DHEC Environmental eNews

July 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 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.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

As of July 22, 2021, 50 percent of eligible South Carolina residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Overall, 44 percent of South Carolina residents are now fully vaccinated, which means they are two weeks removed from their second dose of Moderna or Pfizer, or their single-shot of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

A recent data analysis revealed that the overwhelming majority of people who are getting hospitalized and dying from COVID-19 are those who are not fully vaccinated. DHEC continues to encourage everyone 12 and older to get vaccinated.

Visit the Vax Locator to find vaccine sites near you.

EJ Strong Workshop

About 30 community leaders who live or work in overburdened communities within South Carolina participated in the first EJ Strong workshop on June 25 and 26. "Environmental Justice (EJ) Strong: Strengthening Communities for Disaster Risk Reduction, Response, & Recovery in SC" is an innovative, hands-on training currently being used in the Philippines and other areas where natural disasters take place often. This Community-Managed Disaster Risk Reduction program is the first time this training is being offered in the United States. A total of four free workshops will be held. Partners collaborating for these trainings include DHEC, the state's environmental protection agency; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities, a non-profit organization in North Charleston; University of South Carolina; College of Charleston; and Clemson University.

PFAS Surface Water Monitoring Strategy

The Bureau of Water has released the agency’s strategy to determine the extent to which per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may be affecting streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal waters within the state.

The Surface Water PFAS Strategy presents a scalable framework from which DHEC can: 1) evaluate which release sources may be impacting ecological integrity and pose human health concerns; 2) determine which areas of the State may be most impacted by PFAS; and, 3) identify what environmental media may be accumulating PFAS (and what type of PFAS).

Rabies Prevention: Bats

Bats can transmit rabies through bites or the introduction of saliva into open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. Because bats have small teeth, their bites may go unnoticed which makes it important to identify any person or pet who has had potential contact with a bat. Similarly, never release a bat that had potential contact with a person, pet, or livestock. These bats should be safely trapped in a sealed container and not touched. Once a bat is released, it can't be tested for rabies. Never handle a bat or any wild or stray animal, alive or dead, with your bare hands.