Tag Archives: Ocean & Coastal Resource Management

Registration Now Open for the 13th Annual Environmental Assistance Conference on November 19, 2019

DHEC’s Office of Environmental Affairs will host the 13th Annual Environmental Assistance Conference on Tuesday, November 19, from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Cooperative Conference Center (169 Laurelhurst Ave, Columbia, SC).  This year’s theme is Compliance Assistance and Customer Service: DHEC and Industry Working Together.  The agenda will include regulatory compliance and permitting topics, such as hazardous waste, dams, stormwater, air quality, solid waste and legislative updates.

Additionally, the conference will feature up to 30 local businesses and organizations in our exhibitor showcase. DHEC staff will also be available to answer any technical or permitting questions.

“DHEC’s annual Environmental Assistance Conference unites environmental regulators with DHEC staff and offers an exciting opportunity for continued learning and instruction on important topics relevant to our community and partners,” said Myra Reece, DHEC’s director of Environmental Affairs.  “DHEC strives to meet our agency values of pursing excellence, innovation, service and teamwork. This conference is just one example of how DHEC’s dedicated Environmental Affairs team exemplifies our agency’s values by creating a learning and networking environment between the regulated community and our staff year after year.”

Deadline to register is Sunday, November 10.  Registration for both attendees and exhibitors is on a first come, first serve basis. Space is available for up to 30 exhibitors and approximately 250 attendees. The attendee fee is $45 per person. The exhibitor fee is $300 per table and includes registration for two attendees. All registrations include access to the exhibitor room, all presentations, a light breakfast and lunch.

For conference updates and to register for the conference, please visit our website at www.scdhec.gov/environment/eac.  Questions about the conference or registration can be directed to Rebecca Sproles at sprolemr@dhec.sc.gov or 803-898-3139. You don’t want to miss this event!

 

New Year – New Tide Tables

By Liz Hartje, DHEC Coastal Projects Manager

A new year is on the horizon, and South Carolinians who want to update their calendars with a new year of tidal information can now get the 2016 Tide Table Poster from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

The Tide Table Posters are produced by DHEC’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) to help citizens monitor and plan for tidal events along the coast. The tables provide daily tidal information based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tide predictions, including dates and times of high tides with corresponding water levels, and dates and times of low tides.

Impacts of tides vary, but extreme high tides may wash debris and contaminants into coastal environments or cause coastal erosion and flooding. Knowing when tides occur can help South Carolina’s coastal communities and residents prepare. Tidal information also helps residents and visitors plan for recreational activities such as kayaking, boating or a trip to the beach.

Where to Get Your Tide Table Poster

Limited supplies of printed Tide Tables are available at DHEC OCRM offices in Charleston, Beaufort and Myrtle Beach. A foldable, desktop version of the chart is also available online. To learn more about the Tide Tables and to download the 2016 poster, click here.

2016 Tide Table Download

Coastal Photography 

DHEC holds its Coastal Photography Contest each year to determine the featured photograph for the new Tide Table Poster and web page. Nearly 100 photos were received during the 2015 contest, and  Justin Morris was selected with his winning photo, Orange Crush, which was captured at Folly Beach. Congratulations, Justin!

About Tides

The rise and fall of tides are caused by the gravitational and centrifugal forces exerted by the moon, sun and the earth.  These forces produce two high tides and two low tides per day in South Carolina.

The highest seasonal tides occur when the earth, moon, and sun are aligned, and the moon is closest to the earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. Often referred to as King Tides, these extreme high tides are predictable based on the known astronomical forces described above. But, it’s important to remember that meteorological conditions like onshore winds, low atmospheric pressure, and precipitation can push water inland and result in water levels that greatly exceed astronomical predictions.

MY SC King Tide Entry Murrels Inlet.jpg

King tide photo at Murrels Inlet submitted by Christopher Stout

King Tides Program

 

DHEC is leading the South Carolina King Tides initiative to document the effect that extreme tide events have on our state’s beaches, coastal waterways, private property and public infrastructure.

Through the initiative, citizen scientists can submit their photos of king tide events to help DHEC monitor and respond to coastal environmental issues. The photos are included in DHEC’s long-term analysis of coastal vulnerability and planning initiatives with municipalities.

To participate in the South Carolina King Tides Initiative, click here.

 

Life is a beach

By Jim Beasley 

Beach-iStock_000058549792_Full

With beachgoing season quickly approaching, wouldn’t it be great if someone would develop an online app that would show you the best places to park to access your favorite public beach? Or maybe show you the closest public restrooms or showers? Maybe you need to find a way to reach the beach with wheelchair access.

Actually, such an app already exists — and it’s ready to help you better enjoy your trip to South Carolina’s beautiful coastline.

Just go to http://gis.dhec.sc.gov/beachaccess/.

This useful app from DHEC’s Division of Ocean & Coastal Resource Management can help you find the right amenities needed to help you plan your next fun-in-the-sun trip.

Let’s say you want to go to Isle of Palms. Just choose the beach from the list, and then search for the requested conveniences. A map will appear showing you the amenity you need and where to find it. It also helps you navigate from your current location to the best access point.

Whether it’s public transit, seasonal lifeguards, trash receptacles or a beach park for an oceanside picnic, this app enables you to find the right spot.

The app is readily available on your desktop. But it’s even more helpful from your smartphone, so be sure to bookmark it or add the icon to your home screen for your next trip to the beach.