Air Quality

Since 2016, the BCD region has remained in attainment with all air quality standards in the federal Clean Air Act and its amendments.

However, the three counties of the region have agreed to enter a statewide partnership to proactively address air quality issues before they become a problem. In South Carolina, 45 of the 46 counties are participating in an Early Action Plan, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Bureau of Air Quality (BAQ).

The Early Action Plan determines what actions must be taken at the state and local level to ensure compliance with recently adopted federal regulations regarding ozone emissions.

Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties have no mandated requirements, but have developed plans for voluntary activities and actions, to maintain current conditions and prepare them for any future problems which may emerge.

In March 2004, final versions of each county Early Action Plan were sent to DHEC, to be incorporated into a statewide plan. Below are the plans submitted by the three counties.

Berkeley County Early Action Plan
Berkeley County Emission Reduction Strategies
Charleston County Early Action Plan
Dorchester County Early Action Plan
Dorchester County Emission Reduction Strategies

For more information about the statewide Early Action Plan and other air quality issues, visit the Bureau of Air Quality’s website at SC DHEC.

Air Quality Coalition

The Air Quality Coalition is a collaborative between South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local stakeholders across South Carolina. The coalition aims to support and engage local partners in efforts to improve air quality, reduce emissions, and ensure continued compliance with the EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

The AQC in the BCD region meets twice a year to exchange ideas, share program updates, and engage with the Department of Environmental Services (DES) to discuss regional air quality data and stay informed about updates to the EPA standards.