Welcome to Charleston County Government Online

Our Mission:  We will promote and protect the quality of life in Charleston
County by delivering services of value to the community.

Charleston County
Building Services Department Project Impact

Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) Program

For more information:  http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/baq/lawnmowerxchng.aspx

Brochures

• Ways to Green Your Life brochure
• Air Pollution Game
• Energy Crossword Puzzle
• Household Hazardous Waste Flyer
• Mow Down Pollution brochure
• Open Burning brochure
• Recreational Boater Education Booklet
• Vessel Cleaning & Maintenance brochure

CARE’s goal is the environmental education of all citizens.

Q:  What are the environmental issues facing Charleston County?

A:  The air and water in Charleston County is being polluted every day. It is important for citizens to learn about what causes pollution and what we can do to prevent further harm to our environment.

Air Quality Issues

Q: What is the quality of the air in Charleston?

A:  In 2007, Charleston received an “F” for its levels of Particulate Matter (PM) in the air from the

American Lung Association.

Q:  What is Particulate Matter?

A:  Particulate Matter (PM) According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (see:http://www.epa.gov/air/particlepollution), PM is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets such as acids, organic chemicals, metals and soil or dust particles. PM can aggravate asthma, cause decreased lung function, irregular heartbeat, and death in those with pre-existing lung or heart conditions.  

Particulates Monitor
360 Fishburn St. (peninsula)

www.epa.gov/air

The above graph indicates that the level of particulate pollution at this location is below the national standard. Although Charleston County strives to be below the national average, the pollution levels are close enough for us to take further steps to reduce pollution.

Q:  What are other air pollutants we should be worried about?

A:  Another big concern in Charleston County is ground-level ozone. 

"Ground-level ozone is the state's most widespread air quality concern, especially during the summer months, high ground-level ozone days generally occur on hot sunny days when the air is stagnant. Ground-level ozone is formed when nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbon compounds react chemically in sunlight. This can create breathing problems especially for children, people with asthma or other respiratory problems and adults who work or exercise outdoors. Ground-level ozone can also cause tree and crop damage.”

- Myra C. Reece, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s

Chief of the Bureau of Air Quality

Q:  What causes Ozone Pollution?

A: Ozone comes from cars, trucks, gas-powered lawn and garden equipment, boats and other engines, industrial facilities and electric utilities.

Ozone Monitor- 390 Bulls Island Rd. (Awendaw)

www.epa.gov/air

As this graph indicates, Charleston County is bordering on exceeding the National Standard for Ozone Pollution.  That means this pollution is a significant concern.

Q: What are the sources of air pollution?

A:  Trucks, ships, automobiles, buses, lawn mowers, open burning and other sources that emit exhaust

Q:  What can I do to help?

A:  Follow these simple steps:

It All Adds Up

1. Trip chain more often. Combine all your errands into one outing instead of making a few short trips.

2. Take mass transit, share a ride or carpool. Check CARTA  routes and schedules. At www.ridecarta.com.

3. Have fun, ride your bike!

4. Walk instead of drive.

5. Care for your car. Get regular maintenance checks and keep your tires inflated properly.

6. Get fuel when it’s cool in the morning or in the evening.

7. Don’t top off the gas tank. Topping off releases gas fumes into the air, which cancels the benefits of the pump’s anti-pollution devices. So, stop at the pump’s automatic click and prevent gas spillage—it’s safer and reduces pollution.

8. Telecommute.  Work at home when you can. You’ll save time and money and reduce emissions and traffic congestion.

9. Know before you go.  Know the traffic conditions on your route so you can try to avoid any unnecessary idling.

10. Turn your engine off when waiting in line.  Americans waste approximately 3.8 million gallons of gasoline annually idling their engines. Idling releases large amounts of pollution.

11. Spread the word.  If everyone took just a few of these simple steps, it could make a big difference in air quality and traffic congestion.

25 Things you can do for Cleaner Air

For more solutions visit www.epa.gov or www.scdhec.net

Water Quality Issues

Q: How is our water system polluted?

A:  The biggest source of water pollution in Charleston County is stormwater runoff.

Q:  What is stormwater runoff?

A:  Stormwater runoff pollution occurs whenever it rains. It is unfiltered water that reaches streams, lakes, sounds and oceans by means of flowing across various surfaces. These surfaces include roads, parking lots, driveways and roofs (known as “nonpoint source pollution”).

Q:  What kind of pollutants are in stormwater runoff?

A:  Everyone, in one way or another, is likely to contribute to polluted runoff.  Polluted runoff comes from many sources such as malfunctioning septic systems, pet and native animal waste, eroded soil from land disturbances, lawn fertilizers, pesticides, oil, brake fluid, fuel and household chemicals.

Pollutants of 126 Impaired Water Bodies in Charleston County
(S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control 2008 data) As the above graph indicates, Charleston County has a significant number of water bodies that exceed allowable limits for bacteria associated with animal wastes.

Q:  How do boaters contribute to the pollution?

A:  Boating pollution comes from the engine’s exhaust, oil and fuel spills, and waste thrown overboard intentionally or unintentionally.

Q:  How does this pollution affect me?

A:  There are many health concerns associated with polluted water. Many kinds of bacteria are naturally found in the water, or they can get into the water from humans, pets or wildlife. They can come from septic tanks, sewer systems or from animal waste. The most common sickness is gastroenteritis, which can cause nausea, vomiting, stomachache, fever, headache and diarrhea. It can also cause eye, ear, nose and throat problems.

A:  Many oyster beds in Charleston County are closed for harvesting due to bacteria levels found in the water. Any time it rains more than 4 inches in a 24 hour period, open oyster beds are temporarily closed by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control due to the potential for contaminants that make their way to the water through stormwater runoff.

Q:  What Can I do?

• Pick up after your pets. Keep litter, pet wastes, leaves and debris out of street gutters and storm drains.
   

• Apply lawn and garden chemicals sparingly and according to directions.
   

• Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints and other household chemicals properly.  Charleston County’s Solid Waste and Recycling program will properly dispose of these items. See: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/SolidWaste/recyclinginfo.htm
   

• Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease and antifreeze using cat litter or a similar absorbing material; do not use a hose to spray them off into the street.
   

• Plant ground cover to stabilize erosion-prone areas.
   

• Have your septic system inspected and pumped every three to five years so that it operates properly.
   

• Purchase household detergents and cleaners that are low in phosphorous.
   

• Keep your trash on board your boat until you can throw it away at a proper disposal area.
   

• Keep your engine well tuned to prevent fuel and oil leaks.
   

• Prevent fuel spills by filling fuel tanks slowly and carefully.

Q:  What are some other tips we can follow to help the environment?

• Recycle, Reduce, and Reuse
   

• Composting is a good substitute to using a chemical fertilizer, and it’s a good way to get rid of food scraps without throwing them into the trash and into the waste stream. Fall leaves that are raked can be put into compost instead of by the road and into the waste stream.
   

• Replace your light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL’s) to save electricity. Be sure to recycle the bulbs properly.
   

• When you leave a room, turn the lights out and turn off the TV.
   

• If you’re not using the computer, shut it down. 
   

• Update your appliances if possible; older appliances waste much more energy.
   

• Make sure your faucets aren’t leaking. It's simple, inexpensive and can save 140 gallons a week.
   

• Buy organic food and vegetables.
   

• Set your thermostat around 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer to maximize both energy efficiency and personal comfort.
   

• Unplug it - people don’t realize that their cell phone charger, laptop cable and other electrical plugs drain power while they are plugged in, even if they are not in use.
   

• Run the washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full. By doing so, you could save 1,000 gallons a month.
   

• Time your shower to keep it under five minutes. You'll save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
   

• Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. You’ll save four gallons a minute, which equals 200 gallons a week for a family of four.

EPA Tips

For more information visit the following Web sites:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov

S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control: www.scdhec.net

Or contact Charleston County’s CARE Program at:

Charleston County Building Services Department

4045 Bridge View Drive, Rm. A-311

N. Charleston, SC  29405-7464

Telephone:  (843) 202-6940

All information and data is from EPA and SCDHEC sources.