The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) establishes this privacy notice on the collection and dissemination of personal information in accordance with Sections 30-2-10 through 30-2-50 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that the collection of personal information by the Department is limited to such personal information as is required and necessary to fulfill a legitimate public purpose, and to further ensure that the Department shall collect and disseminate personal information in compliance with the South Carolina Family Privacy Protection Act.
Privacy Complaints
Any person who believes SCDES has inappropriately released their confidential information may file a complaint with the SCDES Compliance Office. Please complete an SCDES Privacy Complaint Form (D-2026). You may:
- Email the form to compliance@des.sc.gov, or
- Mail the form to: SCDES Compliance Office, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201
- Complaints also may be taken via telephone at (803) 898-3944
The Compliance Office will respond to the complaint within thirty (30) calendar days and will take reasonable steps to resolve the matter. The complainant may be contacted for more information. The complainant will be notified of the findings and any action(s) to be taken.
Definitions
Personal information - means information that identifies or describes an individual including, but not limited to, an individual's photograph or digitized image, social security number, date of birth, driver's identification number, name, home address, home telephone number, medical or disability information, education level, financial status, bank account(s) number(s), account or identification number issued by and/or used by any federal or state governmental agency or private financial institution, employment history, height, weight, race, other physical details, signature, biometric identifiers, and any credit records or reports.
Legitimate public purpose - means a purpose or use which falls clearly within the statutory charge or mandates of an agency, board, commission, institution, department, or other state entity.
Commercial solicitation - means contact by telephone, mail, or electronic mail for the purpose of selling or marketing a consumer product or service. 'Commercial solicitation' does not include contact by whatever means for the purpose of:
- offering membership in a credit union;
- notification of continuing education opportunities sponsored by not-for-profit professional associations;
- selling or marketing banking, insurance, securities, or commodities services provided by an institution or entity defined in or required to comply with the Federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act, 113 Stat. 1338; or
- contacting persons for political purposes using information on file with state or local voter registration offices.
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) website, we automatically collect certain data to analyze website usage and enhance user experience. This information is gathered in raw form and is not used to personally identify or contact visitors.
If you access our website to view or download content, we may collect and store:
- Your IP address and domain name.
- The type of browser and operating system used.
- The date, time, and duration of your visit.
- The pages, files, documents, and links you interact with.
- The referring website URL (the site you visited before reaching our website).
Emails Sent to SCDES
When you send an email to SCDES, you may provide personal information such as your name, physical address, or email address. For example, if you submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, we may store your contact details to respond appropriately or address your inquiry.
Online Forms and Registrations
Some DES website features may require you to complete a form, such as when requesting information, providing feedback, or participating in surveys. The details you provide help us better understand user needs and improve our services.
Use of Cookies
Our website utilizes cookies to enhance site functionality and improve user experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help us:
- Track website traffic patterns and usage trends.
- Remember preferences to provide a more personalized experience.
- Improve website content and functionality based on user interactions.
- Cookies are only used for aggregate analytics and do not create individual user profiles. If you prefer, you can disable cookies through your browser settings, though some website features may be affected.
Data Privacy & Public Records
SCDES is committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of your information. While authorized SCDES employees may access your data as part of their job responsibilities, we take appropriate measures to protect your privacy.
However, as a public agency, SCDES may be required to disclose certain information under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). While FOIA promotes transparency, it also includes exemptions that allow us to withhold personal data where privacy protections apply.
Use for Commercial Solicitation Prohibited
Section 30-2-50 of the South Carolina Family Privacy Protection Act prohibits persons or private entities from obtaining or using any personal information obtained from the Department for commercial solicitation. A person knowingly violating this prohibition is guilty of a misdemeanor offense and subject to the penalties specified in 30-2-50 (D). Any person or entity requesting or obtaining records pursuant to the South Carolina Family Privacy Protection Act shall be notified of this prohibition.
Changes to this Notice
SCDES may change this privacy notice occasionally. All changes will be posted on this website. By continuing to use the website after changes are posted, you accept and agree to this privacy notice, as amended.
Party Responsible for Administration of the Notice
If you have any questions about this privacy notice, please contact:
SCDES Compliance Office
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Compliance@des.sc.gov