AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Watch: Hurricane Isaias is expected to bring South Carolina heavy rain and gusty winds from late Friday into the weekend. Forecasters warn of 2–4 inches of rain statewide, with higher amounts possible on the coast, raising flash-flood, coastal-flood and isolated tornado risks. Emergency teams are preparing, and Charleston’s Riverfront Revival canceled its Saturday program. Wildlife and Water: State officials blamed low oxygen for thousands of dead fish in a Daniel Island lake; recent heavy rain also prompted temporary shellfish-harvesting closures in Charleston County. Land Conservation: A settlement bars data-center development across most of Colleton County’s ACE Basin, protecting sensitive habitat. Congaree National Park is marking 50 years since local advocates helped save its old-growth floodplain forest. Development Dispute: A judge dismissed a challenge to a Spartanburg County data-center project, ruling that residents had not exhausted administrative options.

Storm Watch: Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall on the northern Gulf Coast, but South Carolina could still see heavy rain, localized flooding and coastal inundation as the storm moves inland. ACE Basin Protection: A Colleton County settlement bars data center development across much of the county, including sensitive areas of the ACE Basin. Water Quality: Thousands of fish died in a Daniel Island lake, with state officials citing low oxygen; excessive rain also prompted temporary shellfish-bed closures in Charleston County. Flooding Lessons: On the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Matthew’s South Carolina landfall, its deadly inland flooding remains a warning as another storm threatens the region.

Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to track west of South Carolina, but could bring heavy rain from Friday night into Saturday. Forecasters warn rain coinciding with a 7.2-foot high tide could trigger rapid coastal flooding. ACE Basin Protection: A Colleton County settlement bars data center development across about 62% of the county, including the ACE Basin and sensitive river areas. Water Quality: Thousands of fish have died in a Daniel Island lake, which state officials blame on low oxygen. After heavy rain, state officials also temporarily closed some Charleston County shellfish beds. Land Conservation: State proposals would protect nearly 21,400 acres, including the former governor’s Ballsdam Plantation and beachfront land on Pawleys Island.

Hurricane Watch: Tropical Depression Nine is forming and could rapidly strengthen into Hurricane Isaias, raising the odds of heavy rain, flooding, and damaging winds across the Southeast—Alabama and Georgia’s big game is still scheduled for now, but officials are closely monitoring forecasts. Coastal Resilience: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded $6.2M in design contracts for Charleston’s Battery Extension, including living shorelines and tidal gate concepts to protect historic areas and infrastructure. Wildlife & Water Quality: SCDES says low dissolved oxygen likely caused a major fish kill at Daniel Island’s Smythe Lake, with more than 1,000 dead fish found. Local Land Protection: Kiawah Island and the Conservancy of the Sea Islands bought 2.7 acres near town hall, using a conservation easement to protect watershed resources and prevent incompatible development. Data Center Backlash: Colleton County reached a settlement creating an exclusion area that bans data centers in sensitive parts of the ACE Basin. Permitting Fight: Mount Pleasant residents asked the state Administrative Law Court to review a Highway 41 permit, arguing stormwater and flooding impacts weren’t properly considered. Cybersecurity: South Carolina school districts reported a cybersecurity incident tied to Frontline Education, potentially exposing student and staff information.

Fish Kill in Smythe Lake: More than a thousand dead fish were found floating in Daniel Island’s Smythe Lake, and South Carolina environmental officials say a low dissolved-oxygen event likely starved the fish. Storm Watch: A developing Gulf system could bring heavy rain and isolated flooding to South Carolina this weekend, even if it tracks west of the state. Data Center Power Fight: The Southern Environmental Law Center is asking South Carolina regulators to revisit whether a Spartanburg-area power plant tied to a data center needs environmental review, arguing the facility could be a major polluter. Coastal Land Protection: Beaufort County’s planning commission voted to recommend keeping protections on about 502 acres tied to Pine Island, pushing the decision to county council. Local Water & Work: Mount Pleasant Waterworks earned major workplace culture awards, highlighting how utility staff experience is being recognized alongside service. Heat & Safety Reminder: Coverage of dangerous heat impacts at college events underscores the need for stronger cooling and safety planning as fall sports ramp up.

Coastal Flooding & Water Impacts: Charleston saw record-breaking rain (3.64 inches Oct. 4) and flash-flood alerts as more wet weather looms, while SCDES temporarily closed some Charleston County shellfish beds due to excessive rainfall. Wildlife & Habitat Care: Beaufort County residents are pushing ahead with plans for a centralized wildlife rehabilitation center after volunteers say the current home-based system is chaotic and calls can go unanswered. Data Centers, Power, Water & Air Pollution: A new poll finds most South Carolinians oppose data centers without guardrails, and the Southern Environmental Law Center is challenging SCDES’s air permit for a Spartanburg data center over formaldehyde emissions. Land-Use Protection in the ACE Basin: Colleton County and SELC reached a settlement that bans data centers across most of the ACE Basin, creating a new “Data Center Exclusion Area.” Storm Season Outlook: Federal forecasters say El Niño is likely to become very strong, raising the odds of disruptive rainfall, drought, and heat. Local Environment Watch: A fish kill at Smythe Park Lake was attributed to a low-oxygen event tied to heavy rainfall, not a chemical spill.

Lowcountry Flooding: Charleston saw record-breaking rain (3.64 inches on Oct. 4) and flash-flood rescues as the Lowcountry braced for more wet weather. Shellfish Closures: SCDES temporarily shut some Charleston County shellfish beds after excessive rain, reopening only when water quality is safe. ACE Basin Data Center Fight: Colleton County and the Southern Environmental Law Center reached a deal to block most data center development across the ACE Basin, creating a “Data Center Exclusion Area” that covers key river headwaters. Local Animal Welfare: Mount Pleasant is moving to strengthen its animal cruelty ordinance with clearer, enforceable standards. Recreational Fishing Policy: Federal approval gives South Carolina red snapper anglers at least 14 days, with mandatory reporting—while conservation groups debate the plan. Water Quality After Storms: A fish kill at Smythe Park Lake was linked to a low-oxygen event from heavy rainfall, with officials warning residents to stay cautious around affected waters. Port Emissions Upgrades: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin toured the Port of Charleston, highlighting past diesel and electric upgrades to cut emissions.

Fall foliage in the Upstate: Clemson’s fall color report says this could be a banner season, with El Niño bringing warm, moist weather that may delay leaf change and make more trees “fire off” at once. Weekend rain + flood risk: South Carolina is in for hit-or-miss showers and thunderstorms, with a level 2/4 flash-flood risk in parts of the Midlands and totals of 1–3 inches possible in pockets. Tropical moisture watch: Forecasters are tracking a Gulf low with a growing chance of tropical development, and models suggest heavy rain could reach the Carolinas next weekend. Coastal wildlife: NOAA approved a revised South Carolina DNR plan for a 14-day recreational red snapper season in federal waters (Oct. 9–22), letting anglers help collect data. Local roads: SCDOT will temporarily close Fairmont Road at Leesburg Road in Richland County Oct. 9–12 for intersection safety work.

Climate & Courts: A U.S. Supreme Court case (Suncor v. Boulder County) spotlights how private, contingency-fee law firms are steering climate-change lawsuits against oil companies—raising questions about who pays, who profits, and how science is presented in court. Flood Watch: Heavy rain is ramping up across the South, with a Level 2 flash-flood risk stretching toward the Carolinas; South Carolina could see widespread 2–3 inches, with localized higher totals possible. Local Weather: Greenville’s weekend turns cloudy and damp with showers and possible thunderstorms, plus patchy fog that could linger into Monday morning before drier, sunnier conditions return. Coastal & Wildlife: NOAA approved South Carolina DNR’s revised exempted fishing permit for a 14-day federal recreational red snapper season (Oct. 9–22), letting anglers help gather data for future management. Community & Environment: A public information session is set on proposed changes to coastal dock regulations, a direct hit on how South Carolina protects shorelines and waterways.

Ocean Climate Research: Scientists in the Faroe Islands are studying the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a key ocean “conveyor” that can shift heat and rainfall patterns—research that matters for South Carolina’s flood risk and coastal future. Coastal Policy: The S.C. Department of Environmental Services is holding a public information session on proposed changes to coastal dock regulations, with a formal hearing set for Oct. 27 in Columbia. Fisheries Management: NOAA approved South Carolina’s revised exempted fishing permit for a 14-day recreational red snapper season in federal waters (Oct. 9–22), with a one-fish-per-day limit and a 20-inch minimum size. Marine Cleanup: Wounded Nature Working Veterans says South Carolina has removed 510 abandoned boats from coastal waters, aiming to reduce marine contamination from degrading fiberglass. Public Safety/Weather: Dense fog contributed to a major I-95 pileup over Lake Marion that shut down southbound lanes for about 17 hours, with lanes reopening early Friday. Wildlife Health: A new case of flesh-eating vibrio Vulnificus was reported in a child in Clay County, prompting renewed health warnings.

Coastal Policy Update: South Carolina’s Bureau of Coastal Management is holding a public information session on proposed changes to coastal dock regulations in North Charleston on Oct. 13, with a formal public hearing set for Oct. 27 in Columbia—aimed at addressing growing dock impacts on navigation and shoreline access. Wildlife & Habitat: A video from Hilton Head shows an eastern diamondback rattlesnake swimming across a backyard pool and moving toward nearby woods, a reminder that wildlife habitat and human spaces overlap. Species Health Watch: New reporting on ospreys finds breeding success drops in saltwater systems, with freshwater areas producing more young per pair—highlighting how local conditions can shape coastal wildlife outcomes. Public Safety: Greer firefighters battled a major blaze at M&M Waste Oil Service, prompting a Wade Hampton Boulevard closure and heavy smoke. Weather & Risk: Dense fog contributed to a massive I-95 Lake Marion pileup that shut down southbound lanes before reopening the next morning.

Wildlife & Habitat: A video from Hilton Head shows an eastern diamondback rattlesnake swimming across a backyard pool, a reminder that built spaces can quickly overlap with wildlife habitat. Endangered Species & Local Planning: Charleston County is accelerating tree-clearing for a Maybank Highway exit lane on Johns Island to meet federal northern long-eared bat rules, with work timed around seasonal restrictions. Coastal Wildlife Health: A new look at osprey breeding suggests reproductive trouble in saltier waters, with freshwater areas producing more young per pair than marine systems. Pollution & Industry Recycling: Rhode Island’s WAVES effort recycles fiberglass boat hulls by sending fiber to cement kilns, cutting landfill waste and reducing demand for raw materials—South Carolina is part of the supply chain. Chemicals at SC Solar Plant: Fort Mill residents and school leaders are urging the governor to stop Silfab Solar from restarting chemical commissioning after prior leaks near schools. Data Centers & Energy Pressure: A new coalition backed by major tech firms and unions plans to push back against local data center moratoriums, including in South Carolina. Public Safety Weather: Storms and rain could disrupt South Carolina and Georgia college football games Saturday, with lightning a key concern.

Solar Safety Push: Fort Mill residents, school leaders, and state lawmakers are urging Gov. Henry McMaster to stop Silfab Solar from restarting chemical commissioning at its plant after March leaks forced a nearby elementary school closure; Rep. David Martin says more state review is needed before any chemical shipments resume. PFAS Cleanup Update: The U.S. Navy says it put an interim pump-and-treat system into operation at Former NWIRP Calverton, treating PFAS-impacted groundwater in under 120 days and processing nearly 23,000 gallons in its first eight days. Data Center Politics: OpenAI, Softbank, Blackstone and major unions formed the American Infrastructure Alliance to counter local opposition and prevent data-center moratoriums, with an initial push that includes South Carolina. Surveillance Debate: Oconee County officials are weighing “mass surveillance” camera concerns after residents challenged Flock Safety-style license-plate tracking and a state Supreme Court case looms. Wildlife & Community: SC-HART is running a multi-county helicopter aquatic rescue training exercise in the Upstate (Oct. 5-9), and three rehabilitated sea turtles are set for release at Folly Beach.

Data Centers & Water: Greenwood County’s ad hoc data center committee kicked off work by picking leadership and naming water and sewer as its first topic, as residents push for safeguards before more facilities move in. Energy Costs & Reliability: Santee Cooper’s new energy plan flags rising costs tied to big “load” customers like data centers, while delaying solar and extending coal retirements and leaning harder on new gas plants—raising alarms for customer bills. Public Health & Drinking Water: Whitmire reported drinking water violations after disinfection byproducts (THMs) exceeded state limits, with residents criticizing late notification and questioning reliance on social media alerts. Wildlife & Outdoor Access: Ramsey Grove State Park opened as South Carolina’s 51st state park, adding 2,650 acres of trails and habitat along the Black River. Coastal Safety: A child in Florida was reported with a third 2026 case of flesh-eating vibrio Vulnificus, underscoring risks around warm coastal waters and raw shellfish. Weather: Rain chances rise this weekend across South Carolina, with a cold front bringing more widespread showers Sunday.

PFAS Accountability: Fifteen US states sued Corteva over its Vylor spinoff, alleging the move was designed to dodge PFAS “forever chemical” liabilities tied to polluted environments and health risks. Fire Safety at Home: South Carolina’s Department of Environmental Services kicked off Fire Prevention Week with “Be Battery Smart,” warning that lithium-ion batteries can spark fires if stored, used, or tossed improperly. Heat and Public Health: An NPR/Boston University analysis suggests heat-related deaths in North Carolina may be far higher than CDC counts, highlighting a growing climate-linked risk. Native Habitat Restoration: Scout Motors says it’s starting a phased plan to restore 1,100 acres near its manufacturing core with native trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildlife habitat. Roads and Weather Risk: Dense fog contributed to a major South Carolina pileup on I-95 near Lake Marion, with officials urging drivers to adjust routes and slow down. Local Infrastructure Input: SCDOT is seeking public comment on replacing the US 178 bridge over Bull Swamp in Orangeburg County, with feedback due Oct. 31. Prescribed Burns: SC Forestry Commission updated its prescribed burn notification process starting Oct. 1, including new notification number formatting.

Water Quality Watch: Central, S.C. issued a drinking-water notice after disinfectant byproducts exceeded a standard; the town says it’s not an emergency and people don’t need to boil, but it’s under a consent order. Solar Safety & Oversight: Silfab Solar in Fort Mill says it will restart commissioning no sooner than mid-October after an independent engineering review flagged gaps in gas monitoring, design records, and emergency communications. Disaster Recovery Funding: FEMA is sending South Carolina more than $5.4 million for Hurricane Helene debris removal, protective measures, and repairs, plus extra support for generators and emergency power. Wildlife & Habitat: SCDNR explains why alligators bask in winter sun and urges residents to keep distance and never feed; meanwhile, three rehabilitated sea turtles are set for release at Folly Beach. Community Cleanup: More than 350 volunteers removed 6,000+ pounds of litter and recyclables from Lake Murray and nearby waterways in Richland and Lexington counties. Food Security: USC launched “Feed the Flock” refrigerators to reclaim surplus food and package ready-to-eat meals for students across campus.