* Wednesday, September 11, 2019
This page will be updated as information becomes available.
Latest Update
The department is working closely with the EPA to ensure a smooth transition as the EPA's emergency response nears completion. In the next three to four weeks, DHEC plans to transition to the lead agency overseeing the continued removal of material from the site. DHEC will continue to work collaboratively with local, county and state partners as EPA concludes its role and DHEC assumes the lead role for the site.
On Sept. 3, DHEC issued Able Contracting this notice.
The department’s number one priority continues to be protecting public health and the environment as the site is cleaned up and closed.
Today's Observations
There was only a small amount of smoke coming off the pile visible from Schinger Road this morning. However, there was a more significant amount coming from the Northeast corner. Efforts were made to reduce smoke in the NE corner and those efforts were successful as of this afternoon.
The Okatie Elementary School sensor is currently in the “Good” range. Please refer to the interactive DHEC map to access real time air quality information.
| Total Trucks through 9/10 | 786 |
| Total Tons through 9/10 | 7,300 |
| Trucks as of 3:00 PM 9/11 | 72 |
| Tons as of 3:00 PM 9/11 | 769 |
Please note: The number of trucks leaving the site each day varies depending on the weather and firefighting activities. Also, the tons per truck are estimated on days when landfill receipts are not available at the time of this update.
Winds should become light and variable after sunset, which would shift the plume in any direction at any given time, but the highest smoke concentrations are expected to be in close proximity of the fire, within about ¼ mile of the facility. Beyond mid-morning hours (through sunset) each day, any remnant smoke in the air should disperse efficiently. For Thursday, any significant smoke during the morning hours will likely be transported towards the west early, then shifting towards the southwest late in the morning into the afternoon hours at speeds of around 10 mph. Thus, the area near the Sun City and Argent Lakes is more likely to witness smoke during the morning hours if fire flare-ups occur. Smoke is not expected to be a problem during the afternoon hours each day. Please note that locations closest to the Able Contracting facility along Schinger Avenue are more likely to experience smoke at any given time.
The Able Contracting Information Hotline has been established to provide the daily forecast and allow community members to leave messages if they have additional questions. The Smoke Forecast Hotline phone number is 803-898-4262 or 1-800‐204-1842.
For media inquiries: media@dhec.sc.gov.
For other inquiries: ablefire@dhec.sc.gov.
Stay Informed
This page will be updated regularly as information becomes available.