DHEC Environmental eNews

July 2022 | {View as Webpage}

This monthly electronic newsletter from DHEC's Environmental Affairs will keep our customers and stakeholders informed of important events, legislation, meetings, permitting information, and compliance information.

Nominations Now Open for S.C. Environmental Awareness Award

DHEC and other South Carolina state agencies are seeking nominations for an award to recognize individuals who do extraordinary work advocating for our state’s natural environment. Nominations for the South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award are currently being accepted through Aug. 12, 2022.

The South Carolina General Assembly established the South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award, now in its 30th year, during the 1992 legislative session to recognize outstanding contributions made toward the protection, conservation, and improvement of South Carolina’s natural resources.

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season runs from June 1 - November 30. DHEC's Emergency Response Team is trained to handle natural and man-made accidents that affect the state. DHEC encourages families and business literally and figuratively to "Be ready for the storm." Learn more on our website about what to do before, during, and after a natural disaster occurs. Industry partners should review and update Emergency Action Plans now before the storm.

Retail food industry partners can visit our website for information on Retail Food Emergency Action Plans, what to do in the event of a flood or power outage, and how to handle boil water emergencies.

Know Your Air Quality Now!

Get the air quality for your area using the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) AirNow website; a one stop source for air quality data. A color-coded Air Quality Index (AQI) scale indicates your current air quality and forecast at a glance. Scroll down for health guidance, a regional air quality map and more detailed information.

Get your AirNow AQI through the:

AirNow web site
AirNow Mobile App
AirNow Widget
EnviroFlash email notifications

Myra Reece Named President of the Environmental Council of States

Myra Reece, Director of Environmental Affairs, has been named the new president of the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) and is expected to serve in this role until fall 2023.

ECOS is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan association of state and territorial environmental agency leaders who work together to improve the capability of state environmental agencies to protect and improve human health and the environment of the United States of America.

Myra has been with DHEC for more than 30 years, serving in regional offices, then as Chief for the Bureau of Air Quality before being named Director of Environmental Affairs in 2016. She has served in leadership roles at ECOS since 2019 as Planning Committee Chair, Secretary-Treasurer, and Vice President.

Dams Safety Program Quarterly Newsletter

The Dams Safety Program in the Bureau of Water has just issued their quarterly newsletter for dam owners and stakeholders. Topics include: preparing for hurricane season, how to update your contact information with DHEC, and several funding opportunities available to dam owners.

Compliance and Emissions Data Reporting Interface (CEDRI).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is continually adding new reporting templates to the Compliance and Emissions Data Reporting Interface (CEDRI).

Click here for the Code of Federal Regulation 40: Protection of the Environment; Part 60, 62, and 63 reports that are available and required for submission in CEDRI.

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's Environmental Affairs employs a wide range of environmental professionals from engineers and geologists to inspectors and meteorologists.

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