FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 8, 2008
DHEC announces water stakeholder meetings
COLUMBIA – As part of an evaluation of the uses and quality of South Carolina's freshwater, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control will be holding stakeholders meetings across the state, the agency announced today.
"Stakeholders will have an opportunity to share their thoughts on freshwater quality standards, classifications, and uses, as they relate to recreation," said David Wilson, chief of DHEC's Bureau of Water. "We'll be sharing information and also will be available to answer questions and concerns.
"All waters of the state must meet swimming standards at present," said David Wilson, chief of DHEC's Bureau of Water. "Fecal coliforms are the bacteria indicator of recreational water quality currently. While those bacteria might not be directly responsible for illness, they serve as indicators that other disease-causing organisms could be present in the water."
Wilson said changes in science and technology now enable DHEC to consider the use of other indicators to be sure the citizens of South Carolina are sufficiently protected.
"The plan is to gather information and data statewide over the next few years, and to seek input from various stakeholders about the potential changes to our program," Wilson said.
Stakeholder meetings
- Oct. 28 - Florence - Darlington Institute of Technology
- Nov. 6 - Columbia - DHEC's Peeples Auditorium
- Nov. 13 - Greenville - Greenville County Council Chambers
- Nov. 20 - Summerville - Dorchester County Council Chambers
The meetings will begin at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Karin Skipper in DHEC's Bureau of Water at (803) 898-8192 or at skippekb@dhec.sc.gov.
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For more information:
Clair Boatwright – (803) 898-4461
E-mail – boatwrc@dhec.sc.gov
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