World Water Monitoring Day: Protecting South Carolina’s Most Vital Resource
Clean, safe water is essential for every community, every ecosystem and every future. That’s why each year, World Water Monitoring Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of protecting water quality and empowering citizens to take part in caring for this vital resource. Established in 2003, World Water Monitoring Day began as an educational outreach initiative designed to engage…, Monitoring Programs, – Tracking the health of rivers, lakes and streams to detect changes in water quality., Permitting & Compliance, – Ensuring industries and municipalities follow state and federal regulations that protect water resources., Community Engagement, – Partnering with schools, organizations and volunteers to raise awareness of water stewardship. How You Can Get Involved World Water Monitoring Day is about more than scientific testing, it’s about connection. By learning more about your local waterways, you can better understand the role they play in your community and how to protect them. Here are some ways to take part:, Explore Local Waterways, : Visit a nearby stream, lake or river and observe its condition., Educate Yourself, : Learn more about water quality and conservation through trusted resources., Join the Effort, : Connect with SCDES programs that support clean water. Protecting Today, Preserving Tomorrow World Water Monitoring Day reminds us that clean water is not guaranteed, it is safeguarded through science, responsibility and community action. At SCDES, we are committed to protecting South Carolina’s waters so that future generations can enjoy the same rivers, lakes and coastal beauty we treasure…, SCDES Bureau of Water, protects our state’s water resources: https://des.sc.gov/programs/bureau-water .WaterSC to Meet Sept. 25, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 23, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The WaterSC Water Resources Working Group will hold its next meeting on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Lexington Municipal Complex, 111 Maiden Lane, Lexington, SC 29072. The meeting is open to members of the public to be in attendance. Find a copy of the agenda, the presentation slides, and additional information…SCDES Begins Pre-storm Efforts to Prepare for Potential Impacts from Tropical Disturbances
Dam and reservoir owners and operators should monitor water levels, clear spillways, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 26, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is closely monitoring Tropical Disturbance 94L and Hurricane Humberto and preparing for potential impacts to South Carolina next week. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) is the state’s lead agency during a severe weather response, and SCDES, as part of…New Indy Reports & Documents
Updated July 22, 2024, The test reports submitted in response to DHEC’s original Order to Correct Undesirable Levels of Air Contaminants issued in May 2021 are lengthy and complex documents (see documents below). DHEC and EPA have reviewed the reports and requested clarifications and corrections where needed (see reports and response letters below). The reports required by the Orders currently in effect will be posted…, DHEC, under the authority of the South Carolina Pollution Control Act and the other by the, US EPA, under the authority of the Clean Air Act. The goal of both Orders was for the facility to identify H2S sources onsite that are contributing to the offsite odors and impact to the surrounding communities and to reduce emissions affecting offsite locations. EPA required documents are posted to the, EPA H2S in South and North Carolina page., Questions about the EPA requirements or documents should be directed to Jason McDonald,, mcdonald.jason@epa.gov, ,, 404-562-9203, . As a result of investigation and review of reports, documents and data, DHEC and New Indy reached agreement on specific actions that must be taken to continue to improve the wastewater treatment system, reduce air emissions and report progress. Elements of the Consent agreements and required documents will be posted to this page as milestones are met. The table below lists the elements in each…, Order Requirement, Date Required, Date Submitted, Status, 1 Submit plans and application associated with Construction Permits 18449-IW, 0098-IW and any additional construction to WWTF 8/13/22 8/12/22 Under Review 2 Begin construction 60 days from Permit to Construct issuance TBD 3 Complete construction and request approval to Place into Operation No more than 3 years from issuance of Permit to Construct TBD 4 Submit PER 10/27/2022 10/26/2022…, *, Noncompliant Certify sludge, islands, and turbidity curtains removed and ASB No Less Than 6’ deep 12/31/2026 Certify Legacy sludge removed from EQ Basin 6/30/2023 6/22/2023 Met Requirement 6 Certify Revisions and update to O&M Manual 8/1/2022 7/29/2022 Met Requirement 7 Certify Revisions and update to BMP Manual 8/1/2022 7/29/2022 Met Requirement 8 Certify Revisions and update to…, Order Requirement, Date Required, Date Submitted, Status, 1 Continue operation of three existing fence line H2S monitors. Operational 2 Add two additional onsite monitors Operating 3 Provide Plan for onsite TRS sampling and analysis 1/22/23 1/23/2023 Sampling Completed 4 Install New Primary Stripper Submit construction permit application 3/23/23 3/23/23 Draft available for public review Order primary stripper Application submission +…, Air Dispersion Modeling, Air Dispersion Modeling Report, Comments/Questions from DHEC and EPA, New Indy's Response to Comments/Questions from DHEC and EPA, Air Dispersion Modeling Report Revision, DHEC Comments, New Indy's Response to DHEC Comments, DHEC Follow-up Comments, New Indy Response to Follow-up Comments, DHEC Comments - June 29, 2022, New Indy Response to Comments - July 13, 2022, Modeling Summary, Air Applications/Construction Permits, Air Quality Construction Permits, New Indy Corrective Action Plan, New Indy Corrective Action Plan, - Submitted June 15, 2021, DHEC Response to New Indy Corrective Action Plan, - Submitted June 15, 2021, New Indy Corrective Action Plan - Revision 1, - Submitted June 25, 2021, DHEC Response to New Indy Corrective Action Plan, - Submitted June 25, 2021, New Indy Corrective Action Plan - Revision 2, - Submitted July 12, 2021, DHEC Response to New Indy Corrective Action Plan, - Submitted July 12, 2021, Impoundments, Pond 4 Inspection, (8/30/2017), S & ME report Summary, (2019), DHEC Inventory Addition for DAMS 7, 8, and 9 at the New Indy Facility, - January 12, 2022, Reports, June 2021 Stack Test Results, New Indy's request to conduct the SO2 stack test again in September and the test plan, DHEC's waiver of the 15-day notification for September SO2 stack test, DHEC's approval of the test plan for September SO2 stack test, DHEC and EPA's questions and comments regarding the June stack tests and condensate collection and treatment tests, Subpart S Condensate Collection and Treatment Initial Performance Test, Part 1 - Narrative and Appendix A, Part 2 - Appendices B - H, Part 3 - Appendices I - K, Subpart S Notification of Compliance Status (NOCS) Report, July 9 - 11 Test Summary, Plans, Initial Performance Test Plan - Condensate Collection & Treatmen, t, Cover Letter, Initial Performance Test Plan - Condensate Collection & Treatment, - Revised June 2021, Public Notification Plan, - May 17, 2021, Emission Test Plan - June 18, 2021, Weekly Report, Final Weekly Report, - January 6, 2023, Daily Air Monitoring Reports, June 29, 2021 June 30, 2021 July 2021 Reports August 2021 Reports September 2021 Reports October 2021 Reports November 2021 Reports December 2021 Reports January 2022 Reports February 2022 Reports March 2022 Reports April 2022 Reports May 2022 Reports June 2022 Reports July 2022 Reports August 2022 Reports September 2022 Reports October 2022 Reports November 2022 Reports December 2022…, EPA Reports, May 2021 Reports - Combined June 2021 Reports - CombinedWaterSC to Meet Oct. 8, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 7, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The WaterSC Water Resources Working Group will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Cathy Novinger Girl Scout Leadership Center, 1107 Williams St., Columbia. The meeting is open to members of the public to be in attendance. Find a copy of the agenda, the presentation slides, and additional…2025 Environmental Assistance Conference
SCDES is excited to host the 2025, Environmental Assistance Conference, ! The ideal attendees for the 2025 Environmental Assistance Conference (EAC) would include:, Environmental Compliance Professionals, : Individuals responsible for ensuring their organizations adhere to environmental regulations and permit conditions. They will benefit from the resources and contacts provided at the conference., Business and Industry Representatives, : Those from various sectors who need to stay informed about compliance requirements and best practices. They can gain insights from SCDES staff and other experts., Local Government Officials, : Representatives from municipalities and counties who manage local environmental programs and need to understand state and federal regulations., Environmental Consultants, : Professionals who advise businesses and governments on compliance strategies and environmental management. They can network and learn about the latest tools and techniques. Click Here to Register CLICK HERE TO REGISTER For more information, contact Rebecca Sproles at rebecca.sproles@des.sc.gov or 803-394-0465.Santee River Basin Council Meeting
The next Santee River Basin Council meeting has been scheduled for Oct. 14, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM., The Council will meet in-person at the Somerset Building (2213 Pinopolis Road, Pinopolis, SC 29469). For meeting access information, please contact Scott Harder (scott.harder@des.sc.gov ) or Alexis Modzelesky (alexis.modzelesky@des.sc.gov ). Visit our Santee River Basin Council webpage for a draft agenda and information on past meetings.WaterSC Meeting
The WaterSC Water Resources Working Group will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Cathy Novinger Girl Scout Leadership Center, 1107 Williams St., Columbia. The meeting is open to members of the public to be in attendance. , The meeting, will be livestreamed, by SCETV, For more information on upcoming and previous WaterSC meetings, visit our, WaterSC Meetings webpage, .Satellite Sewer System Permitting
Satellite Sewer Systems - Permitting, PREVIOUS - General Permit for Satellite Sewer Systems (pdf) COMPARATIVE VERSIONS - General Permit for Satellite Sewer Systems (pdf) NEW DRAFT - General Permit for Satellite Sewer Systems (pdf) PowerPoint Presentation on Satellite Sewer Systems Operation Permit Program (pdf)SCDES Temporarily Closes Some Shellfish Harvesting Beds in Georgetown County due to Excessive Rain
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 13, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is temporarily closing some shellfish harvesting beds in Georgetown County due to heavy rainfall, the agency announced today. "This closure will begin at official sunset today, October 13, and it affects all shellfish harvesting in Shellfish Management Area 05, which includes…, said Mike Marshall, manager of, SCDES’s Shellfish Sanitation Section., "The affected area will reopen once water quality data indicate that bacteria levels are once again suitable for shellfish harvesting." For more information on clam and oyster harvesting areas in Georgetown County, call SCDES’s Myrtle Beach Environmental Affairs Office at 843-238-4378 . ###