DERA Creation and Passage
SCDES Seeking Funding Applications for "Champions of the Environment" Projects in K-12 Classrooms
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 4, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) announces the grant application period for Champions of the Environment is now open. Kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers can now apply for grant funding to support classroom projects that build environmental awareness among students. Applications for the 2025-2026 school…, said SCDES Director Myra Reece., “Every year, we look forward to seeing the proposed projects that can be implemented at schools and help teach environmentally-friendly practices.” Grants up to $2,500 will be awarded this year, and merit awards of a lesser amount may also be presented to help get projects started. In addition to a cash award, grantees are highlighted on the Champions of the Environment website and are promoted…Rebecca Sproles, Director of Public Affairs
Buck Graham, Legislative Liaison
Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, SCDES Recognize York County Entities for Joint Efforts in Watershed Planning and Protection
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Today, Lt. Governor Pamela Evette and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) recognized several local governments and entities in York County for their effective collaboration on watershed planning and protection. Lt. Governor Evette and SCDES Interim Director Myra Reece presented representatives of the Watershed Evaluation Team (WET) with SCDES’s Power…, said SCDES Interim Director Myra Reece., “WET created partnerships through several local governments and jurisdictions to allow for a concerted effort in protecting water quality throughout York County.” WET stakeholders have applied for and received several grants that supported the development of watershed plans for the Big Dutchman Creek and Tools Fork watersheds. Plans for the Burgis Creek and Sixmile Creek watersheds as well as…, said Rick Lee, Chairman of the WET., “These watershed studies will be used in planning for growth in the area, as they provide us with a better understanding of our watersheds and how development can potentially impact them. These watershed plans allow us to take informed actions to mitigate those potential impacts before they could affect nearby communities.” WET members recognized today include representatives of: City of York …National Radon Action Month: Protect Your Home and Health
Understanding the Risk from Radon January is, National Radon Action Month, , and it's the perfect time to learn about the potential dangers of radon in your home. Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that can pose serious health risks. As the leading cause of, lung cancer, among nonsmokers in America, radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths each year. It's crucial to understand that you cannot see, smell, or taste radon, but it could be present at dangerous levels in your home. Why Testing for Radon Is Important The, Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) and the, U.S. Surgeon General, urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon. Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk, and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If high radon levels are detected in your home, steps can be taken to fix the problem and protect your family. Take Action This January As part of Radon Action Month,…, Test Your Home:, The EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon. Testing is easy and inexpensive. Learn more about testing your home and obtaining an easy-to-use test kit., Attend a Radon Event:, Look for National Radon Action Month events in your community to learn more and get involved., Spread the Word:, Encourage others to learn about radon and test their homes. Share information with family and friends and plan activities in your community to raise awareness. You can also write an op-ed or letter to the editor, or work with a local official to get a radon proclamation., Buy a Radon-Resistant Home:, Consider radon-resistant new construction when buying a home. Building radon-resistant homes is practical and straightforward for builders, and it provides a safer living environment., Utilize Resources:, View the EPA's free radon publications and visit the CDC's Radon Toolkit for graphics and videos you can use all year. SCDES Offers Free Radon Test Kits The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is committed to helping residents protect their health. Elevated levels of radon have been found in homes in almost every county of South Carolina. Radon can only be detected by…, one free radon test kit, per home, which can be requested at, des.sc.gov/radon, , while supplies last. Radon test kits can also be purchased from the National Radon Program (, sosradon.org, ,, 1-800-767-7236), for $17. For more information about radon, visit, des.sc.gov/radon, , email, radon@des.sc.gov, , or call, 1-800-768-0362, .Public Invited to Review Draft South Carolina Aquatic Plant Management Plan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 30 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The public is invited to review and provide comments on the draft 2025 South Carolina Aquatic Plant Management Plan, which outlines how native and non-native aquatic plants should be best managed in the state’s public waters to support healthy aquatic environments. The plan is developed by S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) in…SUPERB Advisory Committee to Meet Feb. 10
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 6, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. - The State Underground Petroleum Environmental Response Bank (SUPERB) Act Advisory Committee will meet on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) Main Office located at 2600 Bull St., Columbia. The agenda is available on the SCDES website. Fore more information, contact SCDES Media Relations…Santee River Basin Council Meeting
The next Santee River Basin Council meeting has been scheduled for February 11, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM., The Council will meet in-person at the Old Santee Canal Park’s Learning Center in Moncks Corner, SC (Park address is 900 Stoney Landing Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 , but see Park Map for directions to the Learning Center). The meeting may be attended virtually as well. For meeting access information, please contact Scott Harder ( scott.harder@des.sc.gov ) or Alexis Modzelesky ( alexis.…WaterSC Meeting
The WaterSC Water Resources Working Group will hold its next meeting on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais Street in Columbia., The meeting, will be livestreamed, by SCETV, For more information on upcoming and previous WaterSC meetings, visit our, WaterSC Meetings webpage, .