South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Name	South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Formed	July 1, 1973
Preceding1	South Carolina State Board of Health
Preceding2	South Carolina Pollution Control Authority
Jurisdiction	State of South Carolina
Headquarters	Columbia, South Carolina
Chief1 name	Dr. Edward Simmer
Chief1 position	Director
Parent agency	Government of South Carolina
Website	scdhec.gov

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is the primary state agency overseeing public health and environmental protection in South Carolina. Established in 1973 through a merger of health and environmental boards, it operates under the authority of the South Carolina General Assembly and the Governor of South Carolina. The agency's broad mandate encompasses disease control, healthcare regulation, and the enforcement of environmental laws affecting air quality, water resources, and waste management.

History

The department was created on July 1, 1973, by an act of the South Carolina General Assembly, consolidating the former South Carolina State Board of Health and the South Carolina Pollution Control Authority. This reorganization aimed to streamline state government and address growing concerns about industrial pollution and community health. Key historical events influencing its development include responses to outbreaks of diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, as well as environmental crises such as contamination from Savannah River Site operations and the Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel Division. Over the decades, its role expanded significantly following federal laws like the Clean Air Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Organization and leadership

The agency is led by a director appointed by the Governor of South Carolina with the advice and consent of the South Carolina Senate. The current director is Dr. Edward Simmer. It is governed by an eight-member board, whose members are also appointed by the governor and represent various congressional districts. Operationally, it is divided into several major bureaus, including the Bureau of Environmental Health Services, the Bureau of Drug Control, and the Bureau of Laboratories. The department maintains close working relationships with federal partners like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Public health responsibilities

This division focuses on protecting community health through disease prevention, health promotion, and regulatory oversight. Core functions include epidemiology and surveillance for communicable diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, and hepatitis. It licenses and inspects healthcare facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, and restaurants. The agency also manages vital records, operates public health clinics for services like immunization and sexually transmitted infection testing, and administers programs for maternal health and chronic disease prevention.

Environmental regulation responsibilities

The environmental regulation division enforces state and federal laws to protect natural resources and public safety. This includes issuing permits and monitoring compliance for industrial wastewater discharges, air emissions from facilities, and the management of hazardous waste and solid waste. The agency oversees the protection of water bodies like Lake Murray and the Savannah River, conducts environmental impact assessments, and manages the cleanup of contaminated sites under programs like Superfund and brownfields. It also regulates onsite wastewater systems and underground storage tanks.

Major programs and initiatives

Notable ongoing programs include **My Coast**, which monitors coastal resources and manages beachfront jurisdictions. The **Take On Tobacco** initiative works to reduce smoking rates, particularly among youth. The **Bureau of Radiological Health** ensures the safe use of radioactive material in medical and industrial settings. In response to the opioid epidemic, the department distributes naloxone and supports prevention education. Other key efforts involve lead poisoning prevention, asbestos abatement, and the **South Carolina Health Information Exchange**, which facilitates electronic medical records sharing among providers.

Controversies and challenges

The department has faced significant scrutiny and legal challenges throughout its history. It was heavily criticized for its response to the 2015 historic flooding and subsequent dam failures, including the breach of the Lake Columbia Dam. Management of coal ash ponds by utilities like Dominion Energy and Duke Energy has been a persistent environmental and public health concern. The agency's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including data reporting and enforcement of public health orders, drew both praise and political opposition. Other ongoing challenges include addressing environmental justice in disproportionately affected communities and managing emerging threats like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.

Category:State agencies of South Carolina Category:Public health organizations in the United States Category:Environmental protection agencies in the United States