A new era in environmental protection.

SCDES is committed to preserving South Carolina’s air, land, water and coast through Science, Service and Sustainability.

About SCDES

Bureau of Water

BOW protects the state’s water resources for drinking, swimming, fishing and other uses that benefit all South Carolinians.

Bureau of Water

Bureau of Land and Waste Management

BLWM has critical oversight of certain industries, like landfills and mines, that helps safeguard our state’s land resources.

Bureau of Land and Waste Management

Bureau of Air Quality

BAQ protects the air we breathe by ensuring industries comply with state and federal air quality standards.

Bureau of Air Quality

Bureau of Coastal Management

BCM helps ensure the appropriate use, development and conservation of South Carolina's irreplaceable coastal resources.

Bureau of Coastal Management

Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services

BRLS responds to environmental incidents, samples and monitors air and water, and investigates tips received from the public.

Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services

WaterSC

WaterSC, led by the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), works across state agencies and with key stakeholders to develop a state water plan that balances South Carolina's economic and environmental interests to ensure the long-term protection of the state’s water resources as demand increases from record-breaking economic development and population growth.

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Shellfish Monitoring Program

Shellfish monitoring runs Oct. 1 - May 15. Our Shellfish Monitoring Program works to ensure that shellfish and the areas from which they are harvested meet the health and environmental quality standards provided by federal guidelines and state regulations.

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Don't Waste Holiday Food

During the holiday season, many of us attend holiday parties with friends and family. Part of this is enjoying tasty dishes that we only indulge in once a year. It's all too easy to waste food when our eating routines are all over the place. While it's not the first waist-related issue that comes to mind, the waste problem can be significant!

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Be Battery Smart

SCDES - in partnership with the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) - developed the "Take Charge! Be Battery Smart" outreach campaign to raise awareness of both the safety concerns and the recycling opportunities that are available and growing in number.

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Jobs & Careers

SCDES is dedicated to helping people live healthy lives in healthy communities. With more than 3,800 employees in 100 offices across the state, SCDES has a diverse team of employees who are leaders in their fields and share a passion for making a difference.

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Adopt-a-Stream

Learn how to monitor the health and quality of South Carolina's waterways at free workshops. Choose to sample freshwater streams, tidal saltwaters, lakes, or macroinvertebrates. Work with local partners to protect and restore our waterways.

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Inaugural WaterSC Meeting Brings Together Statewide Collaborators to Plan for the Preservation and Management of South Carolina’s Water Resources

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 30, 2024

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Today, representatives from multiple state agencies and stakeholder groups joined Gov. Henry McMaster for the first meeting of the WaterSC Water Resources Working Group. WaterSC is a newly launched statewide initiative bringing together a variety of collaborators from around the state to guide planning for South Carolina’s water resources.

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