SCDES BCM’s Compliance and Enforcement Division is responsible for ensuring that structures and activities within South Carolina’s four critical areas adhere to the SC Coastal Tidelands and Wetlands Act, SC Coastal Division Regulations, and the policies of the South Carolina Coastal Management Program. Through compliance assistance and enforcement efforts, this Division seeks to achieve, maintain, and enhance compliance with South Carolina’s coastal laws and regulations. The Compliance and Enforcement Division conducts as-built inspections upon completion of permitted projects and also investigates reports of possible violations.
Reporting Potential Coastal Violations
Citizens are encouraged to report possible violations of SC’s coastal laws and regulations to BCM. Reports can be submitted via ePermitting through an Environmental Complaint Submission or by email to complianceenforcement-bcm@des.sc.gov. Your report will remain confidential. However, please call (843) 953-0200 if you wish to remain anonymous.
BCM Compliance and Enforcement personnel will investigate reports of possible violations, take appropriate action and, if requested, notify the person making the report of any action taken.
Enforcing SC Coastal Protection Laws
A project is considered to be in violation if the structure or activity exceeds the scope of the issued permit, does not comply with specifications and/or conditions outlined in the permit, is not permitted as required, or is otherwise prohibited by statute.
As part of a comprehensive enforcement process, BCM may require individuals to perform the following:
- Stop work under a Cease and Desist Directive
- Remove the structure in violation
- Modify the structure or activity in violation
- Submit an after-the-fact permit application
- Restore the site to original conditions
- Pay civil penalties