Cities and towns have an array of strategies to fight and prevent water pollution. Unfortunately, more than 1,150 waterways in South Carolina are considered impaired, too polluted to meet water quality standards, according to Carolina Clear, a Clemson Extension program that provides storm water education and outreach. Compared to the 2017 report, some South Carolina cities saw an increase in ozone pollution as well. This is in keeping with a trend seen across the nation of higher ozone pollution levels.
DHEC monitors air pollution in South Carolina, and part of that process involves identifying the sources of pollution in the air we breathe. About 75 percent of air pollution originates from human-made sources, and their emissions are controlled through the federal Clean Air Act and individual state laws and regulations.
The American Lung Associations 2018 “State of the Air” report found some cities in South Carolina earned poorer grades for the nations most widespread air pollutants. Compared to the 2017 report, some South Carolina cities saw an increase in ozone pollution slightly.
Environmental Control enforces the state’s environmental laws on air and water quality, land and waste management, and pollution cleanup. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was established in 1994. Its stated mission is “to serve as the principal advocate for and steward of South …Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina: SECTION 1. It is the intent of the General Assembly that no private right of action exists under the Pollution Control Act, as contained in Chapter 1, Title 48.
Private companies can help with the pollution problem in SC, especially the ones involved in waste management, garbage collection, recycling and conservation. These SC waste management companies can have a tremendous impact on mitigating the deterioration of our nature and informing the public about reducing our waste output.
Pig waste pits and toxic coal ash pose threat to rivers and homes in North and South Carolina. Florence sparks pollution fears after excrement-filled ‘hog lagoons’ overflow. Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Clean Air Carolina is working to improve North Carolina’s monitoring of ozone and to promote policies that would reduce the emissions contributing to ozone production. Our Ozone Garden program provides hands-on learning in schools and public places showing evidence of ozone pollution on sensitive plants.
South Carolina SC Organizations SC Environmental, Conservation Organizations Also see: Animal, Wildlife Organizations | SC Recycling Locations Only after the last tree has been cut down. Only after the last river has been poisoned. Only after the last fish has been caught.
AQI: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101 – 150) Although general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range, people with lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone, whereas persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air.
Agency in South Carolina that regulates pesticides Exit; Most recent fact sheet on the management of certain toxic chemicals in South Carolina from EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory. Go to approved SIPs in Region 4; Pesticides compliance dashboard: see trends in environmental compliance and enforcement. The dashboard provides an easy-to-use summary of pollution levels in South Carolina.