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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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Regulations
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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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King Tides

SCDES needs your help to capture photographs of King Tide events! "King Tide" is a non-scientific term used to describe the highest seasonal tides that occur each year. These tides occur naturally and are typically caused when the sun, moon, and earth align during a new and full moon. Upcoming King Tides: Nov. 4-9 and Dec. 3-6.

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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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Shellfish Monitoring Program

Shellfish monitoring runs Oct. 1 - May 15. Our Shellfish Monitoring Program works 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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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 Recognizes 13 South Carolina Schools as ‘Champions of the Environment’ 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 28, 2025

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Thirteen South Carolina schools were recently awarded grants to support the education of the next generation of environmental stewards, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) announced today. 

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Events

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Thursday, November 6, 2025 06:00 - 08:00 pm

Sewee Landing Public Meeting & Hearing

SCDES will hold a combination public meeting and public hearing on November 6, 2025, to accept oral and written comments on the proposed NPDES Stormwater permit application from Mungo Homes. The meeting/hearing will be held at Berkeley Electric District Office, North 7200, US-17 in Awendaw, SC 29429. The public meeting will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, with the public hearing beginning at 7:00 PM. 

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Blog

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Friday, Oct 24, 2025

2025 National Take Back Day

Oftentimes, unwanted prescription drugs are kept or disposed of improperly, putting people's health and the environment at risk by making their way into the wrong hands or into our water bodies. This is why the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sponsors “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.”  

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