DHEC continues to work with federal, state, and local partners as it responds to COVID-19 in South Carolina. As we remain committed to protecting the safety and health of the public during this ongoing pandemic, 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.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Update
DHEC recently announced that South Carolina has officially reached a 50 percent vaccination rate among eligible residents. This milestone is significant as it puts South Carolina that much closer to the 70-80 percent vaccination goal.
DHEC will continue its efforts to get residents vaccinated through various outreach efforts and events. These include vaccination opportunities at the University of South Carolina and Clemson University home football games as well as mobile vaccination clinics which began earlier this month. These efforts are in addition to the hundreds of clinics around the state, and the ability to visit pharmacies and doctors’ offices to get vaccinated.
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Federal Grant Supports DHEC Program for Lead Testing at Qualifying Schools, Day Cares
DHEC's Bureau of Water is the recipient of a grant, the WIIN grant, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a “Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water Program." DHEC is excited to partner with the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) in the implementation of this grant. The united goal of this program is to protect and promote the health and well-being of children, who are among the most vulnerable to the health effects of lead exposure. Please click HERE to enroll in this voluntary program by completing the Lead Testing Facility Survey. After you complete the Lead Testing Facility Survey, DHEC will contact you to schedule a virtual visit to your center to determine where water sampling should be conducted.
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Living Shorelines Regulations Update |
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In 2016, DHEC embarked on a five-year strategy to develop a regulatory definition and project standards for living shorelines in South Carolina. The goal of the strategy was to allow for a more efficient authorization process for living shorelines and to help ensure a project’s design would accomplish its intended goals. Living shoreline regulations were developed in accordance with the South Carolina Administrative Procedures (“APA”), S.C. Code Section 1-23-10 et seq and were introduced to the South Carolina General Assembly during the 2021 legislative session. The regulations became effective in May 2021. Regulatory project standards and critical area permitting information for living shorelines can be found here.
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Grant Funding Targeting Diesel Engine Emissions Now Available
On September 1, DHEC announced that nearly $300,000 in grant funding through EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) is available for projects that reduce diesel engine emissions. Eligible projects should reduce emissions through engine repowers, equipment and exhaust retrofits, or equipment replacements. EPA will share between 25 percent and 100 percent of the costs, depending on the project type. The Request for Proposal (RFP) will be released around October 1, 2021. Local government entities, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and colleges/universities are encouraged to apply. More information on our state’s program and a list of previous projects is available here.
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Watershed-Based Plan Development Grant Opportunity
DHEC’s Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program is currently in one of two annual Request for Proposals (RFP) periods. Each year, applications are accepted for watershed-based plan (WBP) development grants funded by the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Watershed-based plans are developed to address nonpoint source surface water pollutants by analyzing a watershed’s sources of pollution and proposing best management practices (BMPs) to address them. Nonpoint source pollution is caused by rainfall moving over the ground, eventually carrying natural and human-made pollutants into lakes, rivers, wetlands, and coastal waters.
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Smart Septic Week and World Rabies Day Observations!
September 20-24, 2021 is Smart Septic Week! Watch this short video about how to shield your drainfield and preserve the integrity of your onsite sewage disposal system.
September 28 is World Rabies Day! This year's theme is “Rabies: Facts, not Fear.” Raise awareness and spread #RabiesFacts to dispel misconceptions about the disease. To learn more about rabies, prevention, and low-cost rabies clinics, visit our website here.
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Savannah River Site Draft Hazardous & Mixed Waste Permit Virtual Public Hearing
DHEC will hold a virtual public hearing on October 7, 2021 at 6:30 pm to accept comments on the draft hazardous waste permit to regulate proposed activities based on review of renewal applications and information submitted by the Savannah River Site.
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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 employs a wide range of environmental professionals from engineers and geologists to inspectors and meteorologists. |
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