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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

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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

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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Recycle Here SC App

Where and what can you recycle in your community? For these answers and more, select your county of residence below. For the most updated information, visit the county's webpage and follow the county's social media accounts. Download the free Recycle Here SC mobile app to have the information below directly at your fingertips. Click here to learn more and download the app.

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ESOP Annual Report

The 2023 Environmental Surveillance & Oversight Program Data Report has been released. SCDES monitors the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site (SRS) for potential contaminants and produces a report of all its annual findings.

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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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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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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 Offers Free Radon Test Kits, Reminds Residents of Radon Dangers during National Radon Action Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  
Jan. 9, 2025 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — January is National Radon Action Month, and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) encourages South Carolinians to become familiar with the risks of radon presence inside a home. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking, and the health risks from radon are even greater for smokers.  

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Events

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Tuesday, January 14 at 6:00 pm - Tuesday, January 14 at 8:00 pm

Draft Pee Dee River Basin Plan Public Meeting

SCDES invites residents to attend an upcoming meeting that will introduce the draft Pee Dee River Basin Plan. Public input is an integral part of the development of the plan, which will help identify best management practices for ensuring the Pee Dee River basin has water resources available for all future users.

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Blog

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Friday, Dec 6, 2024

Celebrate Arbor Day in South Carolina!

Do you love trees? J. Sterling Morton certainly did! In 1872, he founded Arbor Day as a holiday dedicated to planting trees and fostering appreciation for their incredible contributions to our environment. More than 150 years later, Arbor Day continues to inspire individuals and communities worldwide to make a lasting impact on our planet through the simple yet profound act of planting trees.

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