Residents Invited to Provide Input on Draft South Carolina Water Plan that Guides Long-Term Protection of State Water Resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 17, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) encourages the public to review and provide input on the draft 2025 South Carolina Water Plan — a comprehensive document that defines best practices for managing South Carolina’s water resources for generations to come. Water is a shared resource in high demand for many essential uses,…, said Myra Reece, SCDES Director and Chair of WaterSC, . “The foresight of Governor McMaster to convene WaterSC demonstrates our state leadership’s commitment to sustainable use today and for future generations, and we welcome the public’s input and feedback.” SCDES is pleased to today share the draft plan, which is available at des.sc.gov/WaterSC. The public is encouraged to submit comments by emailing WaterSC@des.sc.gov or submitting an online…, open house and listening session will be held Thursday, Nov. 20, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Cathy Novinger Girl Scout Leadership Center, 1107 Williams Street, Columbia,, during which the public can provide comments. The state water plan will be considered a living document as additional water-use planning efforts continue. The public will have future opportunities to be engaged and provide input on this important statewide planning document. WaterSC — which includes representatives from agriculture, tourism, drinking water, recreation, academia, forestry,…Emissions Inventory - Overview
Emissions Inventory reporting is required by Regulation 61-62.1 Section III and condition 4.B.6 contained in Part 4.B of a facility's Title V permit if the permit was issued before 10/09/2007; condition 4.6 contained in Part 4 of a facility's Title V permit if the permit was issued between 10/09/2007 and 10/14/2008; or condition 4.3 contained in Part 4 of a facility's Title V permit if the permit…, Section Contacts, Chad Wilbanks - Section Manager (803)898-4106Polyester Resin Plastic Products Fabrication Emission Estimates
Section Contacts, Unified Emission Factors (pdf) Preferred method for estimating emissions of Styrene and Methyl Methacrylate from open molding of resin composites including the Boat Manufacturing Industry but not the Reinforced Plastic Composites Industries covered by 40 CFR 63, Subpart WWWW. MACT Final Rule for Reinforced Plastic Composite Production (40 CFR 63, Subpart WWWW) Preferred method for estimating…, Section Contacts, Chad Wilbanks - Section Manager (803)898-4106Emissions Estimating Tools
Emission Estimating Tools, Multisource Test Calculator Tool (xls) Spreadsheet template that assists in calculating emissions using results of a Department-approved source test. Please note that all templates are examples for use at your discretion only. Feel free to download & modify for your needs Example Multisource Test Calculator Modification #1 for Coal and Woodwaste Boilers (xls) This template includes MMBTU and…, (BAQ staff implement these methods in developing emission estimates), FIRE for Windows® Rule Effectiveness Help (pdf) , "How to Incorporate the Effects of Control Device Efficiencies and Malfunctions into Emissions Inventory Estimates.", Software to assist those preparing inventories, Landfill Air Emissions Estimation Model Storage Tank Emissions - TANKS for Windows® Waste Water Treatment Plants - WATER9 Model, Section Contacts, Chad Wilbanks, -, Section Manager (803) 898-4106Saluda River Basin Council Meeting
The next Saluda River Basin Council meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2025 at the Laurens County Water & Sewer Commission ( 3850 US Hwy 221 S., Laurens, SC 29360 ) from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM ( draft agenda ). For meeting access information, please contact Scott Harder (scott.harder@des.sc.gov ) or Alexis Modzelesky (alexis.modzelesky@des.sc.gov ), for more information. Visit our Saluda…Upper Savannah River Basin Council Planning Meeting
The next Upper Savannah River Basin Council meeting has been scheduled for December 3, 2025 at the Starr and Iva Water Sewer District Office ( 104 Roy Arnold Rd. Starr, SC 29684 ) from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM ( draft agenda ). For meeting access information, please contact Scott Harder ( scott.harder@des.sc.gov ) or Alexis Modzelesky ( Alexis.Modzelesky@des.sc.gov ). Visit our Upper Savannah Basin…2025 Recycling Professionals Training and Workshop
SCDES’s Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling (The Office) recently hosted more than 100 recycling representatives from local governments, colleges/universities, and business for a free, three-day training and workshop at The Phillips Market Center in West Columbia. The Office put on two events in one by offering the Recycling Professionals Certification Training and Annual Recycling…Recycle Guys Poster Gallery
Septic Tanks - Commercial Builder
Incorrectly installed septic systems can harm water quality and make people sick, which is why South Carolina law requires site approvals and permits for all septic systems. If you are planning to build a commercial facility (restaurant, laundry mat, etc.) not served by a public or community sewer system, you must first obtain DHEC's approval and permits to install septic systems. Without these…, The Permitting Process and How to Apply, Any septic system with a daily flow greater than 1,500 gallons per day is considered a large system. Large septic systems must meet all the requirements of System Standard 150 (Appendix B of Regulation 61-56), in addition to the general requirements listed in Reg. 61-56. Large septic systems must have at least a 36-inch area between the naturally occurring soil surface and the zone of seasonal…, Food Service Facility Systems, Any food service facility permitted by DHEC that is served by a septic system that was permitted after May 23, 2008, is required to comply with regulations regarding grease traps (SC Code Ann. Regs. 61-56, Section 201.2). Food service facilities permitted prior to May 23, 2008, will be required to comply with regulations regarding grease traps (4 SC Code Ann. Regs. 61-56, Section 201.2) if they…, Find a Professional, There are times when you may need to hire an onsite wastewater (septic tank) professional. These professionals may be tank manufacturers, installers, pumpers/haulers, or professional soil classifiers. Contracting with DHEC to perform Site and Soil Evaluations DHEC’s Onsite Wastewater Program is now allowing qualified contractors to perform soil evaluations for the issuance of Onsite Wastewater…Septic Tanks - Residential Subdivision Builder
Incorrectly installed septic systems can harm water quality and make people sick, which is why South Carolina law requires site approvals and permits for all septic systems. If you are planning to build a large residential community with many homes, including manufactured homes, on property not served by a public or community sewer system, you must first obtain SCDES's approval and permits to…, Subdivisions: Permit Needed for Subdivided Properties (10 or More Lots), The Department will not perform a soil evaluation or prepare a system layout for any subdivision or portion of a subdivision with 10 or more lots. Soil evaluations must be conducted by a Professional Soil Classifier or another licensed person qualified to practice professional soil classifying. The licensed professional is responsible for documenting qualifications. SCDES’s Onsite Wastewater…, SCDES is Here to Help You, Use our Frequently Asked Questions for quick help answering common questions. If you have additional questions and need help, please call your local Environmental Affairs Office . If you need to report a sewage complaint, use our ChatBot tool . Help is available 24/7.