FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2008
Ocean Planning Work Group
April 11, 2008
10 a.m. – Noon
DHEC OCRM
1362 McMillan Ave., Suite 400
Charleston, S.C. 29405
CHARLESTON – The state’s Ocean Planning Work Group will hold an introductory meeting in Charleston April 11, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
"Human activities are creating an increased demand on ocean resources," said Carolyn R. Boltin, DHEC’s deputy commissioner for Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. "More than ever, we are looking toward the ocean for sand to nourish beaches, to dispose of dredged material and upland stormwater runoff and to develop offshore sources of energy.
"To better prepare and respond to these emerging ocean resource challenges, the Ocean Planning Work Group is being organized to explore research and planning priorities in South Carolina."
Boltin said the agenda for the April 11 meeting includes an introduction to the ocean planning initiative, discussion of background information and the development of a tentative work plan
DHEC is organizing the group as part of a multi-year initiative to develop a non-regulatory plan that will be used by various agencies and organizations for planning and to prioritize future ocean research efforts. The panel is composed of representatives from state and federal agencies, coastal scientists and academic researchers from leading state colleges and universities. It will meet on a quarterly basis through 2009.
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For more information:
Dan Burger (843) 953-0251
burgerdj@dhec.sc.gov
Thom Berry (803) 898-3885
berrytw@dhec.sc.gov
BNR1845