DHEC Environmental eNews
October 2020 || View as Webpage
DHEC continues to work with federal, state and local partners as it investigates COVID-19 cases in South Carolina. As we remain committed to protecting the safety and health of the public during this national and state emergency, DHEC's Environmental Affairs staff is also focused on keeping our customers and stakeholders informed of important events, regulations, meetings, permitting information, and compliance information.
High Hazard Potential Dam Rehabilitation Grant Program

For the second year in a row, DHEC's Dam Safety Program was awarded funding under FEMA's High Hazard Potential Dam Rehabilitation Grant Program. This year, the entire allotment of funds ($585,694) will be passed directly to dam owners and/or project sponsors to undertake pre-construction activities for the purpose of identifying and eventually reducing the risk through rehabilitation or removal of eligible High Hazard Potential Dams. If you own a High Hazard Potential Dam and are looking for funding to help with rehabilitation or removal, we can help! Please spread the word!
MyCoast App

MyCoast is one of the tools used by OCRM to engage the public and enhance awareness of coastal hazards.MyCoast is a web and mobile-based app for registered users that are able to share information about high-tide flooding, storm damage, and marine debris. Information collected through this app is used to visualize the impact of coastal hazards and to enhance awareness among decision-makers and stakeholders so please help us by submitting information and pictures.
DHEC Receives Environmental Justice Grant
DHEC's Environmental Affairs, along with community and academic partners, recently celebrated its selection as a recipient of a State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement (SEJCA) grant. This funding will support development of a framework to help overburdened and vulnerable communities in South Carolina become more resilient to community hazards, natural disasters and other crises through the development and implementation of community driven solutions.
PFAS

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, otherwise known as PFAS, have attracted increasing national interest as an emerging contaminant in the environment. The Bureau of Water has developed and is implementing a strategy to assess PFAS in community drinking water systems across the State. The Bureau is also presently at work completing a strategy to assess PFAS in ambient surface waters of the State, including fish tissue. This strategy is anticipated to be finished before the end 0f 2020, with implementation commencing in 2021.  
Compliance and Emission Data Reporting Interface (CEDRI)

To streamline the reporting process, DHEC is accepting certain National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) reports and notification submissions electronically. 

If your facility has NESHAP requirements, please review our new process to learn how it can help you report with ease.
ePermitting

DHEC continues its work implementing programs and functions into ePermitting, an online system for compliance & permitting.

In addition to the eight programs already using ePermitting, Private Wells, Surface Water Withdrawal and Navigable Waters/Water Quality Certification programs are working towards implementation.
COVID-19 Business Assistance

After re-opening, focus has shifted to addressing community spread and testing that can potentially impact the ability of businesses to stay open. Testing is important as it is the only way to identify asymptomatic individuals so that they can isolate and not spread the virus to others. DHEC is seeking additional community testing locations. If you have suggestions, please send them to COVIDCommunityCoalition@dhec.sc.gov.
Regulatory Updates
As we work to continuously improve our regulations, please note the following that are
currently in the regulatory development process.
Hazardous Waste
Nicotine

DHEC is proposing the amendment of R.61-79, Hazardous Waste Management Regulations, to adopt the EPA final rule “Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals and Amendment to the P075 Listing for Nicotine.” 
Hazardous Waste
Airbags & Aerosol Cans

DHEC is proposing the amendment of R.61-79, Hazardous Waste Management Regulations, to adopt EPA's interim final rules “Safe Management of Recalled Airbags” and “Universal Waste Regulations: Addition of Aerosol Cans.” 
Onsite Wastewater

DHEC is proposing to combine all four of the onsite wastewater system regulations into one streamlined version, R.61-56, Onsite Wastewater Systems.
Join Our Team!
As the state agency charged with promoting and protecting South Carolina's public health & environment, DHEC has a legacy of attracting and retaining talented individuals who want to build rewarding and successful careers. DHEC employs a wide range of environmental professionals from engineers and geologists to inspectors and meteorologists.
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