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  • Water Quality Certification Program (Section 401) - Overview
    *401 Certification Pre-filing and Certification Requests Instructions*, The SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) administers the Water Quality Certification program pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act. Section 401 requires that the State issue certification for any activity which requires a Federal permit and may result in a discharge to State waters. This certification must state that applicable effluent limits and water quality…, All activities requiring a Federal 404 permit (a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit for the discharge of dredged or fill material) result in a discharge to waters or wetlands, so SCDES must take certification action on all 404 permit applications. U.S. Coast Guard Permits and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Permits also require states to take Water Quality Certification action. During a…, Regulations, R.61-101, Water Quality Certification R.61-68, Water Classifications & Standards R.61-69, Classified Waters
  • Projects Funded by DERA Grants in South Carolina
    Projects Funded by DERA Grants in South Carolina
  • Freedom of Information Act Requests
    The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) maintains public records that are available for review, upon request, in accordance with the state's, Freedom of Information Act, (“FOIA”). SCDES follows the, FOIA Policies and Procedures, and the, Family Privacy Protection policy, when reviewing and fulfilling requests for copies of records.
  • State and Local Officials Provide Update on Lake Greenwood Fish Kill (April 24, 2026)
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2026 GREENWOOD COUNTY, S.C. — SCDES, SCDNR and Greenwood County officials continue to work together to investigate the recent fish kill in an area of Lake Greenwood in Greenwood County. Both state agencies continue to receive and review sample results as well as follow up on information provided by local residents in order to try to determine the cause. Lake…, SCDNR’s 24-hour reporting line at 1‑800‑922‑5431.,   ###
  • Watershed Plan Development Grant
  • DERA Application Materials and Steps
  • Grant Eligibility Criteria, Solutions, and Mandatory Cost-Share
  • Air Compliance
  • Spare the Air
    Spare the Air Logo, Spare the Air , SCDES Spare the Air is a statewide education and outreach campaign led by the Bureau of Air Quality that advances public health and environmental well-being by improving air quality across South Carolina. This campaign supports and promotes innovative projects, programs, and partnerships that aim to protect and enhance the air we breathe.   Spare the Air provides local, state, and national…, Promote Sustainable Air Quality Initiatives:,  Support projects and programs that improve air quality and can be replicated across communities., Educate and Raise Awareness:,  Share knowledge, resources, and campaigns that motivate individuals and organizations to make informed decisions to protect air quality., Encourage Positive Behavioral Change:,  Inspire actions that reduce pollution and improve air quality for all South Carolinians., Strengthen Partnerships:,  Build and maintain collaborations across government agencies, communities, businesses, and nonprofits to maximize air quality improvements statewide. Through these efforts, BAQ Spare the Air works to ensure healthier environments, empower community leaders, and create a lasting impact on air quality for current and future generations.  
  • BAQ Permitting: Contacts for Industry Sectors
    If you do not see your sector below call 803-898-4123 and ask for the permit writer on call or email airpermitting@des.sc.gov .  Permit Section Sector Contact Phone Email Metals and Chemicals Agricultural Products Wilson Pang, P.E. (803) 898-2813 Wilson.Pang@des.sc.gov Combustion and Waste Air Curtain Incinerators (ACIs) Tyler Dunlop (803) 898-0660 Tyler.dunlop@des.sc.gov Wood and Surface Coating…