GREENVILLE, S.C., July 1, 2024
A restructuring built around environmental health
Peerless Environmental, a provider of asbestos testing and abatement and radon testing and mitigation services, welcomes the restructuring of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, known as DHEC.
The restructuring took effect on July 1, 2024. It divided DHEC's responsibilities between two agencies: a new South Carolina Department of Environmental Services focused on environmental programs, and a Department of Public Health carrying DHEC's public health work. Hydrology and aquatic nuisance species programs from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources moved into the new environmental agency.
Why a dedicated environmental agency matters
Splitting environmental programs into their own agency concentrates attention and staff on environmental risk, including asbestos exposure and radon. For regulated work such as licensed abatement, that specialization is meaningful: notification requirements, licensing, and clearance standards are enforced by people whose remit is environmental protection rather than a combined health and environment mandate.
“With the restructuring of DHEC and the formation of SCDES, we anticipate a more efficient regulatory environment that will allow us to better serve our clients,” said Daniel Smoke, Director of Operations at Peerless Environmental. “Our team is dedicated to ensuring the safety and health of our community, and these changes will help us achieve that goal more effectively.”
Commitment to compliance
Peerless Environmental works within state and federal regulatory requirements on every project. Personnel hold federal certifications including AHERA for asbestos building inspection and EPA Lead-Safe RRP for lead-safe work practices, and each branch carries the state licensing its work requires.
Regulatory frameworks change, and tracking those changes is part of the job. Readers can review current requirements in our guides to asbestos regulations in South Carolina.
Community education
“Educating our community is a top priority,” added Smoke. “We believe that by empowering residents with knowledge, we can collectively work towards a safer and healthier environment.” Peerless Environmental publishes homeowner guidance in its resource library, covering when to test, what testing involves, and what happens if a hazard is found.
About Peerless Environmental
Peerless Environmental provides environmental testing and remediation services across the Southeast. The company coordinates certified asbestos and lead-based paint testing through licensed third-party inspectors, and provides licensed asbestos removal, lead abatement, and radon testing and mitigation for residential and commercial clients.
Clients include homeowners, landlords, property management companies, commercial building owners, contractors, real estate professionals, and institutional facilities. Learn more on the about page or view the branch locations.
Media Contact
Journalists and media professionals may direct inquiries to Peerless Environmental by email at inbox@peerlessenvironmental.com or by phone. Media resources and key company facts are available in the media kit.