South Carolina Department Of Health And Environmental Control Research Articles

The Effectiveness of a Mobile Health Clinic Delivering Mandatory and Elective Middle School Immunizations: A Descriptive Analysis.

Mobile health clinics serve a unique role in which they can offer affordable and adaptable care to the population they serve. The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) mobile clinics began in 2020 as a partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) to address the low vaccination rates that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is a descriptive analysis that examines the number of vaccinations of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) and human papillomavirus (HPV) at different locations of administration including pediatrician offices, the novel VCOM mobile vaccination clinic, and the Spartanburg Health Department. The variables of interest and the study endpoints focused on Tdap and HPV vaccinations among students aged 11-12 years old in Spartanburg County according to the type of healthcare delivery location. From April to May of 2021, the VCOM mobile clinic was able to administer 279 Tdap vaccines and 189 HPV vaccines to students at local middle schools, which surpasses the number of vaccines administered at other sites from August 2020 to May 2021 when compared individually for both Tdap and HPV vaccinations. By assessing the total volume of vaccines administered by each group, the VCOM mobile clinic was established as an effective method of delivery and played a crucial role in the vaccination efforts of the Spartanburg community. Mobile medical units should be considered for similar efforts in providing care to resource-limited communities and those with limited access to care.

An Outbreak of New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase Among Intensive Care Unit Patients in an Acute Care Hospital

BackgroundThe South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) was notified of a Klebsiella pneumoniae NDM isolated from a respiratory specimen of a patient in a dedicated Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) intensive care unit (ICU) at an acute care hospital (ACH). NDM is a Tier 2 multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO), specifically a carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) which can cause serious infection and requires intervention to prevent spread.MethodsThe Healthcare-Associated Infections staff from SCDHEC collaborated with the hospital's infection preventionists (IP) to mitigate and prevent further transmission. CRE colonization screening and respiratory culture collection on the remaining eleven ICU patients was initiated. An onsite visit to the facility was conducted. This included a discussion of steps the facility had taken since initial notification of the NDM-positive patient and observation of infection control practices in the dedicated COVID-19 ICU. A modified assessment tool based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's infection control assessment and response (ICAR) tool was used.ResultsCRE colonization screenings were all negative; however, respiratory cultures identified two additional patients positive with NDM. Upon investigation, an infection control breach was discovered, stemming from nonconventional use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found that staff working with the positive NDM-patients were not re-educated on proper contact precautions and use of PPE. After the infection control assessment, a list identifying the unit's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats was shared with the IPs as a guide for practice improvement and transmission disruption.ConclusionsThe NDM outbreak was limited to the initial patient and the additional two discovered during active culture surveillance. The infection control assessment found that nonconventional infection prevention and control practices deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic led to unintentional spread of MDROs; however, early interventions in collaboration with public health can prevent further transmission.

Timeline of COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality among Residents and Staff of South Carolina Long-term Care Facilities

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), but little research has described parallel infection rates and mortality among LTCF residents and staff in relation to state-level mitigation measures. This study used comprehensive COVID-19 tracking data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), including case report information on demographics, symptoms, comorbidities, and employment. We included all confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases and deaths among adult SC residents reported between 3/15/2020 and 1/2/2021. Residence or employment in LTCF, including nursing homes, assisted living, or skilled nursing facilities, were confirmed by SCDHEC. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare mortality between residents/staff and counterparts in the community. Overall, 54,514 cases of COVID-19 were identified among older adults in SC. Of these, 13.5% (n = 7,366) resided in a LTCF. LTCF residents with COVID-19 were more likely to be hospitalized compared to older adults in the community and 74% more likely to die (HR= 1.74, 95% CI: 1.59-1.90), after controlling for age, gender, race, and chronic health conditions. LTCF staff had greater infection rates but lower risk of mortality (HR=0.58; 95% CI: 0.39-0.88) compared to the general population. Differences in COVID-19 incidence and mortality between residents/staff and the community decreased after statewide mitigation policies. This study indicates that LTCF residents are at increased risk of COVID infection and mortality, even accounting for pre-existing health conditions. LTCF settings are key sites for prioritizing prevention, vaccination, and training plans to prepare for future pandemics.

Timeline of COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality among Residents and Staff of South Carolina Long-term Care Facilities

Public health guidelines to prevent spreading COVID-19 place older adults at risk of loneliness and social isolation. Evidence suggests that participation protects older adults from such detrimental outcomes, therefore we aimed to identify the factors associated with participation in life roles among older adults living in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a telesurvey on a random sample of community-dwelling older adults living in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, between May and July 2020. Outcome measures included participation in life roles, physical function, physical activity, mobility, mental health, nutrition, and demographics. We conducted two multivariate regression analyses with the Late Life Disability Instrument’s (LLDI) frequency and limitations scales as the dependent variables. Candidate factors were organized by International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework domains; personal factors, body functions and structures, activities, and environmental factors. A total of 272 older adults completed the telesurvey (mean age 78 ±7.3 yrs, 70% female). Age, using walking aids, driving status, household income, education, mental health, nutrition, physical function, and dwelling type explained 47.1% (p<0.001) of the variance observed in LLDI frequency scores. Using walking aids, driving status, receiving health assistance, mental health, and physical function explained 33.9% (p<0.001) of the variance observed in LLDI limitation scores. These findings highlight factors from multiple ICF domains that are associated with participation limitation and frequency among older adults during the pandemic. Our findings have implications for developing public health initiatives to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on the participation of older adults.

Vaccine access shrinks disparities between long-term care and community rates of COVID-19 mortality.

This longitudinal secondary data analysis examines differences in COVID-19 incidence and mortality among long-term care facility (LTCF) residents with those living in the community in South Carolina (SC) throughout the pandemic, including the time of vaccine availability. Data came from the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). Descriptive statistics and trends for cases of infections and deaths were calculated. Cox proportional hazards were used to compare COVID-19 mortality in LTC residents to community dwelling older adults, controlling for age, gender, race, and pre-existing chronic health conditions. Until early January of 2021, significantly greater incidence rates of infection (116.2 per 10,000 per month) and hazard of death after infection (HR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.70-1.98) were experienced among LTC residents as compared to older adults in the community even after statewide mask mandates and visitation guidance. Since vaccine availability, COVID incidence rates among LTC residents fell by half (59.5 per 10,000 per month after vaccines), and the relative hazard of death compared to older adults in the community was diminished (HR=1.44, 95% CI:1.29-1.61). Reducing the gap between LTCF and community-wide infection and mortality rates suggests that vaccination against COVID-19 is correlated with reduced disease spread in the greater community and in LTCF. Results indicate that policies and regulations addressing LTC resident and staff vaccination may effectively protect the most vulnerable older adults and the workforce providing their care while mask mandates and visitation guidance do not.

COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality Among Long-Term Care Facility Residents and Staff in South Carolina

ObjectivesThis study explored differences in COVID-19 incidence, mortality, and timing among long-term care facility (LTCF) residents and staff with those living in the community in South Carolina (SC). DesignLongitudinal secondary data analysis. Setting and ParticipantsAdults age ≥18 in SC with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis from 3/15/2020 and 1/2/2021 (n = 307,891). MethodsCOVID-19 data came from the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). We included all COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths among adult residents. Residence and employment in LTCF were confirmed by SCDHEC. Descriptive statistics and trends for cases, hospitalizations, and deaths were calculated. We used Cox proportional hazards to compare COVID-19 mortality in LTCF residents and staff to community dwelling older adults and adults not employed in LTCF, respectively, controlling for age, gender, race, and pre-existing chronic health conditions. ResultsLTC residents experienced greater incidence of cases throughout the study period until the week ending on 1/2/21. LTCF residents with COVID-19 were more likely to be hospitalized compared to older adults in the community and 74% more likely to die (HR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.59-1.90), after adjusting. LTC staff experienced greater incidence of cases compared to adults not employed in LTCF until the week ending on 12/26/2020, while experiencing similar incidence of death compared to the similar community members. After adjusting, LTC staff had 0.58 (HR = 0.58; CI: 0.39-0.88) times lower hazard of death compared to community members that did not work in a LTCF. Conclusions and ImplicationsNarrowing of the gap between LTCF and community-wide infection and mortality rates over the study period suggests that early detection of COVID-19 in LTCFs could serve as a first indicator of disease spread in the greater community. Results also indicate that policies and regulations addressing staff testing and protection may help to slow or prevent spread within facilities.

South Carolina Sampling, Analysis, and Governance of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

The extent of sampling, analytical, and governance guidelines for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in individual states is currently inconsistent. There are no federally mandated regulations on PFAS, and the geochemical variations within different states can lead to regionally specific PFAS contamination, resulting in state-specific guidelines for PFAS contamination in different environmental matrices. There are no facilities in South Carolina known to currently or previously produce PFAS; however, they may be used in the production of other goods at industries throughout South Carolina, including Class B firefighting foams, consumer items, packaging, and stain- and weather-resistant fabrics. We assessed the sampling, analytical, and governance strategies of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) to understand current state-specific guidelines for PFAS contamination in South Carolina. This assessment indicates that SCDHEC has conducted sampling and analysis of community drinking water systems supplied by surface water for PFAS contamination. Additionally, risk indicators have been made for highly susceptible areas for likely PFAS contamination, including Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Energy (DOE) sites, airports, and landfills in South Carolina. Recently, bills have been introduced into the South Carolina legislature to address PFAS. These proactive approaches in South Carolina aid in the assessment of the risks of PFAS contamination and are important steps for SCDHEC and South Carolina legislative stakeholders as they continue to develop and enforce state-specific standards for PFAS chemicals and await more information and official regulatory drivers from the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).

Widespread Contamination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in South Carolina and North Carolina (USA): A Legacy of Malarial Eradication and Mosquito Control

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) has been conducting fish tissue monitoring for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) since 1974 and, based on the results, restrictive fish consumption advice has been in place at two reservoirs in South Carolina for several decades. But in 2009, widespread contamination was reported in fish from the Catawba-Wateree and Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basins. Therefore, beginning in 2010, additional monitoring of fish tissue for PCBs in the rivers and reservoirs of these two basins was initiated. Results from a spatial analysis, combined with evidence from historic literature, suggests that the source of the PCB contamination, in part, is from past direct application of used transformer oil on reservoirs located along the two rivers, the origins of which were hydroelectric projects in both basins. The use of used motor oil for mosquito control and malaria eradication was widespread in the first half of the twentieth century, and results suggest that for some utility operations, PCB oil was utilized to augment these programs. The global ramifications of these findings are not yet known, but they should encourage reconsideration of origin, transport, and fate of PCBs in other regions, particularly where a known source of environmental contamination is not obvious.

Guest Commentary - South Carolina Water Quality Monitoring Data Elevated for Research, Decision Making, and the Internet of Water

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Water Quality Exchange (WQX) and the Water Quality Portal (WQP) are the nationally accepted data systems used for submitting, storing, and retrieving water quality data. They were designed using strict water quality data standards, facilitate accessibility, and make the data discoverable as recommended by the Internet of Water (IoW). The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), along with their community partners, have demonstrated successful data publishing and incorporation of federal, state, tribal, and community partner data from WQP into research studies and decision making. We encourage all water quality partners in South Carolina, especially authors who publish their research in the Journal of South Carolina Water Resources, to make their data publicly available through WQX/WQP because it allows others to build on original research, increases data inclusion in SCDHEC water quality assessments, and facilitates the public communication of water quality information through EPA’s How’s My Waterway.

Identification of Priority Areas for Increased Testing Using Geospatial Mapping of Incident HIV Cases Near Charleston, South Carolina.

Analysis of disease incidence using geospatial mapping techniques can enhance targeted public health efforts in resource-limited settings. While data for HIV incidence are readily available for some metropolitan regions, there is no existing resource that maps HIV incidence geospatially for Charleston, South Carolina and surrounding counties. To facilitate the public health approach to address the HIV epidemic in this region, we used data collected by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC-DHEC) from 2014 to 2015 to generate local geospatial maps of disease incidence and identify specific areas that may benefit from increased testing and educational efforts. We identified specific zip codes in which there were a high number of cases from patients residing in those areas, but a low number of providers reporting new cases, and we describe ongoing efforts to address this disparity. This analysis identifies a local, collaborative approach to address the HIV epidemic using routinely collected surveillance data.

Racial disparities in endometrial cancer mortality-to-incidence ratios among Blacks and Whites in South Carolina.

Endometrial cancer (EC) exhibits striking racial disparities with higher mortality in Blacks compared to Whites. The mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) provides a population-based measure of survival which accounts for incidence. The objective of this study was to map EC MIRs by race for eight health regions within South Carolina (SC) and chart EC incidence by race and grade across the four cancer stages. Cancer incidence and mortality data were obtained from the SC Community Access Network (SCAN), the online data query system provided by the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). The underlying data for SCAN were generated from the SC Central Cancer Registry and SC DHEC Vital Records and used to construct MIRs. ArcGIS 10.1 was used to map EC MIRs by race for eight health regions within SC. Four categories of MIR were derived using the national MIR for EC among Whites as the reference category. Blacks had higher levels of poorly differentiated tumors across all stages and higher incidence and mortality rates. In all eight health regions, Blacks were in the highest MIR category. By contrast, the MIRs for Whites were more evenly represented over the four categories. The MIR proved useful for identifying disparities in EC incidence and mortality among Black and White women in SC. Cancer surveillance programs may use the MIR to monitor disparities across racial/ethnic groups and geographic regions going forward. MIRs have the potential to serve as an indicator of the long-term success of cancer surveillance programs.

Rural populations and early periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment services: challenges and opportunities for local public health departments.

We examined geographic differences in Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) visits as the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) transitioned from direct service provision (DSP) to assuring delivery within the larger health care system. We examined infant cohorts with continuous Medicaid coverage and normal birth weights from 1995 to 2010. Outcome variables included any EPSDT visit and the ratio of observed to expected visits. Change in SCDHEC market share over time by residence was the primary variable of interest. We used growth curve models to examine changes in EPSDT visits by rural areas and levels of DSP over time. A small proportion of the study population (10%) resided in rural counties that were more dependent on SCDHEC for DSP. The trajectory of not having visits among counties with high DSPs was steeper in rural areas (0.208; P = .001) compared with urban areas (0.145; P = .002). In counties with high DSPs, the slope of the predicted ratio in rural areas (-0.033; P < .001) was steeper than that of urban areas (-0.013; P < .001). Health departments operations continue to transition from DSP, which might decrease access to well-child care in rural communities. Health care reform provides opportunities for health departments to work with community partners to facilitate DSP from public to private sectors.

Spatial and temporal analysis of land cover changes and water quality in the Lake Issaqueena watershed, South Carolina.

Monitoring changes in land cover and the subsequent environmental responses are essential for water quality assessment, natural resource planning, management, and policies. Over the last 75years, the Lake Issaqueena watershed has experienced a drastic shift in land use. This study was conducted to examine the changes in land cover and the implied changes in land use that have occurred and their environmental, water quality impacts. Aerial photography of the watershed (1951, 1956, 1968, 1977, 1989, 1999, 2005, 2006, and 2009) was analyzed and classified using the geographic information system (GIS) software. Seven land cover classes were defined: evergreen, deciduous, bare ground, pasture/grassland, cultivated, and residential/other development. Water quality data, including sampling depth, water temperature, dissolved oxygen content, fecal coliform levels, inorganic nitrogen concentrations, and turbidity, were obtained from the South Carolina (SC) Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) for two stations and analyzed for trends as they relate to land cover change. From 1951 to 2009, the watershed experienced an increase of tree cover and bare ground (+17.4% evergreen, +62.3% deciduous, +9.8% bare ground) and a decrease of pasture/grassland and cultivated land (-42.6% pasture/grassland and -57.1% cultivated). From 2005 to 2009, there was an increase of 21.5% in residential/other development. Sampling depth ranged from 0.1 to 0.3m. Water temperature fluctuated corresponding to changing air temperatures, and dissolved oxygen content fluctuated as a factor of water temperature. Inorganic nitrogen content was higher from December to April possibly due to application of fertilizers prior to the growing season. Turbidity and fecal coliform bacteria levels remained relatively the same from 1962 to 2005, but a slight decline in pH can be observed at both stations. Prior to 1938, the area consisted of single-crop cotton farms; after 1938, the farms were abandoned, leaving large bare areas with highly eroded soil. Starting in 1938, Clemson reforested almost 30% of the watershed. Currently, three fourths of the watershed is forestland, with a limited coverage of small farms and residential developments. Monitoring water quality is essential in maintaining adequate freshwater supply. Water quality monitoring focuses mainly on the collection of field data, but current water quality conditions depend on the cumulative impacts of land cover change over time.

Abstract TP372: Stroke Patients Transported To A Primary Stroke Center More Likely To Receive Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Background: South Carolina (SC) is located in the “buckle” of the stroke belt with one of the highest stroke death rates in the country. In 2010, SC had 66 acute care hospitals caring for strokes, nine of which were certified primary stroke centers (PSC). The rate of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) use and its correlates have not been investigated in the state. Objectives: To study the rate of IV-tPA use and its correlates using the statewide hospital discharge records stored at SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), for the calendar year 2010. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of the statewide hospital discharge records stored at SC DHEC, for the calendar year 2010. Patients with a discharge diagnosis of ischemic stroke were included in the analysis. Variables considered included patient demographics, insurance status, location/type of destination hospital, and treatment with IV-tPA. Results: In the calendar year 2010, 10,377 hospitalized patients in SC were assigned a primary discharge diagnosis of ischemic stroke. Of these, 4.2% (442) were treated with IV-tPA. Those who were treated with IV-tPA were younger (mean age ± standard deviation=66.7 ± 14.4, p=0.002) compared with those who did not receive IV-tPA (68.8±13.6). Patients treated at a PSC (49% of all ischemic stroke patients) were more likely to receive IV-tPA (Odds Ratio or OR 4.0, 95% CI 3.2-5.0).Patients treated in hospitals located in urban counties were more likely to receive IV-tPA compared to those treated in rural counties (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-5.3). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, patients treated at a PSC (Adjusted OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.9-2.5) and those treated in urban counties (Adjusted OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.8) independently increased the likelihood of receiving IV-tPA. Gender, race and insurance status did not significantly change the likelihood of receiving IV-tPA. Conclusions: Younger stroke patients, treatment in a PSC and hospitals located in an urban county increased the likelihood of receiving IV-tPA. Increasing community awareness of PSCs, their location and designation may increase the rate of IV-tPA use.

Public Health Response to a Rabid Kitten—Four States, 2007

On July 24, 2007, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) was notified by the North Carolina Division of Public Health (NCDPH) of a stray, rabid kitten that had been handled by players on several girls' softball teams during a tournament in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. This report summarizes the public health response to exposure to the rabid kitten and highlights the importance of multistate collaboration in a rabid animal investigation.

An Approach to Evaluating TMDLs to Support Permitted Discharges, Regulatory Agencies, and other Stakeholders

An Approach to Evaluating TMDLs to Support Permitted Discharges, Regulatory Agencies, and other StakeholdersIn November 2006 the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) announced that a Watershed Analysis Risk Management Framework (WARMF) model application in the Catawba River Basin was available for public review. The model was developed by SCDHEC in response to impaired phosphorus conditions in Fishing Creek Reservoir, Cedar Creek Reservoir, and Lake Wateree which were...Author(s)Brian A. JacobsonTroy R. NaperalaBrooks M. SmithSourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationSubjectSession 108: TMDLs: The Issues and the AnswersDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Jan, 2008ISSN1938-6478SICI1938-6478(20080101)2008:7L.7968;1-DOI10.2175/193864708788808834Volume / Issue2008 / 7Content sourceWEFTECFirst / last page(s)7968 - 7976Copyright2008Word count232

The Management Academy for Public Health

In the late 1990s, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) was faced with the challenges of a workforce that was not prepared in public health; the impending loss of significant agency expertise, leadership, and institutional knowledge through retirement; the lack of available and accessible training; and continuing state budget cuts. Preparedness for bioterrorism and other public health emergencies was also of concern, a need made more urgent after 2001. To respond to current and emerging public health challenges, the SCDHEC had to have a workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary for the delivery of essential public health services. To address these challenges, the department partnered with the University of North Carolina in the pilot of the Management Academy for Public Health. The Management Academy is now integrated into the South Carolina workforce development strategy, and 199 staff members and 22 community partners have graduated from the program. Along with increased knowledge, skills, and abilities of individual staff and increased organizational and community capacity, a significant result of South Carolina's experience with the Management Academy for Public Health is the development of a training program for emergency preparedness modeled on the Management Academy. This highly successful program illustrates the replicability of the Management Academy model.

Self-reported smoking and related health behaviors in South Carolina: A geographic analysis of incidence rates of smoking-attributed cancers

Smoking is associated with increased risk of adverse health effects, including increased risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease and premature mortality. Smoking cessation is touted as the best method to prevent these negative health outcomes. However, the rate of current smokers has not significantly declined in the last fifteen years in South Carolina. This study assesses current smoking and related health behaviors and investigates any possible association with incidence rates of smoking-attributed cancers in South Carolina. Responses regarding current smoking behavior and voluntary seeking of medical care to the 2003 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey conducted in South Carolina were obtained through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC-DHEC) website. Incidence rates of all cancers for 1996 through 2000 were also obtained through the SC-DHEC website. Smoking-attributed cancers were classified based upon Centers for Disease Control (CDC) classification. Both smoking attributed and nonsmoking attributed cancer incidence rates were categorized according to counties. An analysis was conducted using Arc View Geographical Information System software. Geographic analysis identified Marlboro and Dillon counties has having the highest age-adjusted lung cancer incidence rates in South Carolina (Dillon – 118.9 and Marlboro – 135.0 per 100,000) while also having the largest percentage of current smokers (69.3%) and the largest percentage of smokers not seeking medical care (30.7%). These counties had the third and fourth highest rate differences between total 1996 to 2000 incidence rates of smoking-attributed cancers and the incidence rates of cancers not attributable to smoking. Marlboro and Dillon counties have high smoking-attributable cancer incidence rates and the largest percentage of current smokers not seeking medical care. Ongoing surveillance such as BRFSS should be combined with health education in these at-risk counties.

Elimination of Whole Effluent Toxicity NPDES Permit Limits through the Use of an Alternative Testing Species and Reasonable Potential Analysis

The cladoceran, Ceriodaphnia dubia (C. dubia), is required by the State of South Carolina to be used in whole effluent toxicity (WET) compliance tests in order to meet limits contained within National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. Westinghouse Savannah River Company (WSRC) experienced WET test failures for no clear reason over a long period of time. Toxicity identification examinations on effluents did not indicate the presence of toxicants; therefore, the WET test itself was brought under suspicion. Research was undertaken with an alternate cladoceran, Daphnia ambigua (D. ambigua). It was determined that this species survives better in soft water, so approval was obtained from regulating authorities to use this ''alternate'' species in WET tests. The result was better test results and elimination of non-compliances. The successful use of D. ambigua allowed WSRC to gain approval from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) to remove WET limits from the NPDES permit.

Trial burn activities for a mixed waste incinerator

The Consolidated Incineration Facility (CIF) is located on the Savannah River Site (SRS), owned by the US Department of Energy and managed by BNFL, Inc. for the Westinghouse Savannah River Company. SRS received permits from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region IV to construct and operate the CIF, a hazardous, radioactive and mixed waste incinerator. This paper presents the results of the trial burn conducted on the CIF in April 1997 which is the initial demonstration of compliance with the permits. The incinerator is currently operating under approved post-trial burn conditions while the trial burn results are being evaluated. A final operating permit is anticipated in the fall of 1998.