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2026 Coastal Photography Contest is OPEN!

Photographers of all degrees of expertise are invited to participate in the annual photography contest sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.

Coastal Photography Contest

Champions of the Environmental Grant Period NOW OPEN!

SCDES is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 Champions of the Environment grants. K–12 teachers can apply for up to $2,500 to fund classroom projects that promote environmental awareness. Applications are open from August 1 through September 30, 2025.

Champions of the Environment

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.

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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

Commitment to Permitting Process Improvements

SCDES remains committed to modernizing its permit review processes while also guiding how our state grows responsibly. Through a separate initiative, SCDES is working to implement provisions of the S.C. Energy Security Act, also known as Act 41.

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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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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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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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Jobs & Careers

SCDES is dedicated to helping people live healthy lives in healthy communities. With more than 1,200 employees in more than a dozen 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 One Short-Term Swim Advisory for Section of Beach on Edisto Island; One Advisory Remains

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 14, 2025


COLUMBIA, S.C. — A section of beach along South Carolina's coast is no longer under a swim advisory, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) reported today. However, one advisory remains in place. 
 
The affected area was near the access point at Ebbtide Street (LC-081) in Colleton County. Bacteria levels have returned to normal. 

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Events

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Thursday, September 18, 2025 6:00 pm -

Luck Stone Cherokee Quarry Public Meeting & Hearing

SCDES will hold a combination public meeting and public hearing on the proposed Cherokee Quarry on September 18, 2025, at the Institute of Innovation in Gaffney, SC. The public meeting will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 PM.

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Blog

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Thursday, Aug 14, 2025

Stay Off the Dunes: Protecting South Carolina’s Natural Barrier


South Carolina’s sand dunes aren’t just scenic—they’re essential. These dynamic natural features serve as our first line of defense against coastal storms and erosion, helping protect inland ecosystems, homes and infrastructure.  

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