Critical Area Permitting - Amendments
Depending on the extent of the additions, you may qualify for an, amendment, to an existing, active permit or you may qualify to make an addition under the dock general permit. , Applying for a Permit Amendment, Please visit ePermitting to apply online via the, BCM Permit Change Form (Amendments, Transfers, Extensions), . An ePermitting account and an active, existing permit will be required to apply for all amendments. The applicant will need to have access to the existing permitted site in ePermitting to start the, BCM Permit Change Form (Amendments, Transfers, Extensions), . If you need assistance with the application process or would like to discuss your proposed project before applying, use the BCM Project Manager Finder App to locate the Critical Area Permitting Project Manager for your region. , A non-refundable administrative application fee is required for permit amendments ($1000 for major permit amendments and $100 for minor permit amendments), ., This fee may be paid electronically via , ePermitting, or paid by check payable to SCDES BCM., The application requires the following information regarding the project and the property involved: The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and emails of the landowners and authorized agents The dimensions, specifications, and purpose of the project The names and complete mailing addresses and emails of all adjoining property owners A detailed description of the location of the project An…, Contact, SCDES BCM staff are available to assist property owners. If you suspect authorization may be required for your activity, or if you have questions related to authorization requirements, please contact SCDES BCM’s Critical Area Permitting Section at (843) 953-0200 , or visit the Project Manager Finder Application to find contact information for project managers by geographic area.High Hazard Potential Dams Rehabilitation Grant
The application period for the FY24 Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD) Grant Program closed on Monday, November 11, 2024. , , SCDES HIGH HAZARD POTENTIAL DAMS REHABILITATION GRANT FY 2024 , Through the Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD) Grant Program, FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program (NDSP) has made federal funds available to states for FFY24 for pass through to non-Federal governmental organizations or nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate eligible HHPDs that fail to meet minimum state dam safety standards and pose an unacceptable risk to life and property.…, 5:00 PM EST, on, Monday,, November 11, 2024, . All questions about this grant opportunity can be directed to DESresponse@des.sc.gov ., Notice of Funding Opportunity and Application Documents, SCDES FY24 Notice of Funding Opportunity Attachment A-FFY24 FEMA Notice of Funding Opportunity for HHPD Rehab Grants Attachment B-FY24 FY24 State Administrative Plan Attachment C-FEMA HHPD Grant Program Guidance Attachment D-FY24 Department of Homeland Security Standard Terms and Conditions Attachment E-FY24 HHPD Grant FAQs Attachment F-FY24 Application Checklist Attachment G-FY24 Construction…, Grant Overview, SCDES has applied for funding under the FFY 2024 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD) Rehabilitation Grant Program. In order to reduce the risks posed by unsafe South Carolina High Hazard Potential dams, SCDES intends to offer subawards to eligible project sponsors for planning, design, and construction activities on select High Hazard Potential dams that…, Additional criteria may apply to state subawards. , Eligible sponsors will submit one subaward application per dam. All subawards will be disbursed as reimbursements for eligible activities. Full details of this program can be found within the Attachment A-FFY24 FEMA Notice of Funding Opportunity for HHPD Rehab Grants . FEMA has also published additional fact sheets for the HHPD grant program that prospective applicants should review., FY 2024 Grant Informational Webinar, The Dam Safety Program hosted an informational webinar April 10, 2024 on the FFY24 grant subaward application process. A recording of the webinar is available alongside presentation slides . Topics covered included: Background and available funds Dam eligibility Applicant eligibility Eligible/allowable activities Grant application process and timeline SCDES’ application review and award selection…, Period of Performance, The Period of Performance refers to the period of time during which eligible activities within an approved Scope of Work may occur and be considered eligible for reimbursement under the FEMA HHPD Grant Program. Subawards issued under the FY2024 HHPD Grant must comply with the announced Period of Performance and no work done outside of that period will be reimbursed., Eligible Dams, For a dam to be eligible for funds from this grant program, the dam must: Meet the federal definition of “dam” found at 33 U.S. Code § 467 Be classified as a “High Hazard Potential” dam by the State’s Dam Safety Program Have been determined by the State to fail to meet minimum state dam safety standards and pose an unacceptable risk to the public and have a condition assessment rating of POOR or…, Eligible Applicants, This program is exclusive to non-Federal government entities (e.g., State, County, and Municipal governments; special purpose districts) and non-profit organizations that are registered as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profits with the Internal Revenue Service. , Private dam owners cannot apply directly, , and any applications received from a private dam owner will be rejected; however, an eligible applicant can apply for an HHPD grant on any eligible dam, including dams that are privately owned.Bureau of Coastal Management Compliance & Enforcement
Critical Area Permitting - Permit Extensions & Transfers
Extensions, An overhead photo of Folly Beach State regulations require a permit holder to complete work within five years from the date of permit issuance. However, SCDES BCM may extend this five-year period upon showing of good cause indicating that due diligence toward completion of the work has been made, evidenced by significant work progress. The permit holder must apply for an extension in ePermitting…, Transfers, A permit may be transferred if the permit is still active. The permit holder must apply for a transfer in ePermitting . Both parties are required to sign this form (D-3900) . Once the application is complete, the Department will transfer the permit to the new permittee and the new permit holder will be responsible for all conditions prescribed under the original permit. , Applying for a Permit Extension or Transfer, Please visit ePermitting to apply online via the, BCM Permit Change Form (Amendments, Transfers, Extensions), . An ePermitting account and an active, existing permit will be required to apply for extensions and transfers. The applicant will need to have access to the existing permitted site in ePermitting to start the, BCM Permit Change Form (Amendments, Transfers, Extensions), . If you need assistance, use the BCM Project Manager Finder App to locate the Critical Area Permitting Project Manager for your region. , A non-refundable administrative application fee is required for permit extensions and transfers. ($100 for major permit extensions and transfers and $25 for minor permit extensions and transfers), ., This fee may be paid electronically via , ePermitting, or paid by check payable to SCDES BCM., For, Permit Transfers, , the following documents will be required as part of the application: An Affidavit of Ownership or Control form must be completed, signed and notarized and include one of the following: 1) legal description and/or copy of the certified plat of the property or 2) a certified copy of the deed, lease, easement, or other instrument under which the applicant claims title, or permission from the…, Permit Extensions, , applicants must provide photo documentation that showcases significant work towards completion of the permit has been achieved., Contact, SCDES BCM staff are available to assist property owners. If you suspect authorization may be required for your activity, or if you have questions related to authorization requirements, please contact SCDES BCM’s Critical Area Permitting Division at (843) 953-0200 , or visit the Project Manager Finder Application to find contact information for project managers by geographic area.State and Local Beachfront Planning
The state, Beachfront Management Act, (S.C. Code Ann. § 48-39-250, et seq, ) establishes the statutory guidance and state policies that direct all state beachfront activities and decisions. The Act is implemented through a variety of mechanisms at the state and local levels, including through the, State Comprehensive Beachfront Management Plan, and, Local Comprehensive Beach Management Plans, . The Act requires ocean beachfront counties and municipalities to prepare local comprehensive beach management plans in coordination with SCDES BCM. These plans must include a minimum of ten specific elements. Once adopted by the community, local comprehensive beach management plans are then submitted to SCDES BCM for review and state approval., Local Comprehensive Beach Management Plans, Local comprehensive beach management plans, are an important and effective management tool for local governments. These plans provide guidance to state and federal agencies on local policies, regulations, and procedures related to beachfront management. Local comprehensive beach management plans are required to be reviewed by the local government every five years. , Coastal and Beachfront Public Access, Promoting responsible public access to South Carolina's beaches, rivers and creeks is a cornerstone of the coastal management program. SCDES BCM works with municipalities to establish, maintain and enhance public access points through coordinated planning programs. Visit the , S.C. Beach Guide, , an application designed to provide residents and visitors information and directions to public beach access locations and the amenities associated with those locations, and also important beach water quality information for monitoring stations proximate to access locations., Resources, TNC Resilience Network, SC Coastal Information NetworkEnforcement and Violations - Drinking Water, Well Drilling
The Drinking Water Enforcement Section functions to carry out enforcement actions involving all aspects of public water system compliance, public swimming pool/spa compliance, and well drilling activities compliance. The functions of this section, combined with the efforts of the Drinking Water Compliance Monitoring Section and other sections of this Bureau, local offices, and other areas within…, Violations, There are various forms of non-compliance which will result in formal violations that require action on the part of a regulated entity. The following are some general violation categories: Public Water Systems Public Swimming Pools/Spas Well Drilling Activities, Public Water Systems, Permitted Activities - Failure to get a Construction Permit prior to beginning construction on a new water system, or an expansion/modification of an existing water system will result in a violation. Failure to get Operational Approval prior to beginning operation of a new water system, or an expansion/modification of an existing water system will result in a violation. General Operation/…, Well Drilling Activities, Monitoring Well Approval - Failure to acquire Monitoring Well Approval prior to the installation of a monitoring well (a well designed to obtain water samples for water quality analysis or to measure groundwater levels) will result in violation(s). Potable and Irrigation Well Approval - Failure to submit a Notice of Intent and obtain a Permit to Construct prior to the installation of either an…, Contacts, Karen Ramos , (803) 898-4271 - Drinking Water Enforcement Section Manager For Complaints, please contact your Local SCDES Regional Office E-mail to the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline, Links, US EPA Center for Environmental Information and StatisticsBeachfront Management
South Carolina’s beaches are dynamic places; some beachfront shorelines accrete or gain sand while other shorelines erode. The coastline changes over time due to tides, waves, currents, and tropical weather systems, as well as beach use and maintenance activities. SCDES BCM is responsible for implementing a comprehensive statewide, Beachfront Management Program, established under the 1988 South Carolina Beachfront Management Act ( Coastal Tidelands and Wetlands Act, as amended, §48-39-250 et seq. ). SCDES BCM’s Beachfront Management Section, part of the Critical Area Permitting Division, reviews proposed alterations to the, Beaches, Beach/Dune System, and adjacent Coastal Waters, critical areas to ensure they are consistent with the SC Coastal Tidelands and Wetlands Act, SC Coastal Division Regulations, and the policies of the South Carolina Coastal Management Program . Any proposed activities or alterations within the critical areas must be coordinated and authorized through SCDES BCM. Learn more about SCDES BCM's beachfront jurisdiction below. Click here to learn…, Permit Requests, Authorization for activities impacting the beachfront critical areas may be issued in the form of a permit including a Beachfront General Permit, a Major Beachfront Critical Area Permit, or a Special Permit.Safe Swimming in Natural Waterbodies
SCDES Reminds South Carolinians to Swim Safely this Summer at Pools, Lakes and Beaches
FOR IMMEIDATE RELEASE: May 23, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― In recognition of Healthy and Safe Swimming Week (May 19-25), the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) reminds South Carolinians how important it is to practice safe swimming and take educated precautions when enjoying a swimming pool, lake, river, ocean, hot tub or splashpad. While SCDES has key roles in water safety – such as…, Natural waters ― like lakes, rivers and the ocean ― are not sterile environments, and the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, other organisms and contaminants that can cause illness is always a possibility. , The week before Memorial Day, which is considered by many to be the unofficial start of summer, is recognized as Healthy and Safe Swimming Week to focus on the health benefits of water-based physical activity while minimizing the risk of recreational water-associated illness. Following recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Environmental Protection…, Pools and hot tubs, When you first arrive at a pool, take a rinse in the shower, then dry off and apply sunscreen. The amount of dirt and oil on your skin can throw off the balance of chemicals in the water keeping you safe. Don’t go to the bathroom or let children go to the bathroom in a pool, and try not to swallow any water. Germs in the water can make people sick if they swallow just a mouthful of…, Cryptosporidium, , can survive in properly treated pools. Know the risk of Legionnaires’ disease associated with hot tubs . While, Legionella, bacteria are found naturally in the environment, known cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been linked to hot tubs that didn’t have proper control measures in place., Beaches, lakes, rivers and streams, Use the CheckMyBeach webpage or SCDES's Beach Monitoring webpage for any swimming advisories due to certain elevated bacteria levels in ocean waters. SCDES monitors ocean water quality at more than 120 locations along South Carolina’s beaches. South Carolina lakes, rivers, streams and the coast are great places to cool off, but, there is always a potential risk when swimming in natural waterbodies. , It’s always recommended that individuals evaluate a waterbody before entering in it., If a waterbody looks discolored, has a foul odor, noticeable algal mats, or dead fish or other animals, it’s advisable to not enter the water, or allow pets or animals near that water. Algae blooms can be very fast growing and become an issue before the Department has been made aware of them. SCDES's Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Monitoring App provides information about identified HABs in the state. , It's always advised to not entire a natural waterbody if you have open wounds., Different pathogens exist naturally in lakes and rivers that can cause infection by entering the body through cuts and lesions. , Don't swim in the ocean or in the river during or immediately following rainfall., To further reduce risk of illness, wait at least 48 hours after a heavy rain to resume swimming. Heavy rain can wash bacteria and possibly harmful pathogens into the surf. High bacteria densities persist in the surf for hours after these rains and may increase swimmer's risk of illness. For more information, visit SCDES's Safe Swimming webpage ( des.sc.gov/safeswimming ), or learn more from the…Department of Defense Facilities
There are 10 Department of Defense (DoD) Facilities in South Carolina. They are covered by either a RCRA Permit, RCRA Order, or Federal Facilities Agreement. Charleston Naval Complex Fort Jackson Joint Base Charleston - Air Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Marine Corps Air Station Marine Corps Recruit Depot McEntire National Joint Guard Base Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Poinsett Electronic Combat…, BOW PFAS Strategy Table 14. PFAS Impacts on Drinking Water at South Carolina DoD Facilities, Based on DoW reporting to BLWM as of April 1, 2026 Facility City Known Impact to Off-Base Wells Known Impact to On-Base Wells Charleston Naval Complex Charleston None None; No Wells - Public Supply Fort Jackson Columbia None None; No Wells - Public Supply Joint Base Charleston-Air Charleston None None; No Wells - Public Supply Joint Base Charleston-Weapons Charleston None None; No Wells - Public…, DoD PFAS Websites, Department of Defense Army Navy Air Force For information about or to discuss investigations at Department of Defense Facilities, contact Kent Krieg at Kent.Krieg@des.sc.gov or ( 803) 898-0255 .