AGP Executive Report

PFAS & Biosolids: EPA is walking back a major risk assessment tied to PFAS in treated sludge spread on farmland, after public comments and farmer concerns raised fresh questions about whose voices carried the most weight. Extreme Heat in SC: A heat advisory is active for many Upstate counties, with heat index values near 106°F and a small chance of afternoon storms—another reminder to plan for cooling and hydration. Lightning Safety: South Carolina reported more than 60,000 lightning strikes over the weekend; guidance highlights lightning protection systems and surge protection to reduce home damage. Local Conservation Media: SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin is launching “Into the Wild,” a new SCETV/SC Public Radio conservation series aimed at getting people outside and learning about local wildlife and habitats. Data Centers & Water/Power Pressure: Vitol acquired a 600 MW data center campus in South Carolina, underscoring how AI-driven demand is intensifying competition for land, power, and water. SC Environment Oversight: A Darlington County school district defended its Black Creek Elementary decision after soil testing and separate risk assessments by SCDES and EPA found no exposure concern for students. Scout Motors Scrutiny (Blythewood): Richland County paid reduced fines over pollutant controls at the Scout Motors construction site, as community and state oversight continue amid environmental and cost-overrun questions.

Extreme Heat & Storm Alerts: Charlotte-region reporting highlights dangerous heat with heat index values near/above 105°F and scattered afternoon thunderstorms, with multiple counties under heat advisories. Hurricane Readiness (SC Helps): South Carolina’s Palmetto Incident Support Team deployed to Hawaii to support emergency operations ahead of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Lala impacts. Local Waste Reduction: Beaufort County’s composting program is diverting food scraps into nutrient-rich soil, already keeping 30,000+ pounds out of landfills and aiming for $1M+ in long-term taxpayer savings. Wildlife Habitat Management: A South Carolina “Into the Wild” segment explains how prescribed fire reduces fuel buildup and supports native plants and animals like turkey and quail. Invasive Species Control: New reporting discusses why feral hogs are so hard to eradicate and why coordinated, funded trapping efforts are key. Energy & Clean Tech: Clemson’s solar vehicle prototype claims it can generate more energy than it uses, adding to momentum for student-built solar innovation.

Extreme Heat & Storm Watch: Sunday alerts covered parts of the Carolinas, with heat advisories running roughly 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and temperatures near 96°F but feeling like 105°F+; scattered thunderstorms were expected after about 5 p.m., with a 30% rain chance. Disaster Response: The Red Cross sent disaster-trained volunteers to help a Summerville family after a house fire during the extreme heat warning period. Coastal Wildlife: Kiawah Island logged nearly 500 sea turtle nests this season (about 495 over 10 miles), a standout year for loggerhead nesting—though hatchling survival still faces steep odds. Local Jobs & Industry: Trison Wells announced a $3.37M expansion in Walterboro/Colleton County adding 30 jobs, including a new liquid-fill production line. Policy & Environment: Conservationists are preparing for leadership change at the S.C. Coastal Conservation League, while lawmakers weigh environmental permitting questions tied to a major EV plant cost overrun. Feral Hogs: A new look at feral hogs highlights why control is so hard and why federal efforts are ramping up.

Extreme Heat & Storm Alerts: Charlotte-region counties and parts of South Carolina faced heat advisories with heat indexes near 106°F, plus a chance of strong to severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and localized flooding. Wildlife Update: Kiawah Island logged a “banner year” for sea turtles, with about 495 nests counted along roughly 10 miles of beach. Coastal Conservation Leadership: The S.C. Coastal Conservation League announced Megan Desrosiers will return to lead the organization in January, aiming to refocus grassroots work on protecting rivers and rural lands. Nuclear Policy Fight: A once-hidden JASON study summary was released as environmental groups challenge plans for plutonium pit production in South Carolina and New Mexico. Local Government Watch: Lawmakers put potential SC funding for Scout Motors cost overruns on hold pending a Legislative Audit Council investigation. Energy Bills in Heat: Dominion Energy shared practical steps to cut cooling costs during dangerous summer temperatures. Solar EV Prototype: Clemson and BMW unveiled Deep Orange 17, an energy-positive EV concept using more than 1,700 solar cells.

Extreme Heat & Storm Alerts: South Carolina is under dangerous heat this weekend, with “feels-like” heat index values pushing into the triple digits statewide; Lowcountry and Coast areas like Beaufort and Charleston face extreme heat alerts, while the Upstate and Piedmont see heat advisories as temperatures linger with little nighttime relief. Local Cooling Help: In the Charlotte region, Mecklenburg County is sharing weekend resources to beat the heat, including shelters and cooling stations. Severe Weather Risk: Alongside the heat, scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Saturday afternoon and evening, with damaging wind and localized flooding threats. Water Quality & Wildlife: A new South Carolina Sea Grant piece spotlights American alligators as “bioindicators” for contaminants, linking the state’s iconic wetlands wildlife to ongoing water quality research. Energy Efficiency: Dominion Energy is urging customers to set thermostats at 78°F or higher during peak heat, use fans, and seal leaks to lower cooling costs. EV Innovation: Clemson and BMW are testing Deep Orange 17, a solar-assisted electric vehicle prototype designed to generate more energy than it uses in everyday driving. Environmental Cleanup Fight: Environmental groups are challenging plans for new atomic weapons pit factories, citing a newly released JASON study summary that still supports continued production. Community Remediation: A Georgetown waterfront redevelopment effort is moving forward with state input on investigating and cleaning up a former steel mill site.

Extreme Heat Watch: A “heat dome” is pushing dangerous heat and humidity across the U.S., with South Carolina facing prolonged weekend conditions and heat index values near/over 100; the state DPH is urging hydration, cooling, and checking on neighbors and pets. Local Heat Alerts: Upstate South Carolina is under a heat advisory Friday with highs in the upper 90s and feels-like temps around 108, while the Charlotte region also faces heat advisories. Public Health Guidance: DPH reports hundreds of heat-related hospitalizations and thousands of emergency visits during past summer seasons, stressing heat stroke can be fatal. Nuclear Policy Fight in SC: Environmental groups are pushing back on new plutonium pit plans at the Savannah River Site as a newly released JASON study summary says pits are aging but still adequate—yet recommends continuing production options. Coastal Conservation Leadership: The S.C. Coastal Conservation League is set to get new management, with Megan Desrosiers returning to lead grassroots coastal protection efforts. Storm Response Mutual Aid: South Carolina State Fire’s Palmetto Incident Support Team has deployed to Hawaii ahead of Tropical Storm Lala, supporting emergency operations. Wildlife & Outdoors: Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge will host a free hunter education course in September, aimed at conservation-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

Extreme Heat Safety: South Carolina DPH is warning of prolonged extreme heat risk statewide, urging people to check on neighbors, pets, and anyone with health conditions as heat-related illness hospitalizations and emergency visits remain high. Local Heat Alerts: Upstate SC is under a heat advisory with dangerous heat index values, and Charlotte-area counties are also covered—officials say hydrate, stay in air conditioning, and avoid leaving kids or pets in cars. Drought Watch: Rain has eased drought in parts of North Carolina, but severe to extreme conditions persist in some areas, so conservation rules may still apply. Storm Response: South Carolina State Fire’s Palmetto Incident Support Team has deployed to Hawaii to help prepare for Tropical Storm Lala, boosting Honolulu emergency operations. Energy Efficiency: Dominion Energy shared practical tips to cut cooling costs during triple-digit heat, including setting thermostats at 78°F or higher and using fans. Conservation & Outdoors: Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge will host a hunter education course, emphasizing conservation and outdoor safety. Coastal Conservation Leadership: The S.C. Coastal Conservation League is set to get new management, with Megan Desrosiers returning to lead conservation efforts. Manufacturing & Jobs: UFP Packaging plans a $5.31M expansion in Gaffney to produce packaging materials and create 136 jobs.

Coastal Conservation League Leadership: After staff departures and donor concerns, the Coastal Conservation League says Megan Desrosiers will take over as its new leader, returning to the group after years running Georgia’s One Hundred Miles and helping protect South Carolina’s Ashley River corridor. Local Filming & Land Impacts: Folly Beach approved higher-impact rules for a California company’s Brand USA commercial shoot at Rainbow Row, the pineapple fountain, and the Inlet Preserve lighthouse area—triggering stricter safeguards and fees. Data Center Pause in the Upstate: Greenwood County’s 12-month data center moratorium is already delaying new projects, while Spartanburg County council members say adding NorthMark’s next phase to a moratorium is unlikely for legal reasons. Invasive Species Threat: Yellow-legged hornets are spreading in Beaufort and Jasper counties, with nests reported jumping from 16 in 2024 to 400+ in 2026, and officials urge residents to report sightings to Clemson Extension. Heat & Storm Watch: Meteorologists warn oppressive heat and scattered storms across the Carolinas, with radar tracking available for Thursday’s weather. Jobs & Industry Expansion: Trison Wells plans a $3.37M Colleton County expansion creating 30 jobs, while Prysmian announced an $80M Lexington County fiber/optical cable expansion expected to add 135 jobs.

Surveillance Oversight: Flock Safety says it’s rolling out platform changes after lawmakers and civil liberties groups flagged misuse of police camera data. Invasive Species Watch: Beaufort and Jasper counties are seeing rising yellow-legged hornet sightings, with officials urging residents to report nests to Clemson Extension and avoid DIY removal. Heat & Health: South Carolina and the Carolinas are under dangerous heat advisories, with feels-like temperatures pushing past 100 and storm risks adding to the danger. PFAS Accountability: Veolia sued upstream manufacturers tied to PFAS contamination in Delaware drinking water, seeking recovery for PFAS filtration costs. Local Energy Relief: Google awarded Berkeley Electric Cooperative a $500,000 grant to expand home energy upgrades and resiliency work in the Lowcountry. Education & Environment: Eight SC educators completed the Palmetto Environmental Education Certification (PEEC), strengthening place-based environmental teaching statewide. Clean Tech Pitch: Optimal Transit unveiled the Kraaken floating data center concept, aiming to generate power and produce clean water for disaster-hit areas. Local Jobs: Trison Wells is expanding in Colleton County with a $3.37 million investment and 30 new jobs.

Extreme Heat & Storm Risk: South Carolina is bracing for another dangerous stretch of August heat, with heat index values pushing past 110°F in places and an Extreme Heat Warning issued for Beaufort as daily pop-up thunderstorms bring brief relief and possible power outages. Invasive Species Watch: Beaufort County is seeing a surge in yellow-legged hornet nest removals, and officials are asking residents to report suspected sightings so trained teams can remove nests and protect pollinators. Local Conservation Media: SCETV and SCDNR are launching “Into the Wild,” plus a new TV series, to spotlight fisheries, forests, wildlife, and the people doing the work across the state. Data Centers & Air Quality: Spartanburg County leaders met with state officials to understand how data centers affect communities, including what air emissions reviews require before approvals. Solar Zoning Scrutiny: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson retained an outside consultant to review Silfab Solar zoning issues in York County. Public Health: Measles cases are rising nationwide, with South Carolina among states reporting outbreaks, renewing calls for vaccination and prevention. Hurricane Season Prep: With the season’s peak approaching, a new homeowner-focused resource highlights tracking tools and claim steps for Florida and South Carolina.

Conservation & Land Protection: South Carolina is weighing a major conservation purchase that could add nearly 1,700 acres to state-protected land, including a historic Richland County plantation (Goodwill Plantation) and an expansion of the Wateree Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area. Wildlife & Fisheries: SCDNR, along with Florida and Georgia, submitted proposals to set a much higher state-managed recreational red snapper harvest limit in federal waters—about 215,391 fish—pushing for longer fall seasons after years of very short federal seasons. Heat & Public Health: South Carolina is bracing for the hottest stretch of the summer, with heat index values often around 110°F to 116°F in the Lowcountry and dangerous humidity statewide. State Conservation Media: SCETV and SCDNR are launching a new conservation storytelling initiative, starting with radio segments and expanding into a TV series focused on fisheries, forests, boating, hunting, and wildlife. Energy & Climate Costs: A new report highlights how nuclear power projects can balloon in price, pointing to major cost overruns in the U.K. and past U.S. nuclear setbacks tied to delays and financial blowups. Storm Watch: Models show a new Atlantic system could develop and potentially threaten the East Coast, including possible paths toward South Carolina. Recycling & Cleanup Industry: Clean Harbors plans to buy EnviroServe from private equity for $470M, expanding recycling and disposal capacity and adding sites including one in Columbia.

Data Center Air Quality Watch: Wofford College researchers say sensors near a Spartanburg data center site are already spiking above 100 on the air-quality scale (unhealthy for sensitive groups), raising concerns about tiny particles before construction is finished. Coastal Wildlife Update: South Carolina is seeing a banner loggerhead turtle nesting season, with more than 7,800 nests counted as of Aug. 10 and numbers nearing the 2019 record. Waste & Recycling: Beaufort County’s new composting program is diverting tens of thousands of pounds of food scraps from landfills and aims to cut long-run taxpayer costs, with residents dropping scraps at convenience centers. Water Protection: The Congaree Riverkeeper spotlight highlights how citizen-led monitoring helped push back against past sewage dumping and keeps pressure on for cleaner local waterways. Marine & Public Safety: A federal case in Charleston ended with a $6 million fine for a ship operator tied to a 2024 runaway incident that forced evacuations and beach clearances. Aviation & Wildlife: An American Airlines bird strike near Myrtle Beach triggered engine flames and an emergency return, underscoring ongoing wildlife-aircraft risk.

Women’s Health Crisis: A new SC-focused push argues the state’s shrinking maternity care access is driving preventable harm, citing lost rural labor-and-delivery units and high maternal mortality. Public Safety & Climate: With school starting amid extreme heat risk and broader climate disruption to learning, advocates point to aging buildings and unequal access to cooling as a growing problem. Wildlife & Aviation: An American Airlines flight departing Myrtle Beach returned after a bird strike triggered engine flames; crews found bird debris on the runway and the plane was taken out for inspection. PFAS Accountability: Jeanerette, Louisiana approved joining a PFAS “forever chemicals” lawsuit over contamination in its water system, seeking participation in manufacturer litigation. Local Infrastructure: SCDOT selected Rekor for a statewide contract to modernize traffic monitoring and weigh-in-motion sites, with cooperative purchasing for local governments. Lowcountry Nature & Food Safety: SC’s loggerhead turtle nesting is highlighted, while a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce is driving produce-washing reminders and shifting buying habits. Solar Innovation: Clemson and BMW unveiled a solar-integrated EV prototype designed to generate more energy than it uses on a typical commute.

Air Quality & Data Centers: Wofford College researchers in Spartanburg are using PurpleAir sensors near the future Valara Holdings data center to track baseline particulate levels before turbines and generators start, after construction-period readings already topped 100. Coastal Safety Rules: Hilton Head Island leaders delayed votes on a beach curfew for minors and new large-gathering rules after a July 4 shooting, citing constitutional concerns and asking for a workable draft. Fishing Management: SCDNR opened a public comment period (Aug. 10–25) on NOAA’s revised Atlantic red snapper exempted fishing permit, aimed at improving recreational fisheries data after earlier litigation delays. Drought Relief: Spartanburg Water lifted most lawn-water conservation recommendations as drought status eased from severe to moderate, though reservoirs and groundwater still need time to fully recover. School Air Guidance: A South Carolina explainer breaks down the Air Quality Index and what schools should do as AQI shifts from “good” to “hazardous.” Food Safety: Multi-state salmonella and cyclosporiasis outbreaks continue to expand nationwide, with South Carolina residents urged to watch for recalls and symptoms. Local Infrastructure: SCDOT began Howard Drive milling and paving in Fountain Inn, with lane closures expected for about two to three weeks. Community Markets: Greenville’s TD Saturday Market photos highlight ongoing demand for locally grown produce, including greens and kale.

Road Work in Fountain Inn: SCDOT started milling and paving on Howard Drive from North Main Street to the West Farm subdivision entrance, plus repairs near Bryson Drive, with lane closures and minor delays expected for about 2–3 weeks. Heat and School Air Safety: The Upstate is bracing for heat index values near 100+ and possible storms, while an AQI explainer urges South Carolina schools to adjust outdoor time when air quality turns orange/red. PFAS Lawsuit Update (Out of State, Big Theme): A federal judge rejected Denver’s bid to pause a CERCLA cost-recovery case tied to PFAS contamination allegedly linked to firefighting foam. NEPA Red Tape Fight: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey leads a coalition backing EPA’s push to speed NEPA reviews for major projects. Coastal Habitat Under Review: South Carolina Environmental Law Project says a Georgetown County dredging permit request underestimates impacts to oysters and asks regulators for a more accurate assessment. Fisheries Input: SCDNR opened public comment on a revised Atlantic red snapper exempted fishing permit plan through Aug. 25. Local Cleanup After Crash: A semi crash and fuel spill near Easley’s Highway 123 QT may require intersection repairs and possible replacement. Solar Tech in Clemson: Students unveiled a solar-integrated EV designed to generate more energy than it uses in typical city commuting.

Water Safety: A boil water advisory is in effect for parts of Clearwater and North Augusta after an unexpected main break, with residents told to boil water for at least a full minute once service is restored while samples are tested. Coastal Stewardship: The S.C. Department of Environmental Services is taking entries for its annual Coastal Photography Contest, celebrating coastal wildlife and landscapes, with submissions due Aug. 31. Wildlife & Invasives: North Carolina confirmed the invasive yellow-legged hornet, a bee-killing predator that’s been spreading up the coast and could threaten pollinators. Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the Upstate, including damaging winds and hail risk. Public Input on Hunting: SCDNR will hold a final Aug. 10 forum on deer hunting with dogs in Walterboro, inviting residents to share concerns and solutions. Climate & Health Context: A new report says South Carolina’s climate has barely changed over 125 years, adding fuel to ongoing climate debate. Community Notes: Search-dog training continues in Greenwood County as handlers prepare for missing-person calls.