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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

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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Open Burning

Learn more about open burning. Is it legal? What can I burn? How does it effect the environment? How do I report illegal open burning?

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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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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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SUPERB Advisory Committee to Meet Feb. 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 6, 2025

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The State Underground Petroleum Environmental Response Bank (SUPERB) Act Advisory Committee will meet on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) Main Office located at 2600 Bull St., Columbia.

The agenda is available on the SCDES website.

Fore more information, contact SCDES Media Relations:
media@des.sc.gov 
(803) 898-7263

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Events

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Tuesday, February 11 at 9:00 am - Tuesday, February 11 at 1:00 pm

Santee River Basin Council Meeting

The next Santee River Basin Council meeting has been scheduled for February 11, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

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Blog

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Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025

National Radon Action Month: Protect Your Home and Health

Understanding the Risk from 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. As the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers in America, radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths each year.

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