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…DHEC Restructuring
Act 60, formerly Senate Bill 399 (S.399), Updated: May 14, 2024 Under, state law, , the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is becoming two separate agencies on July 1, 2024. The two new agencies will be the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH). As part of this change: DHEC’s current, retail food program and milk and dairy lab will merge with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources' hydrology and aquatic nuisance species programs will become part of the newly created SCDES. DHEC’s remaining public health and healthcare quality programs will transition to DPH and its environmental programs to SCDES. The DHEC Board will be abolished, and the new agencies will be part of the Governor’s cabinet. These changes should not result…, What is DHEC’s Role?, During this time of transition, the, top priority at DHEC remains the people of our state and to continue to implement core public health functions and mission critical environmental services with which we have been tasked by the General Assembly., This includes working with the South Carolina Department of Administration (DoA) and our sister agencies, partners, and team of talented and dedicated employees to make absolutely sure that no one, including those we serve and our staff, “falls between the cracks," and that we continue to provide outstanding services to every South Carolinian without interruption during the transition.…, How Will the New Agencies Be Structured?, The environmental roles and responsibilities of SCDES will continue as currently structured in Air Quality, Coastal Management, Land & Waste Management and Water, and Regional and Laboratory Services. Two new programs from the SC Department of Natural Resources will be housed in Water. The work of DPH will be implemented by its talented and dedicated team of employees who will serve within…, DPH’s proposed July 1, 2024, organizational structure, ., How Will Restructuring Affect Me?, For the Public You will continue to receive outstanding services without interruption during and after the transition. On July 1, 2024, the DHEC website will guide you to the appropriate agency website for general information and services. Locations There will be no changes to our physical locations by July 1, 2024. If moves occur later, SCDES and DPH will give advance notice. Examples include:…, state’s Vital Records office, which issues birth and death certificates, marriage certificates and divorce reports, will remain at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201 for the time being. In addition, our county, Vital Records office locations, will remain at their current locations. Our, local environmental offices, and, public health clinics/departments, will remain at their current locations after the transition. If moves occur later, SCDES and DPH will give advance notice. Our public health and environmental laboratory will remain at its current location, 8231 Parklane Road Columbia, SC 29223. DHEC Name and Logo After July 1, 2024, you may continue to see the DHEC name and logo. They may appear on exterior building signage or in local news…, For the Regulated Community, All DHEC staff will move to one of the new agencies or to the Department of Agriculture. This means the staff you work with at DHEC now will likely be the same staff you will work with at the other agencies in the future. Appeals of Department Decisions Beginning July 1, 2024, final decisions of SCDES and DPH may be appealed to the Administrative Law Court pursuant to applicable law.…, retail food program and milk and dairy lab will merge with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, effective July 1, 2024., Who Should I Contact If I Have Questions?, If, after reading this page, you have questions about how restructuring may affect you, your business or your loved one, please contact, Constituent Services, .Vulcan Construction Materials LLC – Orangeburg Limestone Quarry
Vulcan Construction Materials LLC has applied for environmental permits from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to mine limestone at a site located on Addidas Road in Orangeburg County, approximately 3.5 miles southeast of Eutawville, SC. A proposed reclamation plan to restore the site to grassland and a lake/pond has been submitted with the application. , This webpage has been developed by SCDES 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., Mining, DHEC’s Bureau of Land and Waste Management (BLWM) received an application for a mine operating permit for the proposed Orangeburg Limestone Quarry on September 25, 2023. The BLWM provided notice of the application in the, Orangeburg Leader, newspaper and began accepting comments on January 3, 2024. Additionally, the public notice was mailed to adjacent landowners, local and state government/regulatory agencies, and other interested parties. The public notice was also posted on DHEC’s ePermitting Portal., Summary Response to Comments, - August 15, 2024, Public Notice of Intent to Mine, - January 3, 2024 , Notification to Adjacent and Nearby Landowners, - January 3, 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 & Reclamation Plan, - September 25, 2023, Description of Mine Operations, - September 25, 2023, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation & Concurrence Request a/k/a Jurisdictional Determination, - January 11, 2021 , Endangered and Threatened Species Preliminary Biological Assessment Report, - August 31, 2023, Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey (September 2021) and State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) Response to Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey, (August 3, 2021, Stormwater Runoff Design Summary / Overburden Sediment Ponds Design Plan, - August 3, 2023, August 2022 Subsurface Investigation, - October 5, 2022, Numerical Groundwater Flow Model Update, - January 6, 2023, Groundwater Monitoring Plan, - September 25, 2023, Map - Mine Development Plan Map, - June 20, 2023, Map - Existing Conditions with Blasting Setbacks and Well Inventory Areas Phases, (June 21, 2023, Map – Mine Land Use with Bonding, - June 30, 2023, Map – Pit Phases, - July 27, 2023, Map – Erosion and Sediment Control, (July 11, 2023, Map – Reclamation, - July 12, 2023, Diagram - Erosion and Sediment Control Details A, - June 30, 2023, Diagram – Erosion and Sediment Control Details B, - July 11, 2023, 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 (formerly known as DHEC) determined that the Vulcan Orangeburg Limestone Quarry can comply with the South Carolina Mining Act and applicable mining regulations. SCDES approved the mine…, Approved Permit Package, - August 15, 2024 Questions about the Orangeburg Limestone Quarry and the BLWM’s mine permitting process may be directed to: Colby Myers Phone: (803) 898-3079 Email:, Colby.Myers@des.sc.gov, Air Quality, An air quality construction permit is required for any entity that plans to construct, alter, or add to a source of air pollution, including the installation of any air pollution control device. The permit must be issued before any construction-related activities occur at the site. If issued, the permit allows for the installation, modification, and start of operation of equipment. On October 20…, Public Notice of Draft Air Permit and Public Hearing, - January 3, 2024, Air Construction Permit Application, - October 20, 2023, Draft Air Construction Permit, Draft Statement of Basis, Draft Modeling Summary, Final Air Construction Permit Decision On August 15, 2024, the BAQ issued a Department Decision to approve an air quality permit to construct and operate a limestone quarry and processing plant for the Orangeburg Quarry. This decision was made after consideration and complete review of the permit application, applicable state and federal air quality regulations, comments made at the public…, Memo of Final Decision to Concerned Citizens, - August 15, 2024, Department Decision, - August 15, 2024, Construction Permit CP-50000132 v1.0, - August 15, 2024, Statement of Basis, - August 15, 2024, Response to Comments, - August 15, 2024, Modeling Summary, Questions about the air permit decision and the BAQ’s permitting process may be directed to: Mareesa Singleton Phone:, (803) 898-4113, Email:, Mareesa.Singleton@des.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 Orangeburg…, NOI for Coverage Under NPDES General Permit SCG73000, - November 6, 2023 , Map – U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Topography, - July 13, 2023 , Map - Mine Land Use with Bonding, - June 30, 2023 , NPDES General Permit SCG73000, Questions about NPDES general permit coverage and the BOW’s permitting process may be directed to: Brett Caswell Phone:, (803) 898-4396, Email:, Brett.Caswell@des.sc.gov, Public Meeting and Public Hearing, DHEC held a combination public meeting and public hearing on the proposed Orangeburg Limestone Quarry on February 8, 2024, at the Eutawville Community Center located at 419 Porcher Avenue in Eutawville. The public meeting was held from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, with the public hearing held immediately thereafter. The public meeting was informal and provided an opportunity for participants to have a…, Public Meeting Presentation - February 8, 2024, Public Hearing Transcript - February 8, 2024, For additional information about SCDES public meetings and public hearings, please refer to:, SCDES Community Engagement Tools, 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…, What to Expect After the Public Comment Period Closes , After the public comment period closes, SCDES will review and consider all comments received before making final decisions on the mine permit application and draft air permit. Additional information may also be requested from the applicant, if needed. Once final decisions are made, SCDES will provide notification to: Everyone on our mailing list for the proposed Orangeburg Limestone Quarry;…, registration form, . , Filing a Request for Final Review, S.C Code Ann. § 48-6-30(D)(2) provides: “Within thirty calendar days after the mailing of a decision [pursuant to S.C. Code Ann.§ 48-6-30(D)(1)], an applicant, permittee, licensee, certificate holder, or affected person desiring to contest the department decision may request a contested case hearing before the Administrative Law Court, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.” Should…, 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 the sharing 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.govHenry Tract Mine (Florence County)
Blue Water Industries LLC (now Martin Marietta Southeast Agg Operations, LLC) has applied for environmental permits from DHEC (now SCDES) to mine sand at a site located at 331 East Highway 378 Hanna, approximately ¾ of a mile east of Salem, in Florence County (TMS #00418-02-006). A proposed reclamation plan to restore the site to grassland and a lake/pond has been submitted with the application. , This webpage has been developed by SCDES 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., Mining, DHEC’s Bureau of Land and Waste Management (BLWM) received an application for a mine operating permit for the proposed Henry Tract Mine on August 11, 2023. The BLWM provided notice of the application in the Florence Morning News newspaper and began accepting comments on August 31, 2023. Additionally, the public notice was mailed to adjacent landowners, local and state government/regulatory…, Public Notice of Intent to Mine, – August 31, 2023 , Notification to Adjacent and Nearby Landowners, – August 31, 2023 , Application for Mine Operating Permit & Reclamation Plan, – August 11, 2023 , Mine Map, – July 27, 2023 , Updated Mine Map, – October 13, 2023, Reclamation Map, – July 27, 2023 , Wetlands Delineation & Concurrence Request, – April 17, 2023 , Wetlands Delineation Map, – March 10, 2023 , Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey, – May 8, 2023, State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) Response to Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey, – April 10, 2023 , Protected Species Assessment, – November 7, 2023, S.C. Department of Natural Resources Comment Letter, – September 22, 2023, Well Survey, During the initial public comment period, the BLWM received a request for a public meeting and public hearing on the proposed Henry Tract Mine. DHEC acknowledged this request on October 12, 2023. Notice of the public meeting and public hearing was provided in the Florence Morning News newspaper on November 2, 2023. Notice was also provided to adjacent landowners, local and state government/…, Acknowledgment of Public Hearing Request, – October 12, 2023, Notice of Public Meeting, Public Hearing and Extended Comment Period, – November 2, 2023 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 (formerly known as DHEC) determined that the Henry Tract Mine can comply with the South Carolina Mining Act and applicable…, Summary Response to Comments, - January 29, 2025, Notice of Approval Memo, - January 29, 2025, Approved Permit Package, - January 29, 2025 Questions about the Henry Tract Mine and the BLWM’s mine permitting process may be directed to: Colby Myers Phone:, (803) 898-3079, Email:, colby.myers@des.sc.gov, Water Quality, DHEC’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 Salem-Sand…, Notice of Intent, – September 6, 2023, Site Maps – August 29, 2023 & July 27, 2023, Issuance of General Permit Coverage SCG731687, – October 5, 2023, NPDES General Permit SCG73000, Questions about the NPDES general permit coverage and the BOW’s permitting process may be directed to: Brett Caswell Phone:, (803) 898-4396, Email:, Brett.Caswell@des.sc.gov, Public Meeting and Public Hearing, DHEC held a, public hearing on December 7, 2023, , at, 7:30 PM, , to accept oral and written comments on the proposed Henry Tract Mine., A public meeting was held from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM prior to the public hearing, ., Henry Tract Mine Public Meeting Presentation - December 7, 2023, Henry Tract Mine Public Hearing Transcript - December 7, 2023, 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…, Filing a Request for Final Review, South Carolina Mining Council, S.C. Code Ann. § 48-20-190 provides: “An applicant for a certificate of exploration or operating permit or a person who is aggrieved and is directly affected by the permit may appeal to the council from a decision or determination of the department issuing, refusing, modifying, suspending, revoking, or terminating a certificate of exploration or operating permit or reclamation plan, or imposing a…, Administrative Law Court, S.C. Code Ann. § 48-6-30(D)(2) provides: “Within thirty calendar days after the mailing of a decision [pursuant to S.C. Code Ann.§ 48-6-30(D)(1)], an applicant, permittee, licensee, certificate holder, or affected person desiring to contest the department decision may request a contested case hearing before the Administrative Law Court, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.”…, Stay Connected - Community Engagement and Resources, 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 Saluda Quarry one-on-one. Submitting a written comment or question…, 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.govAtlantic Intracoastal Waterway
Notice of Department Decision (SAC-CW-2023-0002), The Department, acting on an application for Water Quality Certification, pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act and SC Regulation 19-450 Permits for Construction in Navigable Waters, has reached a proposed decision for the USACE maintenance dredging and placement of dredged materials for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) from the NC/SC state line to Port Royal Sound in…, 803-898-4243, or via e-mail at, wqcwetlands@dhec.sc.gov, .Cleaning Up Mercury Spills
Mercury exposure is a health risk, and precaution must be taken in the event of a spill. Please visit the fluorescent bulb or thermometer spills pages for specific steps. No matter the source of the spill, it is imperative to proceed with caution to minimize risk of exposure., Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean up mercury. The vacuum will put mercury into the air and increase exposure. Never use a broom to clean up mercury. It will break the mercury into smaller droplets and spread them. Never pour mercury down a drain. It may lodge in the plumbing and cause future problems during plumbing repairs. If discharged, it can cause pollution of the septic tank or sewage…, Handling a Broken Fluorescent Bulb, Learn step-by-step procedures for handling a broken fluorescent bulb, ., Handling a Broken Thermometer, Learn step-by-step procedures for handling a broken thermometer, ., Actions to Take to Prevent Broken Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, Fluorescent bulbs are made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled. To avoid breaking a bulb, follow these general practices: Always switch off and allow a working CFL bulb to cool before handling. Always handle CFL bulbs carefully to avoid breakage. If possible, screw/unscrew the CFL by holding the plastic or ceramic base, not the glass tubing. Gently screw in the CFL until snug. Do…, The, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is the source for the information on this page.