DHEC Environmental eNews

February 2023 | {View as Webpage}

This monthly electronic newsletter from DHEC's Environmental Affairs will keep our customers and stakeholders informed of important events, legislation, meetings, permitting information, and compliance information.

Emissions Inventory Reporting is Active

In early January, the Bureau of Air Quality’s Emissions Inventory Section notified about 90 Title V facilities of their requirements to submit an emissions inventory report by March 31, 2023. Facilities initiate the reporting process by sending in an Electronic Subscriber Agreement (ESA). Once the ESA is processed, facilities will be notified of next steps. The operational and emissions data must be submitted using the State and Local Emissions Reporting System (SLEIS), and a SLEIS training webinar was held on February 7. Facilities may reach out to the Section if they have questions or email ei_submittals@dhec.sc.gov for help with SLEIS.

Nonpoint Source Program Seeking Grant Projects

DHEC's Bureau of Water is seeking proposals to conduct projects that reduce nonpoint source (NPS) contributions to South Carolina waterbodies. Projects must be designed to achieve measurable water quality improvements and must implement a DHEC-approved watershed plan.

South Carolina public organizations such as state agencies, local governments, public universities, soil and water conservation districts, regional planning commissions, watershed organizations, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to receive NPS grants.

To be considered, interested groups must submit a completed proposal form and all required documents by April 6, 2023. Required forms can be found on the 319 RFP webpage.

Aquatic Sciences Newsletter

The Bureau of Water's Aquatic Science Programs has released its second annual newsletter.

This document shares a summary of the program’s 2022 work and looks ahead for what is in store for 2023. Some of the highlights include macroinvertebrate sampling and the decrease in harmful algal blooms identified around the state.

PFAS & State Ambient Surface Waters

In 2022, the Bureau of Water kicked off a statewide, multi-agency per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) ambient surface waters study. Staff collect surface water PFAS samples at 107 sites statewide on a quarterly basis. The surface water program is designed to survey both the extent and the changes in seasonal conditions, including precipitation and stream flow that may impact PFAS concentrations across state surface waters. All data will be made publicly available on the Bureau of Water PFAS webpage once the internal quality control and review is complete.

Join Our Team!

As the state agency charged with promoting and protecting South Carolina's public health and environment, DHEC has a legacy of attracting and retaining talented individuals who want to build rewarding and successful careers. DHEC's Environmental Affairs employs a wide range of environmental professionals from engineers and geologists to inspectors and meteorologists.

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