DHEC Environmental eNews
December 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.
Truman Reece
Happy Holidays!

"This year has come with its fair share of challenges, but we've also seen great things come out of 2020 that will carry us into 2021. DHEC's Environmental Affairs wishes you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!" - Myra Reece, Director of Environmental Affairs
Ozone Season Ended October 31

The South Carolina ozone season runs from March 1 through October 31. The Bureaus of Environmental Health Services and Air Quality work together each ozone season to monitor and forecast ozone levels. Ozone forecasts allow the public to be proactive about protecting their health by reducing outdoor activities and decreasing their own contributions to emissions when ozone concentrations are expected to be high. In 2020, only one ozone action day was issued. Visit DHEC’s website for information on ozone in South Carolina and EPA’s website for information on air quality in South Carolina.
COVID-19 Updates

Getting vaccinated with safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, once available, is a critical component of our nation and state's strategy to reduce COVID-19-related illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths and to help put an end to the pandemic. The state's vaccination plan, frequently asked questions, and other information are available on our web site and will be updated as new information becomes available. 

COVID-19 case numbers and positivity rates have increased since the Thanksgiving holiday. DHEC encourages South Carolinians to wear a face mask; physically distance from others by at least six feet; get tested and stay home when you're sick; and limit contact with those outside your household. Click here to find a free testing site near you.
City of Florence Receives National EPA Award for Project to Assist the Town of Timmonsville

In the fall of 2020, the City of Florence received a national Aquarius Award from EPA for an exceptional drinking water infrastructure project financed by a State Revolving Fund program. The project included many improvements to the drinking water system in the Town of Timmonsville. The City of Florence received the award in recognition of their forward thinking and generous actions to assume ownership of and responsibility for the compliance-challenged drinking water and wastewater systems in Timmonsville. In 2019, the City of Florence received a national PISCES award from EPA for a project to improve the wastewater system in Timmonsville that also was financed by the SC State Revolving Fund program. The SC State Revolving Fund program is co-administered by DHEC’s Bureau of Water and the SC Rural Infrastructure Authority. 
Marty Lindler Named Director of Division of Mining and Solid Waste Management 

Marty Lindler accepted the director position for the Division of Mining and Solid Waste Management in the Bureau of Land and Waste Management. Marty has served as the manager of the Solid and Hazardous Waste Compliance Section for the past 14 years. He has a mechanical engineering degree from the University of South Carolina and has been with DHEC for 33 years.
Regulatory Updates
As we work to continuously improve our regulations, please note the following are
currently in the regulatory development process.
Pasteurized Milk and Milk Products

DHEC is proposing revisions to Regulation 61-34.1, Pasteurized Milk and Milk Products. The revisions are designed to create consistency with the Food & Drug Administration's 2019 Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and to align permitting and enforcement sections with other DHEC food safety regulations.
Raw Milk for Human Consumption

DHEC is is proposing revisions to Regulation 61-34, Raw Milk for Human Consumption. The purpose of the revisions is to update and streamline the regulation to be more inclusive and to provide for the regulation of raw milk products, buttermilk, and cream. The regulation updates will also eliminate unnecessary sections that do not apply to raw milk production.
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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