Air Pollutants - Particulate Matter (PM) - General Information
What is DHEC doing to keep my air safe?
DHEC is responsible for tracking the air quality in South Carolina. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which are the nationwide standards that EPA sets to protect public health and the environment.
Across South Carolina, DHEC is stepping forward to motivate citizens, schools, community groups, local governments, and businesses to help keep our air safe. The best ways to limit PM are to reduce the number of vehicles on our roads, to require limits from industries that emit PM, and to limit open burning. DHEC is also working to reduce PM emissions by:
- Permitting industrial processes
- Providing Air Permitting and Regulatory public notices
- Enforcing all regulatory requirements
- Inspecting facilities and investigating complaints
- Administering the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) in South Carolina
- Evaluating emissions data from stack tests conducted at facilities
- Monitoring statewide and local air quality
- Working with local, state, and federal partners
- Working with schools and educators
- Creating air quality related publications and resources
- Recognizing and awarding environmental leaders
- Holding conferences, public meetings and other local events
For more information please contact the Bureau of Air Quality at (803) 898-4123 or by email.