COLUMBIA, S.C. — The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) will reopen shellfish harvesting beds in Beaufort County previously closed due to excessive rainfall, the agency announced today.

"Water quality data indicate that bacteria levels are once again suitable for shellfish harvesting in the Conditional Management Area of Wallace Creek and Capers Creek," said Mike Pearson, manager of DHEC's Shellfish Sanitation Section.

For more information on clam and oyster harvesting areas in Beaufort County, call DHEC's Beaufort Environmental Affairs Office at 843-846-1030 or visit www.scdhec.gov/shellfish.