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.
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New EPA Administration
When there is an administration change in Washington DC, there are also changes in leadership at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This includes the appointed regional administration positions at EPA Region 4 in Atlanta. John Blevins is currently acting R4 Director until a permanent Director is appointed and confirmed. President Biden has nominated Michael Regan from North Carolina to head the EPA for his administration. DHEC has worked closely with Michael over the years. He is awaiting confirmation.
While most of the technical staff with whom DHEC works will remain the same, along with a new administration comes new priorities. As we learn of any new points of emphasis from EPA, we will keep you informed. Click here for the current EPA Region 4 organization chart with program contacts.
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COVID-19 Updates
On Friday, January 15, an email was sent out from DHEC through industry and governmental associations requesting the number of employees each company (at the facility level) has who would fall into the 1b vaccination category. Visit the DHEC webpage for additional information about who should be counted in 1b as frontline essential workers. Please note that this is not the same as the Department of Homeland Security's definition of essential businesses. Instead, it takes into consideration the employee's opportunity for exposure to the virus.
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The South Carolina Adopt-a-Stream Program
In partnership with DHEC and the Clemson University Center for Watershed Excellence, the South Carolina Adopt-a-Stream (SC AAS) program was launched in June of 2017. The Program is preparing to launch the South Carolina Adopt-a-Stream Volunteer Tidal Saltwater program in our eight coastal counties, soon to be followed by lake monitoring.
In 2020, there were 512 sampling events at 119 sampling sites. Volunteers discovered a sewer line break near Lake Hartwell and excessive sediment entering the North Saluda River, both of which were addressed by the appropriate professionals.
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Major MACT to Area Source (MM2A) Rule
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published a finalized rule in the Federal Register that codifies the rescission and replacement of the longstanding once-in-always-in policy, more commonly known as the MM2A rule. Major source facilities will now be able to reclassify as area sources if a facility’s potential to emit (PTE) falls below Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) major source thresholds for hazardous air pollutants (HAP). Facilities reclassifying from major sources to area sources will have a one-time electronic notification requirement to the EPA. For more information on the MM2A requirements, feel free to visit our Air Toxics webpage.
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Emissions Inventory Reports & Electronic Subscriber Agreements
All Title V facilities are required to submit a 2020 emissions inventory by March 31, 2021. To begin the reporting process, facilities must first submit an Electronic Subscriber Agreement (ESA). The improved ESA form no longer requires notarization and is now a fillable pdf. Letters describing reporting requirements, supplemental information, and training opportunities were mailed to facilities in early January. Complete information regarding inventories is available on the Emissions Inventory webpage.
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Environmental Surveillance & Oversight Program Releases Annual Report
DHEC’s Environmental Surveillance and Oversight Program (ESOP) conducts radiological environmental monitoring on and around the Savannah River Site, a Cold War-era nuclear materials production plant near Aiken. Learn more about ESOP’s findings by checking out the recently published 2019 Annual Report.
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Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup Program
The Bureau of Land & Waste Management’s Brownfields Program was the focus of the December 17, 2020 DHEC Board Meeting. The meeting was held at a site in Rock Hill which is currently under a Voluntary Cleanup Contract (VCC) for the redevelopment of the property. The City’s vision for the property facilitated through the VCC has led to the successful redevelopment of the property. To assist with the redevelopment, the City received loans totaling $3,000,000 from the Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Fund which is administered by DHEC, two EPA Brownfield Grants, and assistance through EPA’s Targeted Brownfields Assessment Program.
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"See It, Report It" Campaign Celebrates First Anniversary
In December 2019, DHEC kicked off the “See It, Report It” campaign in partnership with PalmettoPride and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The campaign is aimed at eliminating unpermitted tire stockpiles – which can pose both public health and environmental risks.
More than 100 piles comprising an estimated 40,000 waste tires have been reported by residents since the debut of the statewide initiative to stop this type of illegal dumping.
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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.
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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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