DHEC Environmental eNews
March 2021 | View as Webpage
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 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.
DERA Program Awards $285,571 in Grants 

Each year, DHEC receives an allocation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fund South Carolina’s State Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant program. For the 2020 State DERA program, DHEC awarded four grants totaling $285,571 to support diesel emissions reduction projects throughout the state.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update

South Carolina is currently in Phase 1b, which includes those 55 and older, frontline essential workers, and those 16 and over who have pre-existing medical conditions.

Please refer to the Business Vaccine Info webpage for information and resources related to the vaccine and eligibility.
Air Permitting Construction Permit Application Form

Air Quality’s Permitting Division has completed revision of the air construction permit application with Forms 2566, 2567, 2669 and 2670 being consolidated into one document. Based on feedback provided by stakeholders, the new form allows submission of required information in widely available electronic formats and more clearly identifies the information and supporting documentation that constitutes a complete application package. Construction application submittals using the old forms will be accepted until close of business May 28, 2021. Click here to view new the application form.
Solid Waste Management Annual Report for FY20

The Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling released the Solid Waste Management Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020 (July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020) on March 15. Required by the S.C. Solid Waste Policy and Management Act of 1991, this report provides a comprehensive overview of solid waste management including the amount and type of solid waste that is disposed of and recycled in South Carolina, progress towards meeting the state’s waste reduction and recycling goals, remaining landfill capacity and more. To view the full report and past reports, visit www.scdhec.gov/datareports. 
Public Swimming Pools & COVID-19

Warmer weather means the opening of public swimming pools across the state. With the battle against COVID-19 still front and center, there may be questions of how to safely open public pools. 

The Bureau of Water (BOW) is working diligently with pool owners to keep them abreast of the current CDC "Guidance for Public Pools, Hot Tubs, and Water Playgrounds During COVID-19". While these guidelines are voluntary, everyone is strongly urged to follow them to help protect and promote human health and slow the spread of the virus in SC. In addition, BOW’s Recreational Waters program works tirelessly to ensure public swimming pools can operate safely and in compliance with all laws and regulations.  
Did You Know 61 Species of Mosquitoes Call SC their home? 

DHEC's state-wide Vector Surveillance Program helps identify and track the spread of diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, etc. each year from March through November. Though the responsibility of mosquito control services falls to local governmental jurisdictions, DHEC wants to help protect your family, pets/livestock, and you by providing info on how to prevent mosquito-borne diseases at both your home and business.
Regulatory Updates

As we work to continuously improve our regulations, please note the following have been approved by the S.C. Board of Health and Environmental Control. These are currently at the South Carolina General Assembly working through the legislative review process.
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 employs a wide range of environmental professionals from engineers and geologists to inspectors and meteorologists.
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