SCDES Lifts One Short-Term Swim Advisory for Section of Beach on Edisto Island; One Advisory Remains
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 14, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — A section of beach along South Carolina's coast is no longer under a swim advisory, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) reported today. However, one advisory remains in place. , The affected area was near the access point at Ebbtide Street (LC-081) in Colleton County. Bacteria levels have returned to normal. , A short-term swim advisory currently remains in effect for water near the access point at Bay Point (LC-082) in Colleton County. , SCDES routinely collects water samples at more than 120 locations along South Carolina's beaches to monitor bacteria levels. Please visit , des.sc.gov/beachmonitoring, for more information and to view recent water sampling results along the coast. For more information, call your local SCDES office: Myrtle Beach , 843-238-4378, Charleston , 843-953-0150, Beaufort , 843-846-1030, ###SCDES Lifts Short-Term Advisory for Section of Beach on Edisto Island
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — A section of beach along South Carolina's coast is no longer under a swim advisory, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) reported today., The affected area was near the access point at Bay Point (LC-082) in Colleton County., Bacteria levels have returned to normal. SCDES routinely collects water samples at more than 120 locations along South Carolina's beaches to monitor bacteria levels. Please visit des.sc.gov/beachmonitoring for more information and to view recent water sampling results along the coast. For more information, call your local SCDES office: Myrtle Beach , 843-238-4378, Charleston , 843-953-0150, Beaufort , 843-846-1030, ###South Carolina Critical Areas
Ryan Homes Varn East Public Hearing and Notice
The public informational session and public hearing scheduled for September 24, is related to application for coverage under the NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit for the proposed Ryan Homes Varn East project, located in Ridgeville, Dorchester County. Detailed information about the scheduled hearing and application is included below: Public notice: Public Notice - Details -…, September 24, 2025, 6 p.m.,Town of Ridgeville, 105 School Street, Ridgeville SC 29472, Procedures: An informational public meeting to share information and answer questions will begin at 6 pm and will be followed by a formal public hearing beginning at 7 p.m. The hearing will be conducted by a hearing officer. Oral and written comments will be accepted. Oral presentations may be limited to a fixed, reasonable amount of time. The number of representatives that may make oral…Lake Conestee Dam Restoration Achieves Major Milestone in Replacing 130-year-old Upstate Dam
Potential risks to people, environment substantially mitigated through collaborative efforts, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 8, 2025 GREENVILLE, S.C. — A historic milestone was recently achieved during the ongoing restoration of the Lake Conestee Dam in Greenville: water from the Reedy River now flows over a newly constructed dam, putting an end to potential risks posed by the former dam. Built in 1892, the original structure was one of only a few stone masonry dams regulated by the S.C.…, Water from the Reedy River now flows over the newly constructed Lake Conestee Dam in Greenville – a major milestone in this dam restoration project. The new dam replaces the former 130-year-old stone masonry dam that had reached the end of its lifespan and began showing signs of possible failure. (Photo courtesy of the Lake Conestee Dam Restoration Project.) , “Collaboration is the heart of this monumental success story,” , said Myra Reece, SCDES Director., “The original Lake Conestee Dam presented a significant challenge, but by bringing together the right people at the right time, we worked to identify a path forward. With funding support from the General Assembly and stakeholder groups, who understood the necessity of this project, that path forward was put into action." The General Assembly approved $36 million to replace the original dam, and…, said Dr. Lowry., “The expertise brought to bear by our highly skilled team of engineers and contractors enabled us to remove a grave threat to over a million South Carolinians. Dam failure and the tragedy that would have resulted is no longer in the cards. I am humbled by the overwhelming support from the local community and all our partners throughout the region and the state, public and private collaboration.…Kane Island Development Company, LLC - Critical Area Permit Application
Sewee Landing Public Meeting & Hearing
The Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is seeking input on the proposed application from Mungo Homes to disturb land to facilitate construction of 65 single family homes as well as associated roads and infrastructure. SCDES invites interested people to an informational session, public hearing, and/or to provide written comments . The informational public meeting will include: SCDES’s…, CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE VIRTUAL MEETING/ HEARING, Click here to view a copy of the meeting's presentation., If you are unable to log on using your phone/computer, or if you experience audio problems, you can join the hearing using the following phone number and access code: , Phone number: 1 (323) 433-2299, Access Code: 228 082 876#, Sign in/Registration Form, Any individuals with disabilities or special needs who wish to participate in these proceedings or review the Department's files on this permit should contact the person listed below by two weeks before the hearing date to discuss any special aids or services required.State Agencies Encourage Nominations for S.C. Environmental Awareness Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 11, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and fellow state agencies are seeking nominations for an award to recognize individuals who do extraordinary work advocating for our state’s natural environment., Nominations for the South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award are currently being accepted through Oct. 17, 2025., The South Carolina General Assembly established the South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award during the 1992 legislative session to recognize outstanding contributions made toward the protection, conservation and improvement of South Carolina’s natural resources. Each year, residents are encouraged to submit nominations that are then reviewed by an awards committee comprised of…‘SepticSmart Week’ Draws Focus on Proper Installation and Maintenance of Septic Systems
SCDES Provides Resources and Helpful Tips for Owners of Septic Tanks , FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 15, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — To help draw focus on the important role of septic tank systems and the proper maintenance they require, Sept. 15-19 is recognized as “SepticSmart Week” in South Carolina by a proclamation issued by Gov. Henry McMaster . The declaring of SepticSmart Week aligns with national efforts led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to…, Before SCDES issues a septic tank permit, the proposed site is thoroughly assessed to make sure it can properly support a septic tank system in compliance with state regulations. Here, David Vaughan and Anna Lane with SCDES's Onsite Wastewater Division measure a potential septic tank site. , Approximately 30% of households in South Carolina rely on septic tank systems. SCDES received 17,336 applications for individual septic systems in 2023-2024, up from 7,456 in 2010-2011 — an increase of 132% that highlights the rising demand for septic tanks as South Carolina experiences significant population growth and development. “SepticSmart Week aims to raise awareness about proper septic…, said Ashley Pritchett, program manager with SCDES’s Onsite Wastewater Program., “Its recognition also gives us a platform to encourage homeowners to adopt EPA-recommended practices for septic systems that can help conserve water, reduce improper waste disposal, and better protect drain fields. We also offer guidance about the process of an onsite wastewater system installation before purchasing land.” Key tips for proper maintenance include: Having septic system inspected…, Pritchett said., "It’s important for septic tank owners to fully understand their role in installing and maintaining these systems to protect people’s health and our environment.” South Carolina’s SepticSmart Week follows the EPA’s SepticSmart model, which is a nationwide initiative to encourage public stewardship in caring for these wastewater treatment systems. The SepticSmart program provides a wealth of…Solid Waste Advisory Council Meeting
Solid Waste Advisory Council Wednesday, September 17, 2025 10:00 A.M. , Agenda