Public Information and Community Outreach

Community-Based Environmental Protection (CBEP)

Project Coordinator:
Latecia Abraham, MHA
Information Coordinator
Medical University of South Carolina

Introduction
On March 19, 1997, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region IV entered into a partnership with the cities of Charleston and North Charleston, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the Medical University of South Carolina's Environmental Biosciences Program, local agencies, business and industry representatives, and community organizations to develop a program to locally address environmental concerns. The program, based on an approach called Community-Based Environmental Protection (CBEP) and coordinated within the EPA, is designed to maximize the effectiveness of the EPA and local resources to address the environmental and economic well-being of the Charleston/North Charleston community.

"This program is an example of how the Administration's commitment to reinvent environmental protection is affecting real people in real places," said Fred Hansen, deputy administrator of the U.S. EPA. "By organizing at the community level and bringing the tools of various agencies together, creative solutions and a more collaborative partnership can emerge resulting in improvements to public health and the environment."

The Charleston-area CBEP program will be successful because of dedicated community involvement. From citizens who serve on the CBEP Community Advisory Group to those who beautify their neighborhoods, there is room for everyone to take part in building a healthy community.

Mission
The mission of the Charleston/North Charleston CBEP Community Advisory Group (CAG) is to address environmental quality problems and concerns as they relate to the community's well-being and that of the environment. It exists to increase environmental awareness through education and effective collaboration with diverse groups and to promote and cultivate cooperation with industry and government forces. Finally, the group exists to empower, create, and sustain a healthy and livable community that will positively impact residents' quality of life.

Vision
The vision of the Charleston/North Charleston CBEP Community Advisory Group is to work together harmoniously to be a strong voice for community well-being; to advocate clear understanding and better communication between different facets of the community concerning environmental protection and positive economic development; and to bring forth a safe and healthy environment for all, especially children, while expanding the economic structure and ultimately improving the quality of life in the community.

Partners
Community Representatives, Business and Industry Representatives, At-Large Representatives, Charleston and North Charleston Area, Government Representatives, College of Charleston Representatives, in conjunction with U.S. EPA, Region IV, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Medical University of South Carolina's Environmental Biosciences Program