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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

2025 State Water Plan

The 2025 South Carolina State Water Plan is a comprehensive, data-driven report developed to ensure the long-term protection of the state’s water resources. Developed by the S.C. Department of Environmental Services, The 2025 State Water Plan captures input from WaterSC participants, the state’s River Basin Councils, and other key stakeholders from across the state. The plan provides for the protection of water availability for all water users for the next 50 years, until the year 2070.

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ESOP Annual Report

The 2024 Environmental Surveillance and Oversight Program Data Report has been released. SCDES monitors the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site for potential contaminants and produces a report of all its annual findings.

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Office of Compliance Assistance

Introducing the SCDES Office of Compliance Assistance (OCA)! OCA facilitates communication between the regulated community and SCDES through phone consultations, online surveys, email, general permitting guidance, problem solving, compliance assistance visits, and both virtual and in-person meetings and training opportunities. Through development and implementation of these compliance assistance activities, OCA’s goal is to reduce pollution, increase the level of understanding of environmental requirements and prevent violations before they occur.

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Radon

January is National Radon Action Month, and it's the perfect time to learn about the potential dangers of radon in your home. Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that can pose serious health risks.

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Abandoned and Derelict Vessels

Abandoned and derelict vessels (ADV) are a chronic problem in our coastal environment. In addition to direct impact on fragile marsh and benthic habitat, ADVs diminish the safe recreational use of our waterways and are a visual blight on the landscape. SCDES has worked with federal, state, and local partners on abandoned vessel removal projects across the South Carolina coast. Vessel removals are often costly and despite such efforts, ADVs continue to be a problem in coastal South Carolina.

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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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It’s ‘Good to Know’: SCDES Launches Monthly Tips for Starting Small Habits that Support a Healthy Home and Environment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Jan. 22, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. ― To help South Carolinians take small, daily actions that can lead to big, positive benefits for their family, home and community, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is introducing a public education initiative called “Good to Know: Tips for a healthy home and environment.”

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Events

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Monday, January 26, 2026 6:00 pm -

Telfair Community Meeting

The SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) will be hosting a Community Meeting at 6:00 pm on Monday, January 26, 2026 at Coosa Elementary School, 45 Middle Rd, Beaufort, SC 29907. This meeting will share information from our SCDES team about our ongoing odor investigation and response in the Telfair, Royal Pines and surrounding areas and will also include time for questions from the community.  Staff from Coastal Waste & Recycling, LLC, have also been invited and are planning to attend to be able to address questions from community members. 

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Blog

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Monday, Jan 12, 2026

Protect Your Home and Family During National Radon Action Month

January is National Radon Action Month, a time to raise awareness about radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is the 

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