SCDES Issues Emergency Orders for Coastal Counties for Sandbags, Sand Scraping and Minor Renourishment ahead of Tropical Storm Debby
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 5, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Today, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) issued blanket emergency orders in the state’s eight coastal counties allowing property owners along the immediate beachfront to take preventive measures to protect their properties from impacts of Tropical Storm Debby.
These emergency orders allow for minor renourishment, sand scraping and the installation of sandbags, with the goal of property owners having the ability to take proactive, pre-storm efforts to minimize impacts from the tropical storm. Work performed under the emergency orders is limited to those structures that are deemed in imminent danger from erosion per Critical Area Permitting Regulations, and includes both residential and commercial properties.
“These emergency orders are effective 30 days from today, however, if after that time a structure is still considered in imminent danger, property owners may request an individual emergency order to extend the time for protection,” said Chris Stout, Chief of SCDES’s Bureau of Coastal Management.
SCDES also has issued an emergency order for marine debris removal to allow the general public to remove boats and debris from the critical areas of the state using all best practices and measures. The public should report waterway debris, including vessels and structures, to their local emergency management officials at the county or municipal level.
SCDES continues to closely monitor developments with Tropical Storm Debby. The agency’s Bureau of Coastal Management is coordinating with coastal county officials, and based on the storm’s impacts, will determine the need for emergency authorizations for reconstruction or repair of coastal structures in the tidelands Critical Areas.
After the storm passes, SCDES encourages residents and officials to begin reporting damage to beachfront structures – such as seawalls, revetments, walkovers and erosion – using the agency’s MyCoast web and mobile app. The information provided by the public will assist SCDES in prioritizing post-disaster damage assessment and coordination with coastal counties and municipalities. Property owners should also report damage to structures, including homes, to their local building officials.
For the latest SCDES updates for Tropical Storm Debby, visit des.sc.gov/debby. Follow the South Carolina Department of Emergency Management for the latest storm information at scemd.org.
