decisive action be taken to end the harm being done to the community.” DHEC first began receiving complaints from residents in York and Lancaster counties and bordering areas of North Carolina in January…, However, more action is needed., It is important that the final EPA Consent Decree and the final DHEC enforcement order include explicit maintenance, operation, and anti-backsliding requirements. DHEC will continue to fully utilize its authority pursuant to the S.C. Pollution Control Act to ensure all necessary corrective action is required of New Indy. This would include measures set forth in the proposed EPA Consent Decree but…DHEC and Partners to Hold State’s First ‘Don't Waste Food SC Ambassador Day’ to Discourage Food Waste, Address Food Insecurity
Safe, unused food can be shared with those who lack access to healthy foods, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The first “Don’t Waste Food SC Ambassador Day” is being held April 6 by the, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC, ) to draw attention to the downside of food waste and how safe and healthy unused food can be shared with those who lack access to healthy foods. The main purpose of the day is to increase awareness of the damaging economic, environmental and social impacts of wasted food in South Carolina as well as to provide residents, businesses and organizations with tools to help prevent food waste. The Don…, said Myra Reece, DHEC Director of Environmental Affairs., “Prevention and donation to help feed those in need are the key first steps. In South Carolina, one in nine residents are food insecure, including one in seven children. If everyone does their part, this problem can be solved.” Food is the number one item thrown away by Americans each year, resulting in up to 40 percent of the nation’s food supply not being consumed and an annual loss of more…, said Harry M. Lightsey III, Secretary of the South Carolina Department of Commerce., "As food remains our nation’s top waste material, SC Commerce is proud to support the statewide growth of industrial scale food composting facilities. The year-over-year growth of jobs and investments in the compost industry is a testament to South Carolina’s commitment to sustainable organic material management, and I encourage all companies to pursue opportunities to recycle scrap materials."…, Plan your meals., Use what you have at home first. , Shop smart., Make a list, stick to it. Printable Shopping List, Prep smart and store smart., Prepare perishable food soon after shopping or meal prep. Freeze items to keep fresh. Do the FIFO: first in, first out. Keep produce in its proper place. Fruit and Vegetable Storage Info, Don’t be confused by date labels., Food doesn’t magically spoil on that date. Product Dating Info, Love your leftovers., If dining out, take your leftovers home. Be creative to make new meals with leftovers. , Buy directly from local farmers., You'll get fresher food and keep your dollars in the community. Where to Buy Local in SC, Donate non-perishable items., One in nine South Carolinians is food insecure, according to Feeding America. Feeding the Carolinas Foodbanks No matter what measures residents take to prevent wasted food, some waste is unavoidable. However,, food waste doesn’t need to go in the garbage – most should be composted., Composting involves a little effort and some equipment but can reduce waste, help save money, and provide a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch for yards, gardens and potted plants. DHEC provides composting tips online here . To learn more about Food Waste Prevention Week in the Southeast, visit www.savethefoodfl.com. To learn more about Don’t Waste Food SC, visit www.scdhec.gov/dwfsc . Follow…South Carolina Ranked in Top Tier of National Emergency Preparedness Report
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, April 7, 2022, COLUMBIA, S.C., — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is pleased to announce that the Palmetto State is one of just 17 states ranked in the top tier of this year’s Trust for America’s Health’s (TFAH) report on emergency preparedness. The report, Ready or Not 2022: Protecting the Public’s Health from Disease, Disasters, and Bioterrorism , was released on March 10, 2022, and…, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Public Health Director, . “South Carolina’s increased preparedness level was made possible by the work of many of DHEC’s programs, led by our Public Health Preparedness program, and external partners, especially the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SC EMD).” TFAH ranks each state’s public health preparedness into one of three performance levels (low, medium, and high). In the current report, 17 states and…, said Jamie Blair, DHEC’s interim public health preparedness director, . “We are happy to see our hard work recognized and will continue serving South Carolina to the best of our abilities.” For more on the state’s emergency efforts, visit DHEC’s emergency preparedness page . ###As Weather Warms, DHEC Cautions Citizens on Potential Dangers of Algal Blooms
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 18, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― As swimmers and boaters begin to enjoy the warmer weather on South Carolina’s lakes and rivers, the, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), cautions citizens to be aware of potentially harmful algal blooms in the surface waters of natural, untreated rivers and lakes. Algae and cyanobacteria are tiny plant-like organisms that, under the right conditions can overgrow in rivers, lakes, and oceans. This rapid growth can be associated with foam, scum or thick layers of algae on the surface of water. Algal blooms can look and smell bad and…, said Emily Bores, DHEC’s HAB Coordinator., “If you notice a foul smell or discoloration, it’s best to err on the side of caution and stay away. Remember, when in doubt, stay out." HABs are more likely to occur in late spring to early fall when water temperatures are warmer and there is increased sunlight. You cannot tell whether or not a bloom is harmful just by looking at it, so if an algal bloom is suspected, keep yourself, others and…DHEC’s Seasonal Water Quality Monitoring at S.C. Beaches Begins May 1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2022 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…, Enterococci, bacteria. If elevated levels of the bacteria are detected, the agency issues public notices at that beach location and to local media outlets because high levels of, Enterococci, bacteria can 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 beach-goers,”, said Bryan Rabon, Manager of Aquatic Science Programs with DHEC’s Bureau of Water., “A swimming advisory does not mean a beach is closed, it just means that this 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 the potential risk for other organisms that may cause disease in humans, such as gastrointestinal illness or skin infections. DHEC issues two types of swimming advisories: short-term (or “temporary”) and long-term:, Short-term swimming advisories, typically last just one to two days and are issued once two consecutive water samples exceed the state water quality standard of 104 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters (104CFU/100mL). Often, short-term swim advisories due to elevated bacteria levels are issued after heavy rains because rainwater carries nearby pollutants and contaminants into the ocean. • , Long-term swimming advisories, are issued 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 advice about swimming in the immediate area due to the potential of high bacteria levels, usually associated with rainfall events. “We don’t always know the cause of the increase…, 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 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 Area…DHEC Encourages South Carolinians to Make Every Day Earth Day
Taking small actions each day can help further preserve South Carolina’s natural resources , FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― As part of Earth Day and Earth Month recognitions in April, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reminds residents they can help protect and preserve South Carolina’s irreplaceable natural resources by taking small, earth-friendly actions every day. The theme of this year’s international Earth Day…, said Myra Reece, DHEC’s Director of Environmental Affairs., “Our state thrives with its clean air and water and abundant natural resources. This is a day to celebrate the many ways each of us can make a difference in our backyards, businesses, and communities.” There are many ways South Carolinians can take part in celebrating Earth Day: Take part in Earth Day events at nearby state parks Plant a native tree or backyard garden Volunteer to Adopt-a-…Proposed Greater Greenville Class 3 Transfer Station Public Meeting/Hearing
This meeting is an opportunity for residents to have an informal discussion with DHEC staff about the proposed transfer station, the type of waste allowed, and how the waste will be managed prior to being transported to a solid waste facility for processing and disposal. At this meeting, DHEC staff will: Provide an overview of the proposed Greater Greenville Class 3 Transfer Station and DHEC’s…Recycle Right SC
Recycle Guys Activity and Coloring Books