UPDATE: DHEC lifts Charleston-area beach advisory

*Update 10-30-09*

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday lifted its advisory to avoid ocean water at Charleston-area beaches due to an oil spill.

The U.S. Coast Guard has announced the environmental cleanup has concluded while the investigation into the cause of the spill continues.

*5:50 pm update 10-21-09*

Here’s the latest statement from the U.S. Coast Guard on the oil spill near Charleston Harbor:

“The Coast Guard is continuing to investigate and manage clean-up operations following a possible oil spill Wednesday near the mouth of Charleston Harbor.

Coast Guard Sector Charleston crewmembers have conducted aerial, on-water and shoreline assessments. Oil sheens and small tar balls were found on Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, near Fort Sumter and Kiawah Island and in offshore waters during assessments completed late Tuesday and early Wednesday.

A small amount of oil washed ashore during the high tide overnight Tuesday and clean-up crews were active in recovering oil on Wednesday. Based on assessments made Wednesday, only small amounts of oil remain in near shore waters. The Coast Guard expects some additional minor shoreline impact south of Charleston. The Coast Guard will continue to assess and respond to new sightings. Clean-up operations are expected to continue at least through Thursday.

On-water and shoreline clean-up is being conducted in partnership with more than 30 Moran Environmental Recovery contractors, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and municipal police, fire and beach patrols.

The source of the spilled petroleum product remains under investigation.“

*Previous story*

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control issued an advisory Wednesday to avoid ocean water at Charleston area beaches.

“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 was investigating the incident and coordinating the cleanup.