2021 Press Round Up
January
A proposal to split DHEC gains steam, some worry about damaging environmental protection
Wastewater at toxic superfund site treated and discharged into sewage system, developer says
February
Saltwater bodies like Shem Creek must meet stricter bacteria standards with new regulation
Charleston Waterkeeper, NOAA begin pilot study that tests local waters for contaminants
New pilot study tests Lowcountry waterways for contaminants
https://www.live5news.com/2021/02/20/new-pilot-study-tests-lowcountry-waterways-contaminants/
March
SC plastic pellet spill lawsuit settled for $1 million
Company accused of plastic pollution agrees to pay SC nonprofits $1M in settlement
Frontier Logistics agrees to $1.2 million settlement in pellet lawsuit
https://charlestonbusiness.com/news/distribution-logistics/80125/
$1 million settlement reached in Charleston “nurdle” lawsuit
Environmental groups, company settle suit involving plastic pellets on Sullivan’s Island beach
$1M settlement reached in lawsuit over “nurdles” in Charleston Harbor
Conservation leaders work to mitigate pollution and threats to Lowcountry waterways.
$1 million nurdle spill settlement shines light on plastic pollution during shipping
https://www.desmogblog.com/2021/03/09/1-million-nurdle-spill-settlement-plastic-pollution-shipping
SC bill aims to prevent plastic pellets in local waterways
https://www.live5news.com/2021/03/26/sc-bill-aims-prevent-plastic-pellets-local-waterways/
SC bill would crack down on plastic pellet spills
April
DHEC to start annual water quality tests at state beaches
https://counton2.com/news/dhec-to-start-annual-water-quality-tests-at-state-beaches
SC Senate passes “nurdle bill” to help curb plastic pellet spills
https://abcnews4.com/news/local/sc-senate-passes-nurdle-bill-to-help-curb-plastic-pellet-spills
Bill cracking down on plastic pellet pollution in Lowcountry waterways passes SC Senate
Earth Day sparks clean-ups throughout the Lowcountry
DHEC to start annual water quality tests at local beaches
https://www.counton2.com/news/dhec-to-start-annual-water-quality-tests-at-state-beaches/
June
Volunteers constructing artificial oyster reef near USS Yorktown
https://abcnews4.com/news/local/volunteers-constructing-artificial-oyster-reef-near-uss-yorktown
July
New study finds pollutants lurking in Charleston waterways
https://abcnews4.com/news/local/new-study-finds-3-pollutants-lurking-in-charleston-waterways
“Concerning” medical waste found on Ashley River Bridge
https://abcnews4.com/news/local/medical-waste-found-on-ashely-river-bridge
Local expert says litter worsening as people leave their homes post-lockdown
August
Extremely high bacteria levels found in Charleston waterways
https://abcnews4.com/news/local/extremely-high-bacteria-levels-found-in-charleston-waterways
September
Human fecal bacteria found in local waters
https://twitter.com/carolinebTV/status/1433075620750168074
October
Commentary: Act now to reset balance between Lowcountry’s land and water
Human fecal matter creating unsafe bacteria levels in James Island Creek, task force working to clean it up
Editorial: We know what’s polluting James Island Creek. Now we need to fix it.
James Island Creek Task Force tasked with cleaning waterway, including fecal waste
Local storm water and environmental experts say waterway pollution is worse after storms
November
Watershed samples show water quality unsafe for swimming in Charleston
December
Lowcountry Groups great fund to support environmental improvement projects
Coastal Community Foundation launches Heathy Harbors Fund to benefit water quality in greater Charleston area
Town of James Island to request $6.4M in state, federal funds to stem creek contamination
