Draft 2026 Aquatic Plant Management Plan Available for Public Review and Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 28, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The public is invited to review and provide comments on the draft 2026 South Carolina Aquatic Plant Management Plan, which outlines how native and non-native aquatic plants should be best managed in the state’s public waters to support healthy aquatic environments. The plan is developed by S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) in…Permitting Dashboard and Resources
South Carolina Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Grants
Application Materials & Steps Application Materials & Steps DERA Creation & Passage DERA Creation & Passage Photo Gallery & Announcements Photo Gallery & Announcements Eligibility Criteria, Solutions, & Cost-Share Eligibility Criteria, Solutions & Cost-Share Projects Funded by DERA Grants Projects Funded by DERA Grants Impacts of Diesel Emissions Impacts of Diesel…Permitting Dashboard
Land: Infectious Waste
In South Carolina, there are approximately 9,000 registered generators of infectious waste, 30 registered transporters of infectious waste, and 2 registered treatment facilities for infectious waste. The 2026 Infectious Waste Annual Report (pdf) contains the most recent estimates of the types and amounts of infectious waste generated in South Carolina., What is Infectious Waste?, Also known as medical or biohazardous waste, infectious waste is material that was used in a healthcare setting, research setting or post-mortem exams. It includes: Sharps Microbiological specimens such as vaccines, culture dishes and other waste that has been exposed to human pathogenic agents Blood and blood products Pathological waste, which includes body fluids and any part removed from a…, Related Topics:, Infectious Waste Permits and Compliance, Contacts, Infectious Waste Staff, (803)-898-0239 or 803-898-2826 or (803) 898-0499 or (803) 898-0482 email: Infectiouswaste@des.sc.gov Kimberley Noonan , Manager, (803) 898-0493Enviva - Compliance History
In December 2018, January 2019, and March 2019, Enviva conducted a series of stack tests to verify emissions factors used in the permitting process and determine compliance with emission limits outlined in a construction permit that was issued on October 2, 2018. DHEC staff were present to observe the testing. The testing showed compliance with the specified air permit emission limits and…, Contact, For technical information about the draft air permit, contact Jo Anna Cunningham at (803) 898-4123 . For information about the virtual public hearing, contact Monica Taylor at Monica.Taylor@des.sc.gov or (803) 898-7678 . To report possible excess emissions or wood debris found on your personal property, contact the DHEC Regional Office in Greenwood at (864) 227-5915 . DHEC follows up on…King Tides - You Can Help!
2026 Predicted King Tides, April 18 May 15-18 June 14-16 July 13-14 August 11-12 September 29-30 October 10-11 October 26-29 November 24-27, King Tides - You Can Help!, SCDES is leading the South Carolina King Tides initiative to document the effect that extreme tide events have on our state's beaches, coastal waterways, private property and public infrastructure. South Carolina Kin Tides Initiative logo The term "King Tide" is a non-scientific term used to describe the highest seasonal tides that occur each year. For example, in Charleston, the average high…, Over time, the frequency and effect of King Tide events may increase due to gradual mean sea level rise, ., Get Involved, SCDES needs your help to capture photographs of King Tide events. Please refer to the, SCDES Tide Chart, for predicted dates and times and then use our mobile app on, MyCoast: South Carolina, to submit pictures from your smart phone. SCDES will evaluate your photographs and include them in long-term analysis of coastal vulnerability and planning initiatives with municipalities. SCDES may also use your photographs in presentations, publications, and on its website. Tips for Effective King Tides Photos Take pictures at or near peak high tide. Take pictures where the impact of the tide…, King Tides Initiative, is an international, public engagement program spreading to coastal areas throughout the United States and abroad. The initiative began in Australia in 2009, to encourage the public to photo-document the highest seasonal tides (dubbed "King Tides" at that time) they had seen in almost 20 years. They received over 2,000 photos. Interests in the program soon spread to the west coast of North…, The King Tides Project: Snap the Shore, See the Future, Definitions Syzygy - Alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth, which happens during the new and full moon phases. Spring Tides - The effects of syzygy that increase tidal force and cause tides to range significantly. Perigee - Occurs when the moon reaches the closest point to Earth during the 28-day elliptical orbit. Perigean Spring Tide - Occurs when the moon is closest to Earth during a spring…, Adam Bode, .Training Programs for Operators of Landfills & MSW Transfer Stations
2026 Training Schedule:, Class 3 Manager March 16 to 18 – Registration Open Class 2 Operator August 11-12 – Revisit Later Class 3 Supervisor October 13 to 15 – Revisit Later, Class 3 Landfill Managers Certification Training, SCDES’s Division of Compliance & Enforcement will be offering certification training for Class 3 Landfill Managers on March 16-18, 2025. The training will be held at the S.C. Association of Counties, 1919 Thurmond Mall, Columbia SC 29201. To register, please download and complete the, Class 3 registration, (Form D-0781)., E-mail the completed form to Carson DaWalt [, carson.dawalt@des.sc.gov, ], or mail a copy to SCDES, Bureau of Land & Waste Management, Division of Compliance & Enforcement, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Once a completed registration form has been received, direction will be given on how to make payment. The registration fee is $350 per person., The registration deadline is March 6, 2026. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis., Landfill and Transfer Station Training Program information, SCDES offers professional training programs for operators of Class 2 Landfills, Class 3 Landfills, and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Transfer Stations., The training programs: Ensure that all solid waste facility operators are professionally trained and re-certified on a regular basis in order to stay up-to-date with changes in solid waste technology as well as changes in South Carolina's environmental laws and regulations; Help improve the design and operational practices at landfills and transfer stations; and Increase the operators' awareness…, Class 3 Landfill Operators: Training Required, Supervision of the operation of a Class 3 Landfill shall be the responsibility of a qualified individual that has completed operator training courses and is certified pursuant to Regulation 61-107.14 Solid Waste Management: Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Operator's Certification. This regulation defines "operator" as any person, including the owner, who is principally engaged in, or is in charge…, Class 2 Landfill and Transfer Station Operators: Training Recommended, Even though training for operators of Class 2 landfills and transfer stations is not currently required by regulation, SCDES strongly recommends that all operators take advantage of these voluntary training opportunities., When Are Training Courses Offered?, Class 3 Landfill Manager, Class 3 Landfill Supervisor, and Class 2 Landfill Operator training is offered annually. Transfer Station Operator training is offered on an as needed basis., Contact Us, For additional information, contact Chris Carney at (803) 898-0727 or Chris.Carney@des.sc.gov .SCDES Opens Nominations for Community Star Award to Recognize Environmental Stewardship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 2, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is now accepting nominations for its annual Community Star Award , which recognizes those who make a positive difference in their communities through environmental stewardship, sustainability and resilience. From grassroots initiatives to innovative local solutions, Community Stars…, said Myra Reece, SCDES Director., “The actions of our Community Stars benefit their neighbors and our state.” A selection committee comprised of SCDES environmental experts and agency leaders will review nominations and select a Community Star honoree using a weighted scoring process. Nominees who hold an agency-issued permit must be in compliance with their permit and must have no recent deficiencies, violations or enforcement…Environmental Clean Up Assistance Programs
Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP), Administers the Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) Oversees assessment and cleanup of Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program Performing Targeted Brownfields Assessments, Dry Cleaning, Administers South Carolina's Dry-cleaning Facility Restoration Trust Fund by using funds to assess, prioritize, and clean up registered dry-cleaning sites that are polluted within the state., Emergency Response, Coordinates the response of SCDES and other agencies in responding to spills and releases of petroleum and hazardous chemicals Trains Department personnel in response safety, hazards awareness and containment/removal technologies Investigates fish kills Coordinates the Department's response to fixed nuclear facility or transportation related radiological emergencies Provides radiological hazards…, Superfund, Determines if a site may have been polluted, and ranking the site to decide if it should be placed on the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Priorities List (NPL), or on the State Superfund list. Responsible for assessing, remediating, and cleaning up or overseeing assessment, remediation, and clean up of Superfund sites in South Carolina that are not on the NPL.…, Underground Storage Tanks (UST), Oversee activities related to assessment, risk evaluation and remediation of underground storage tank releases. Administer the two state assurance funds (SUPERB Financial Responsibility Fund and the SUPERB Account) which serve as partial financial responsibility mechanisms for tank owners and operators in meeting their state and federal financial responsibility obligations., Waste Disposal, Provides technical assistance on the proper management of solid and hazardous waste Provides technical review of sampling protocols and analytical data Coordinates sampling activities for the Bureau