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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

Make Every Day Earth Day

Earth Day may be April 22, but for SCDES, every day is Earth Day! We urge residents to recognize and celebrate how invaluable South Carolina's natural environment is to those who live, work and play in the Palmetto State. SCDES employees work every day to protect the state's air, land, water and coastal resources for the benefit of all!

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Permitting Dashboard and Resources

SCDES remains committed to modernizing its permit review processes while also guiding how our state grows responsibly. Our goal is to issue permits within 90 days, upholding the standards for environmental protection, while also providing guidance to improve the quality of applications. While many programs already meet the 90-day timeframe, SCDES is always looking to implement innovative strategies and identify areas for continuous improvement.

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WaterSC

WaterSC was created to work across state agencies and with key stakeholders to guide the development of an updated state water plan that ensures the long-term protection of the state’s water resources as demand increases from record-breaking economic development and population growth. In December 2025, WaterSC published the 2025 South Carolina State Water Plan, a comprehensive, data-driven report developed to ensure the long-term protection of the state’s water resources.

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Ozone Monitoring Season

From April 1 through September 30, SCDES provides a daily forecast for ground-level ozone concentrations across the state. These forecasts help South Carolinians take simple steps to protect their health on days when ozone levels are expected to be elevated.

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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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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 to Begin Seasonal Water Quality Monitoring at S.C. Beaches

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
April 16, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. — To help keep South Carolina beaches a favorite destination during the summer months, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is beginning its seasonal monitoring of water quality along the coast. Every state with ocean-facing beaches performs beach water monitoring to help detect instances of elevated bacteria levels that have the potential to impact people’s health.

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Events

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Thursday, April 23, 2026 6:00 pm -

Adams Scrap Recycling Public Hearing

Adams Scrap Recycling LLC has applied to the Department for a state air construction permit to authorize construction and operation of metal shredding equipment and associated control devices. Adams Scrap Recycling LLC is a recycler of metals and other materials such as glass, paper, plastics, and electronics. This project is for the installation of several pieces of equipment for auto and metal scrap shredding, including a stationary 10‑ton‑per‑hour (tph) shredder, a stationary 3‑tph vertical mill granulator, a mobile 25‑tph shredder, and a mobile 30‑tph shredder.

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Blog

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Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026

Protecting Our Coast: How SCDES Is Strengthening the Fight Against Abandoned and Derelict Vessels

A capsized boat rests partially submerged near a grassy shoreline. Cranes and industrial structures are visible in the background under a clear sky.
Photo Credit: MyCoast SC

South Carolina’s coastal environments are treasured natural resources—supporting wildlife, recreation, tourism and local economies.

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