DHEC Environmental eNews

October 2022 | {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.

Hurricane Ian Response

Ian was the first landfall of a hurricane that South Carolina had seen in nearly six years and brought heavy rain, high winds, and flooding along our state’s coastline. From pre-storm evacuation support to post-storm damage assessments and cleanup, the DHEC team was fully engaged during Team South Carolina’s response efforts. During response efforts the Environmental Affairs team performed the following:

Conducted 41 pre-storm dam assessments across the state on dams of concern, with no significant issues identified
Monitored the operational status of more than 560 drinking water and 320 wastewater systems to help protect the safety of our residents drinking water
Communicated to over 20,000 food facilities
Communicated to over 800 wastewater facilities
Activated and manned numerous hotlines for our citizens with concerns or questions
Provided ongoing public messaging related to flood waters, mold, and private wells

Funding Available for New Well Systems & Maintenance

Funding for new well systems and maintenance are available to private citizens and rural water systems. Municipalities, counties, and special purpose districts can begin the application process by viewing the State Revolving Fund and the SC Infrastructure Funders Coordinating Committee. Visit Small Rural Water System Grants and Loans for more resources.

Clean Water Act 50th Anniversary

The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the cornerstone of surface water quality protection in the United States. Established 50 years ago, the Clean Water Act supports "the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on the water."

You can learn more, including state regulations and DHEC's role in water quality protection, here.

Grant to Reduce Diesel Emissions Seeking Applicants

DHEC receives an allocation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fund the State Diesel Emissions Reductions Act (DERA) program. The DERA program funds projects that will have a positive impact on the health of local communities. Diesel engines produce numerous pollutants that are harmful to human and environmental health. The EPA has awarded South Carolina with $299,000 for fiscal year 2022. These funds will be used for new projects aimed at reducing diesel emissions in South Carolina.

The DERA program has helped fund many other projects in the past years that have benefited the health of the public and environment.

Food Access Map

Clemson University College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, in partnership with DHEC's Environmental Affairs, have created a statewide map showing food pantries in every county to aid families facing food insecurity.

The Food Access Map makes the process of finding reliable information on food resources easier for people in need across the state. The project is funded by a grant received by DHEC titled EJ Strong: Strengthening Environmental Justice Communities for Disaster in South Carolina . According to Leslie Hossfeld, dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS), ensuring families have access to healthy food is a critical component of disaster response.

International Bat Week

DHEC celebrates International Bat Week, recognized from Oct. 24-31, 2022, by asking teachers to encourage students across the Palmetto State to participate in a drawing contest to bring awareness to bat safety.

We encourage you to visit the following webpage links to learn more: DHEC Bats, DHEC Rabies Educational Material, SC State Parks, SC Bat Working Group, and SC DNR.

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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