COLUMBIA, S.C. - The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control is advising people to avoid ocean water at Charleston area beaches, the agency announced today.
“Due to an oil spill that has affected Sullivans Island from Station 12 to Station 17, Morris Island to the Folly Beach Pier and out to Fort Sumter, these waters should be avoided” said Christine Sanford-Coker, director of DHEC’s Environmental Quality Control office in Region 7, which includes Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties.
According to Sanford-Coker, the advisory includes ocean water and any marshes or inlets in the affected area. Drinking water supplies have not been affected.
Sanford-Coker said the U.S Coast Guard is investigating the incident and is coordinating the cleanup.
For more information, call DHEC’s Region 7 EQC office at (843) 953-0150.