South Carolina Department of Environmental Services

The SCDES Midlands-Aiken office had a blast at University of South Carolina Aiken's 39th Annual Science Education Enrichment Day (SEED) on October 26th! With over 2,800 attendees, our employees connected with families through interactive exhibits on environmental science. SCDES had three booths that featured: - Radioactive Hide & Seek: Families learned about Geiger Counters and radiation detection. - Aquatic Invertebrates: We showcased live species, taught about water quality, and hosted a matching game on aquatic habitats. - South Carolina Rocks & Minerals: Visitors got hands-on with local rocks and learned about mining. Thanks to all who visited - our team is already looking forward to next year! #SCDES #ScienceEnrichmentDay #SEED

In 2024, SCDES and partners released a Living Shorelines training course which highlights the benefits of living shorelines in South Carolina’s estuarine environment and teaches participants about living shoreline regulations and permitting, site assessments, installation materials and methods, and evaluating the performance of living shoreline installations. Participants hear from experts representing SCDES, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, Clemson Extension, The Nature Conservancy, and the Coastal Conservation League. The on-demand course is offered through Clemson Extension. Visit https://lnkd.in/eEEgz7gK for more information on the course and to register.

Let’s avoid “real-life” haunted houses this Halloween! By taking small steps like recycling and responsible waste disposal, we prevent pollution, protect our communities, and keep the creepy crawlies in the movies! 🎃🕷️

Yesterday, representatives from multiple state agencies and stakeholder groups joined Governor Henry McMaster for the first meeting of the WaterSC Water Resources Working Group. WaterSC is a newly launched statewide initiative bringing together a variety of collaborators from around the state to guide planning for South Carolina’s water resources. This significant effort comes as our state continues its unprecedented growth, looks towards our future water needs, and commits to continued environmental protection. Full news release: https://lnkd.in/eKQQa8Mt

Recently, SCDES Interim Director Myra Reece and its Bureau of Coastal Management team visited Daufuskie Island seeking opportunities to work collaboratively with community leaders in addressing the island’s unique environmental challenges. Daufuskie, the southernmost inhabited sea island in South Carolina, boasts over three miles of beachfront and is surrounded by the waters of Calibogue Sound, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its Gullah heritage and historic landmarks, the island is accessible only by ferry, preserving its wildlife and natural environment. The SCDES team discussed coastal erosion impacts, available technical resources and debris removal opportunities, while building the connections for community-led island-wide visioning in coordination with Beaufort County. SCDES can help communities like Daufuskie Island be able to plan for the protection and preservation of coastal resources for future generations.

Today, SCDES Interim Director Myra Reece joined representatives from the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission, the Town of Batesburg-Leesville, and other area officials during a ground-breaking ceremony for an important water system expansion project that will help improve water quality for residents. This water infrastructure project will also support local business opportunities to help meet the economic goals of the Batesburg-Leesville community. Director Reece noted that this substantial project, which includes the installation of more than 13 miles of water main, couldn’t have been made possible without the collaborative input and efforts of several different partners.

SCDES announced the winners of this year’s grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that supports South Carolina’s State Diesel Emissions Reductions Act (DERA) program. DERA grants are used to fund projects that help reduce diesel emissions and provide cleaner air. Learn more about DERA grant opportunities and previous projects funded by these grants in South Carolina on SCDES's DERA webpage. https://lnkd.in/e7KFccmQ Read the news release: https://lnkd.in/eViqAY7j

The WaterSC Water Resources Working Group will hold its first meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Stone River, 121 Alexander Road, West Columbia. The meeting will be livestreamed by SCETV on scetv.org. A copy of the agenda and additional information are available at https://lnkd.in/eWuGVwjR.

Formerly the “Harbor Island Bridge” in Beaufort County was renamed the “George J. ‘Geordie’ Madlinger III Bridge” on Oct. 7, 2024. “Geordie was a beloved member of the Bureau of Coastal Management (formerly the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management) for 31 years, and his impacts in the South Carolina Lowcountry were, and still are, far-reaching,” said Kelsey Fogarty, Coastal Services Project Manager. “Geordie dedicated years of service protecting South Carolina's coastlines and was a shining example of service over self.” The bridge was renamed in his honor per the South Carolina General Assembly Concurrent Resolution H. 4319, which states: “Whereas Mr. George J. ‘Geordie’ Madlinger III is a Beaufort County native who is a devoted husband and father, who enjoys fishing, boating, shrimping, and is a community volunteer; and Whereas he is a dedicated state employee involved in the development of sea islands in a manner that balances the needs of their citizens, ecosystems, and sea life; and Whereas, as the new Harbor Island bridge in Beaufort County is nearing completion, it would be fitting and proper to name it in honor of him. Now, therefore, Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring: "That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly request the Department of Transportation name the new Harbor Island bridge in Beaufort County the ‘George J. 'Geordie' Madlinger III Bridge’ and erect appropriate markers or signs at the bridge containing these words.”

3 more days! The Smart Business Recycling Program Survey and Awards Application is available until November 1, 2024. Businesses that provide recycling data from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, can apply for the Smart Business Recycling Award. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gGZ-Ynqq