Beachfront Jurisdictional Area, South Carolina’s beachfront jurisdictional area is made up of three Beachfront critical areas , Beach/Dune System, Beaches, and Coastal Waters, which are defined in South Carolina Code of Laws §48-39-10 . SCDES BCM has authority to review activities within all of these critical areas. Proposed activities within any of the state’s beachfront critical areas should be coordinated with SCDES BCM to…, Beachfront Jurisdictional Lines, S.C. Code Ann. § 48-39-280 requires the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services Bureau of Coastal Management (SCDES BCM or Department) to establish and periodically review two beachfront jurisdictional lines, the baseline and the setback line. The baseline is the more seaward (towards the ocean) line, while the setback line is the more landward (towards the land) line. The setback…, Please be aware that there may be critical areas landward of the jurisdictional setback line that may also require authorization and coordination with SCDES BCM, . For questions, please reach out to SCDES BCM’s Beachfront Management section at (843) 953-0200 , or visit the Project Manager Finder Application to find contact information for SCDES BCM project managers by geographic area., Jurisdictional Lines Review Process, South Carolina law requires SCDES BCM to establish and review the position of these beachfront jurisdictional lines every 7 to 10 years. The average annual erosion rate for all oceanfront land that is developed or potentially could be developed is also reviewed during this time frame. Using historical and present-day shoreline and beach profile information, SCDES BCM designates a baseline and…, Public Education and Engagement, To assist property owners, local governments, and other interested parties in understanding the state’s jurisdictional line review process, beachfront critical areas, and authorization requirements, SCDES BCM has developed a Beachfront Educational Campaign. This effort will utilize a variety of methods to reach a broad and diverse audience including digital products, print materials, social media…, Appeal Process, Per Act 146, signed on May 15, 2026 (H.4189) Section 48-39-280(F) of the S.C. Code is amended to read: (F)(1) A landowner claiming ownership of property adversely affected by the establishment of a baseline or setback line, upon submittal of substantiating evidence, must be granted a review of the baseline or setback line. Alternatively, the municipality or county in which the property is…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2026 CHARLESTON, S.C. — The S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) Bureau of Coastal Management (BCM) will host two informational open houses to provide an overview of the upcoming beachfront jurisdictional lines (baselines and setback lines) review process for Phase II beaches. The open houses are intended to help residents, property owners and other…, des.sc.gov/beachlines, . ###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 27, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. – As South Carolina teachers prepare for a new school year, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is offering grants, free classroom resources and educational programs that help students explore environmental topics through hands-on learning. Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers at public, private and charter schools…, said Myra Reece, Director of SCDES. ", By supporting teachers with hands-on resources and meaningful learning opportunities, we're helping inspire the next generation of South Carolinians to protect our state's natural resources and public health." Schools looking to launch or expand sustainability efforts can apply for funding through the K-12 Recycling Education Grant . Within the grant, two awards are available. The Take Action SC…, said Amy Ley, Champions of the Environment Program Coordinator., “We’re excited to share all these resources through a centralized hub to streamline program access.” Additional opportunities available throughout the school year include the Breathe Better (B2) Program , which promotes cleaner air through anti-idling education and air quality awareness. Activities include the Air Quality Flag Program and local data tracking using community air sensors. The…
SCDES will hold a combination public meeting and public hearing on August 27, 2026 to accept oral and written comments on the proposed, North Myrtle Beach Quarry, modification. The public meeting will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, with the public hearing beginning at 7:00 PM. Sign-in and an opportunity to meet SCDES staff will begin at 5:30 PM. These events will take place at the Public Safety Building located at 3909 Walnut Street in Loris, SC.
Learn more and apply 4 pictures in a row including students testing a wind turbine, students installing a wood duck nesting box, students sampling water quality in a stream and students planting a flower