The Office of Compliance Assistance (OCA) facilitates communication between the regulated community and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES). OCA provides support 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. 

In addition to assisting businesses with regulatory questions, OCA also evaluates voluntary disclosures and coordinates with program staff on appropriate resolutions. Compliance assistance visits help facilities understand reporting and permitting requirements; these visits are voluntary, free of charge, and nonregulatory, offering clear and comprehensive compliance information.

OCA operates independently of the regulatory programs to maintain it's role as a neutral source of assistance.