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A new era in environmental protection.

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

About SCDES

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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

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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

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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

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Bureau of Coastal Management

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

Bureau of Coastal Management

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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

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Public Notices

Beach Monitoring Season

SCDES samples water at more than 120 locations along South Carolina's coast from May 1 - October 1. If elevated levels of bacteria are detected, advisories are issued for that monitoring location. An advisory means that SCDES advises you NOT to swim in those areas. Advisories do not mean that the beach is closed. Wading, fishing, and shell collecting do not pose a risk.

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Ozone Monitoring Season

SCDES monitors ozone levels each year from March 1 through Oct. 31. Monitors help us understand the actual amount of ozone occurring at a particular location as well as the distribution of ozone concentrations across the state.

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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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Hurricane Season

Stay Ready: Hurricane season is here (June 1 - Nov. 30)! When hurricanes, floods, or other weather emergencies threaten our state, SCDES takes actions within the scope of its authority that help protect people, property and the environment.

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Open Burning

Learn more about open burning. Is it legal? What can I burn? How does it effect the environment? How do I report illegal open burning?

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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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News

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SCDES Lifts Short-term Swim Advisory for Section of Beach on Edisto Island

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
July 11, 2025


COLUMBIA, S.C. — A section of beach along Edisto Island is no longer under a short-term swim advisory, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) reported today. 
 
The affected area was for water at Edisto Beach near the access point in Jeremy Cay off Lost Village Trail (station LC-075) in Colleton County. Bacteria levels have returned to normal.  

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Events

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Monday, July 14, 2025 6:00 pm -

White Tract Phase 2 Single Family Residential Public Meeting/Hearing

SCDES is seeking input on the proposed application from Pulte Home Company, LLC to disturb land to facilitate construction of 124 single family homes and associated infrastructure. SCDES invites interested people to an informational session, public hearing, and/or to provide written comments. The informational public meeting will include:

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Blog

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Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025

Keeping Our Coast Clean: Beach Monitoring Season is Underway in South Carolina

Each year, as families, tourists, and locals head to South Carolina’s beautiful beaches to soak up the sun and splash in the surf, environmental professionals are hard at work behind the scenes to ensure that our coastal waters remain safe for everyone.

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