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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Happy Holidays!
"It was another year of facing new challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for continuing to work with us and your commitment to doing business in South Carolina. May your holidays be blessed with the love and warmth of family and friends."
Myra Reece, Director of Environmental Affairs
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COVID-19 Vaccine Update
The CDC recently expanded its COVID-19 booster recommendation for the Pfizer vaccine brand to include ages 16 and older. DHEC supports this action and strongly encourages those ages 16 and 17, as well as all adults, to get their booster does six months after a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two months after a dose of Jansen (J&J).
REMINDER: This holiday season, DHEC will be observing all official state holidays. Our offices and COVID-response operations will be closed and no COVID-19 data will be reported on those days. Some DHEC vendor testing and vaccination may be open on state holidays; it is advised that you call ahead to confirm. DHEC continues to strongly encourage residents to get tested no later than the weekend before Christmas to receive your results before the holiday. Visit DHEC's Vax Locator to find vaccine sites near you.
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Land & Waste Management Employees Recognized with OLEM Partnerships Award from EPA
Susan Fulmer, manager of the Federal Remediation Section, and Heather Cathcart, Federal Remediation Technical Coordinator, with the Bureau of Land and Waste Management, were recently awarded the Excellence in OLEM Partnerships Award from United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their participation in the Federal Facility Academy.
This award recognizes Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM) and non-OLEM employees who pursued and achieved extraordinary cooperation, collaboration and support during a project that helped OLEM achieve its strategic goals and objectives.
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Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
The Bureau of Air Quality is currently developing the Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the second 10-year review period. The plan is available for public comment until January 5, 2022, and can be found on our website here. The website also provides information about the virtual public hearing scheduled for January 5, 2022, at 6 pm.
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Champions of the Environment Grant Winners
Congratulations to the 2021-2022 Champions of the Environment Grant winners! Champions of the Environment awards grants each school year to kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms that protect the environment and boost environmental awareness. Grantees receive $2,500 toward their projects, which this year include a solar powered greenhouse, habitat restoration, garden enhancements, and composting programs. Click here to learn about these winning projects.
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Radon Poster Contest Winners |
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Jennifer Hughes Named Chief of the Bureau of Water
She began her DHEC career in 1997 as part of BOW's drinking water compliance and enforcement program. Jennifer served 18 years in the Aiken regional office where she worked on the front lines in all program areas with much of her time devoted to the water programs. In 2016, she became an Assistant Bureau Chief (ABC) with the Bureau of Environmental Health Services and shortly thereafter transitioned to an ABC position in the BOW. With more than 24 years of service in DHEC's Environmental Affairs program, Jennifer brings key experience and leadership to the BOW team.
Throughout her tenure with DHEC, Jennifer has promoted collaborative problem-solving, instilled effective teamwork among staff, and has helped bridge important partnerships with external partners to help our state address complex environmental issues as demonstrated by her leadership in the Midlands Rivers Coalition.
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The South Carolina Radon Poster Contest is held each year for students ages 9-14. The winning posters included strong graphics and storytelling skills that convey the importance of radon awareness and testing. The first-place poster will represent South Carolina in the National Radon Poster Contest, which is sponsored by the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.
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International Day of Veterinary Medicine
December 9 was International Day of Veterinary Medicine. This day recognizes the important work done by veterinarians across the globe. Veterinarians work hard to maintain and protect the health of our most beloved furry, feathered, and scaled family members: our pets! In turn, veterinarians protect the health of people around the world, educating them on the importance of proper care of their pets and the prevention of zoonotic diseases that spread from animals to people.
Veterinarians in South Carolina administered approximately 720,000 rabies vaccinations in 2020. This is great news for the health of both pets and citizens of South Carolina as rabies is a preventable disease!
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Hazardous Waste Regulation Update
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. The regulations listed below are currently at the South Carolina General Assembly working through the legislative review process.
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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's Environmental Affairs employs a wide range of environmental professionals from engineers and geologists to inspectors and meteorologists. |
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