Good to Know!
Adams Scrap Recycling Public Hearing
Adams Scrap Recycling LLC has applied to the Department for a state air construction permit to authorize construction and operation of metal shredding equipment and associated control devices. Adams Scrap Recycling LLC is a recycler of metals and other materials such as glass, paper, plastics, and electronics. This project is for the installation of several pieces of equipment for auto and metal…, SCDES will hold a public hearing on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. to accept written and verbal comments on the proposed project. The hearing will be held at West Greenville Community Center (8 Rochester St.). Doors will open at 5:30 P.M. to facilitate the sign-in process and provide an opportunity to meet SCDES staff., The public hearing is formal and provides an opportunity to make oral comments that will be heard by SCDES staff and recorded by a court reporter. There will be no questions and answers during the public hearing. SCDES values each participant’s involvement in the public hearing and will conduct it in a respectful, orderly manner with reasonable limits on the length of comments, if necessary.…Solid Waste and Recycling Reports
Solid Waste and Recycling ReportsBureau of Land & Waste Management
Water Utilities & Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities and Immediate Protective Measures, Executive Summary Despite the current moratorium on mandatory cybersecurity compliance for Drinking Water and Wastewater utilities, the threat landscape remains critical and actively evolving. This information clarifies the roles of NIST and CISA, outlines current vulnerabilities facing drinking water and wastewater systems, and recommends practical, cost-effective measures utilities can implement…, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Role:, Standards development organization, Function:, Creates voluntary cybersecurity frameworks, guidelines, and technical standards, Key Products:, Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), SP 800-53 (security controls), SP 800-82 (industrial control systems), Authority:, Provides technical guidance; no regulatory enforcement power, Focus:, Prescriptive "how-to" frameworks for implementing security controls , Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Role:, Operational federal agency within DHS, Function:, Threat intelligence, incident response, vulnerability assessments, and coordination, Key Services:, Alerts, advisories, free assessments, incident response support, Authority:, Coordination and support; limited regulatory authority (primarily for federal systems), Focus:, Real-time threat awareness and practical assistance, In Practice:, NIST provides the blueprint; CISA provides threat intelligence and operational support. Drinking Water and Wastewater utilities benefit most by using NIST frameworks as their foundation while leveraging CISA resources for current threat information and free technical assistance. Current Threat Landscape for Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities Drinking Water and Wastewater systems face…, Nation-State Actors, Recent activity from Iranian, Chinese, and Russian threat groups specifically targeting U.S. water infrastructure. These actors seek to pre-position for potential disruption during geopolitical conflicts., Ransomware Groups, Drinking Water and Wastewater utilities represent attractive targets due to critical service nature and historically limited cybersecurity investments. Average ransom demands now exceed $500,000., Insider Threats, Disgruntled employees or contractors with system knowledge pose significant risks, particularly in smaller utilities with limited access controls., Supply Chain Vulnerabilities, Compromised equipment, software, or vendor access creates backdoors into operational technology (OT) networks. Critical Vulnerabilities in Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems, Legacy SCADA/ICS Systems, Designed for reliability, not security Often running outdated, unsupported operating systems Limited or no authentication mechanisms Difficult to patch without operational disruption , IT/OT Convergence, Remote access for operational efficiency creates attack vectors Internet-connected systems without adequate segmentation Cloud-based monitoring and control platforms , Human Factors, Limited cybersecurity training among operations staff Phishing susceptibility Weak password practices Lack of security awareness culture, , Resource Constraints, Small utilities lack dedicated IT/cybersecurity staff Budget limitations prevent security investments Competing priorities (compliance, infrastructure, operations) Immediate Proactive Measures Utilities can significantly improve security posture with these practical, low-cost actions: , 1. Network Segmentation (High Priority), Action:, Physically or logically separate OT networks from IT networks and the internet. , Implementation:, Use firewalls, VLANs, or air-gapping to isolate SCADA systems. , Benefit, : Prevents lateral movement from IT compromises to operational systems. , Cost:, Low to moderate; often achievable with existing equipment reconfiguration. , 2. Access Control Hardening, Actions:, Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all remote access Disable default credentials on all devices Establish role-based access controls Remove unnecessary user accounts Require strong, unique passwords (minimum 12 characters), Benefit:, Prevents 80%+ of common attack vectors., Cost:, Minimal; primarily administrative effort. , 3. Vulnerability Management, Actions:, Inventory all connected devices and software Disable unnecessary services and ports Patch critical vulnerabilities within 30 days Establish change management procedures, Benefit:, Reduces exploitable attack surface., Cost:, Low; requires process discipline. , 4. Backup and Recovery, Actions:, Implement offline, encrypted backups of critical systems Test restoration procedures quarterly Maintain offline copies of HMI configurations and PLC logic, Benefit:, Ensures operational continuity during ransomware or destructive attacks., Cost:, Low to moderate; primarily storage and staff time. , 5. Security Awareness Training, Actions:, Conduct quarterly phishing awareness training Establish incident reporting procedures Create security culture through regular communications, Benefit:, Reduces human-factor vulnerabilities., Cost:, Minimal; free resources available from CISA and WaterISAC. , 6. Incident Response Planning, Actions:, Develop written incident response plan Identify key contacts (IT, management, law enforcement, regulators) Conduct annual tabletop exercises Establish communication protocols, Benefit:, Reduces response time and impact during incidents., Cost:, Minimal; primarily planning time. , 7. Leverage Free Resources, Actions:, Enroll in CISA's free cybersecurity assessments Join WaterISAC for threat intelligence sharing Utilize CISA's Cyber Hygiene Services (vulnerability scanning) Review AWWA cybersecurity guidance documents, Benefit:, Expert assistance without budget impact., Cost:, None; staff time only. Regulatory Considerations While the current moratorium delays mandatory compliance, utilities should recognize: 1., Voluntary adoption demonstrates due diligence, and may provide liability protection 2., Cyber incidents trigger reporting requirements, under existing state and federal laws 3., Insurance requirements, increasingly mandate baseline cybersecurity controls 4., Future regulations are likely;, proactive measures ease eventual compliance 5., AWIA Risk and Resilience Assessments, (required for systems >3,300 people) must address cybersecurity Conclusion The cybersecurity threat to Drinking Water and Wastewater utilities is immediate and consequential, regardless of regulatory status. The measures outlined above require minimal financial investment but deliver substantial risk reduction. By focusing on network segmentation, access controls, and leveraging free federal…Programs
SCDES Encourages Recycling and Food Waste Reduction as New Study Details Types, Amounts of Materials Entering S.C.’s Landfills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) today announced the findings of South Carolina’s first comprehensive Statewide Waste Characterization Study , which provides an in-depth look at the materials entering the state’s landfills. The study identified food waste as the No. 1 item thrown away by South Carolinians, meaning…, said SCDES director Myra Reece., “This data report is essential for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of current efforts as well as for targeting specific materials, increasing diversion rates, and maximizing the lifespan of our landfills.” Key takeaways from the study include: Overall, about 17% (612,727 tons) of the total MSW disposed of (3,574,431 tons) was comprised of traditional recyclables — such as cardboard,…, Reece said., “The numbers on food waste and paper reflect clear opportunities for South Carolina to divert about 50% of the municipal solid waste disposed of in the state through improved prevention, donation and composting.” In addition to taking up landfill space, thrown-away food wastes the labor, energy, water, land and other resources used to produce and package the food. Even more energy and resources…, said Reece., “As our state continues to grow in population, development and industry, it’s never been more important to make sure that South Carolina, as a whole, is taking a united approach to sustainable waste management that protects our communities and our irreplaceable natural resources. The Statewide Waste Characterization Study, additional data and reports, resources, tips, educational materials and…Air Quality Department Decisions
The Bureau of Air Quality (BAQ) issues Department Decisions when permitting decisions have generated public interest because of potential health and/or environmental impacts. The information found on this page can also be viewed at SCDES's Central office at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201 through the, Freedom of Information's Office, ., Department Decisions include the following documents: Department Decision: Summary of decision, Final Determination: Determination of a project's Prevention of Significant Air Quality Deterioration (PSD) requirements and limits; when applicable, Permit: Conditions for constructing and operating the facility, Statement of Basis: Summary of the project and its emissions, and explanation of…, Title, County, Date Issued, General Operating Permit for Concrete Plants, Statewide, 4/1/2026, The purpose of a general operating permit is to cover facilities that have similar operations. Activities covered under this permit apply to concrete batch plants, concrete block/brick production facilities, concrete products, except block/brick and Pug mills. For more information please contact: Kaleb Snider, BAQ Air Permitting Division, by phone at (803) 898-0508 or by email at kaleb.snider@des…, General Construction Permit for Concrete Plants, Statewide, 4/1/2026, The purpose of a general construction permit is to cover facilities that have similar operations. Activities covered under this permit apply to concrete batch plants, concrete block/brick production facilities, concrete products, except block/brick and Pug mills. For more information please contact: Kaleb Snider, BAQ Air Permitting Division, by phone at (803) 898-0508 or by email at kaleb.snider@…, Luck Stone Corporation - Luck Stone Cherokee Quarry, Cherokee, 1/9/2026, Luck Stone Corporation - Luck Cherokee has been granted a synthetic minor construction permit for the construction of a new granite quarry and a 595 tons per hour (tph) processing plant. For more information please contact: Nicholas Hoehn, BAQ Air Permitting Division, by phone at (803) 898-3829 or by email at Nick.Hoehn@des.sc.gov . Department Decision Response to Comments Permit Statement of…, Valara Holdings High Performance Compute Center, Spartanburg, 9/17/2025, Valara Holdings High Performance Compute Center will host computing services to common ownership entities. The facility will be powered by twenty-four natural gas fired generators throughout the year. Each generator is equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) control devices for NOx and oxidation catalyst control devices for CO, VOC, formaldehyde, and other HAPs. For more information…, Michelin North America Inc Sandy Springs Facility (US2), Anderson, 8/6/2025, Michelin North America Inc Sandy Springs Facility (US2) is a facility that converts raw and synthetic rubber into finished rubber for use at other Michelin facilities. For more information please contact: Michael Robertson, BAQ Air Permitting Division, by phone at (803) 898-1236 or by email at Michael.Robertson@des.sc.gov . Department Decision Response to Comments Permit Statement of Basis Letter…Lancaster County Recycling Locations
Lancaster County, County Recycling Coordinator and Educator:, Jeff Catoe , Physical Address:, 1980 Pageland Highway, Lancaster, SC 29721 , Mailing Address:, PO Box 1809, Lancaster, SC 29721 , Phone:, (803) 283-2101 or (803) 416-9692 , Fax:, (803) 285-3835 , Website:, Lancaster County - Public Works, Staffed County Convenience Sites, 1. Indian Land, , 9103 Northfield Drive, Indian Land 29707 , Hours:, , , Monday, Friday, and Saturday, 9AM - 6PM Wednesday, 9AM - 2PM CLOSED Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 2. Tradesville, , 2149 Old Camden-Monroe Highway, Lancaster 29720 , Hours:, , , Monday, Friday, and Saturday, 9AM - 6PM Wednesday, 1PM - 6PM CLOSED Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 3. Erwin Farm, , 2048 Bethel Road, Lancaster 29720 , Hours:, , , Monday, Friday, and Saturday, 9AM - 6PM Wednesday, 9AM - 2PM CLOSED Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 4. Kershaw, , 6491 Old Lancaster Highway, Kershaw 29067 , Hours:, , , Monday, Friday, and Saturday, 9AM - 6PM Wednesday, 9AM - 2PM CLOSED Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 5. Fort, , 5330 J.B. Denton Road, Lancaster 29720 , Hours:, , , Monday and Friday, 9AM - 6PM Wednesday, 1PM - 6PM CLOSED Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 6. Lynwood, , 1349 Lynwood Drive, Lancaster 29720 , Hours:, , , Monday, Friday, and Saturday, 9AM - 6PM Wednesday, 9AM - 2PM CLOSED Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 7. Racetrack, , 273 Shiloh Unity Road, Lancaster 29720 , Hours:, , , Monday, Friday, and Saturday, 9AM - 6PM Wednesday, 1PM - 6PM CLOSED Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 8. Heath Springs, , 173 Solar Road, Heath Springs 29058 , Hours:, , , Monday, Friday, and Saturday, 9AM - 6PM Wednesday, 1PM - 6PM CLOSED Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 9. McGill, , 3103 Kershaw Country Club Road, Kershaw , Hours:, , , Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 9AM - 6PM CLOSED Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, 10. Unity, , 2511 Shiloh Unity Road, Lancaster 29720 , Hours:, , , Monday, Friday, and Saturday, 9AM - 6PM Wednesday, 1PM - 6PM CLOSED Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 11. Midway, , 4186 Payne Road, Kershaw 29067 , Hours:, , , Monday, Friday, and Saturday, 9AM - 6PM Wednesday, 1PM - 6PM CLOSED Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 12. Rich Hill, , 4202 Joshua Tree Road, Lancaster 29720 , Hours:, , , Monday and Friday, 9AM - 6PM Wednesday, 9AM - 2PM CLOSED Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday SITES COLLECT: Aluminum cans Appliances, large (refrigerators, washers, dryers) Batteries, lead-acid (car, truck, boat) Cardboard Farmer oil (, up to 55 gallons, ;, ONLY ACCEPTED, at Rich Hill site) Glass (brown, clear) Newspaper and inserts Oil/gasoline mixtures (, ONLY ACCEPTED, at Erwin Farm site) Paint (usable latex) Plastic bottles, jars and jugs (#1 through #7) Scrap metal Tires Used motor oil, filters and bottles Yard trimmings (, ONLY ACCEPTED, at McGill and Public Works sites), 13. Public Works, , 1980 Pageland Highway, Lancaster 29720 , Hours:, , , Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4PM Saturday 8AM-1PM CLOSED Sunday, *, The Public Works Facility ONLY accepts electronics, residential yard debris/limbs under 6 inches in diameter, and tires; LIMIT one load per day., Back to Top, City of Lancaster, Lancaster News, Phone:, (803) 283-1133, Drop-Off Site:, 701 North White Street, Lancaster, SC 29720 SITE COLLECTS: Newspaper and inserts Back to Top, Retailer-Operated Used Motor Oil Collection Sites, Lancaster, Advance Auto, , 1087 Highway 9 Bypass W, Lancaster 29720, Advance Auto, , 1878 Great Falls Highway, Lancaster 29720, Auto Zone, , 615 Lancaster Bypass, Lancaster 29720, Walmart Tire and Lube Express Center, , 805 Highway 9 Bypass W, Lancaster 29720 Back to TopRiver Bend Quarry - Spartanburg County
River Bend Aggregates, LLC has applied for environmental permits from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) to mine granite at a site located on Hammett Grove Road in Spartanburg County, approximately 2.7 miles northwest and within the town limits of Pacolet, SC. The Pacolet River Heritage Preserve is located southwest of the proposed mine permit area and the Pacolet…, This webpage has been developed by the SCDES as a community resource and although no longer updated, will remain active for those who wish to learn more about SCDES’s permitting process for the River Bend Quarry., Please bring this webpage to the attention of others you know who may be interested. , Mining, SCDES’s Bureau of Land and Waste Management (BLWM) received an application for a mine operating permit for the proposed River Bend Quarry on October 13, 2023. The BLWM provided notice of the application in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal newspaper and began accepting comments on December 7, 2023. Additionally, the public notice was mailed to adjacent landowners, local and state government/…, Public Notice of Intent to Mine and Public Hearing, – December 7, 2023, Notification to Adjacent and Nearby Landowners, – December 7, 2023 The mine permit application, reclamation plan, maps, and other related documents are available below. , Application for Mine Operating Permit & Reclamation Plan, – October 13, 2023, Mine & Reclamation Maps, – October 16, 2023, Groundwater Monitoring Plan, – October 5, 2023, Groundwater Modeling Report, – October 20, 2023, Hydrogeologic Assessment, – October 5, 2023, Erosion and Sediment Control Details, - October 16, 2023, Request for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jurisdictional Determination (JD) / Delineation (Wetlands Delineation & Concurrence Request), – March 15, 2023, Protected Species Assessment, – August 30, 2023, SCDES's Final Mine Operating Permit Decision, After careful review and consideration of all comments and information received from concerned citizens and local, state, and federal agencies, along with supplemental information provided by the applicant, SCDES determined that the River Bend Quarry can comply with the South Carolina Mining Act and applicable mining regulations. Having made this determination and being in receipt of the required…, Approved Permit Package, – July 11, 2024, Summary Response to Comments, -July 11, 2024, Joint Notice of Approval Memo, -, July 11, 2024 Questions about the River Bend Quarry and the BLWM’s mine permitting process may be directed to: Jeremy Eddy, P.G. Phone: , (803) 898-7609, Email: , Jeremy.Eddy@des.sc.gov , Air Quality, An air quality construction permit is required for any entity that plans to construct, alter, or add to a source of air pollution, including the installation of any air pollution control device. The permit must be issued before any construction-related activities occur at the site. If issued, the permit allows for the installation, modification, and start of operation of equipment. On November…, January 26, 2024, . The public notice, along with the draft construction permit (containing all applicable emission limitations and requirements), draft statement of basis, and permit application are available below. , Public Notice of Draft Air Permit and Public Hearing – December 7, 2023, Air Construction Permit Application – November 2, 2023, Draft Air Construction Permit, Draft Statement of Basis, Modeling Summary, SCDES's Final Air Construction Permit Decision, On July 11, 2024, the BAQ issued a Department Decision to approve an air quality permit to construct and operate a granite quarry and processing plant for the River Bend. This decision was made after consideration and complete review of the permit application, applicable state and federal air quality regulations, comments made at the public hearing held on January 11, 2024, all comments received…, Memo of Final Decision to Concerned Citizens, – July 11, 2024, Department Decision, – July 11, 2024, Construction Permit CP-50000137 v1.0, – July 11, 2024, Statement of Basis, – July 11, 2024, Modeling Summary, Questions about the draft air permit and the BAQ’s permitting process may be directed to: Mareesa Singleton Phone:, (803) 898-4113, Email:, Mareesa.Singleton@des.sc.gov, Water Quality, SCDES’s Bureau of Water (BOW) issues National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits to minimize environmental impacts from stormwater runoff and other water discharges that may occur during construction and operation of a facility. Coverage under NPDES General Permit SCG73000 “Discharges Associated with Nonmetal Mineral Mining Facilities” is required for the proposed River Bend…, Notice of Intent, – November 8, 2023, Site Maps, – November 8, 2023, Issuance of General Permit Coverage SCG731699, – July 11, 2024, NPDES General Permit SCG73000, Questions about the NPDES general permit coverage and the BOW’s permitting process may be directed to: Brett Caswell Phone: (803) 898-4396 Email: Brett.Caswell@des.sc.gov, Public Meeting and Public Hearing, SCDES (then DHEC) held a combined public meeting and public hearing on the proposed River Bend Quarry on January 11, 2024, at the Bejamin E. Mays Family Center in Pacolet, SC. The public meeting was held from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, with the public hearing held immediately thereafter. The public meeting was informal and provided an opportunity for participants to have a discussion with SCDES staff…, Public Meeting Presentation, - January 11, 2024, Public Hearing Transcript, - January 11, 2024, Filing a Request for Final Review, S.C. Code Ann. § 48-20-190 provides,, “An applicant for a certificate of exploration or operating permit or a person who is aggrieved and is directly affected by the permit may appeal to the [mining] council from a decision or determination of the department issuing, refusing, modifying, suspending, revoking, or terminating a certificate of exploration or operation permit or reclamation plan, or imposing a term or condition on the…, Impact of Public Comments in SCDES’s Permitting Process , SCDES values all comments made during the public comment period, . Local community members provide a unique perspective and are valuable resources in addressing community concerns in the permitting process. Becoming better informed is an important first step in providing effective public comments that may influence specific terms and conditions that must be followed by the owner/operator if a permit is issued., Effective comments, are those that provide accurate, specific details about the site of a proposed project, inaccuracies in the permit application, errors in SCDES’s technical review or draft permit, and any other information demonstrating that a proposed project cannot operate in compliance with environmental regulations. It is important to know that , SCDES cannot make a permit decision based on a vote or how many comments are received, . There are also some common issues/comments related to mining operations that , SCDES does not have the regulatory or legal authority to consider when making a permit decision, , for example: Truck traffic, access to public roads, weight limits, and traffic patterns are governed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) and the local county. Industrial development and operating hours are governed by the local county through zoning and land use planning. Beginning a conversation early about these and other quality of life issues is an effective way for…, Stay Connected - Community Engagement and Resources, SCDES is committed to providing meaningful opportunities to hear the questions and concerns of community members and share information on our permitting processes. SCDES offers multiple ways to connect with our staff during the permitting process and beyond, including: Calling or connecting with SCDES staff to discuss the proposed River Bend Quarry one-on-one. Submitting a written comment or…, (803) 898-1382, Email: , Donna.Moye@des.sc.gov