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  • DHEC Restructuring
    Act 60, formerly Senate Bill 399 (S.399), Updated: May 14, 2024 Under, state law, , the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is becoming two separate agencies on July 1, 2024. The two new agencies will be the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH). As part of this change: DHEC’s current, retail food program and milk and dairy lab will merge with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources' hydrology and aquatic nuisance species programs will become part of the newly created SCDES. DHEC’s remaining public health and healthcare quality programs will transition to DPH and its environmental programs to SCDES. The DHEC Board will be abolished, and the new agencies will be part of the Governor’s cabinet. These changes should not result…, What is DHEC’s Role?, During this time of transition, the, top priority at DHEC remains the people of our state and to continue to implement core public health functions and mission critical environmental services with which we have been tasked by the General Assembly.,   This includes working with the South Carolina Department of Administration (DoA) and our sister agencies, partners, and team of talented and dedicated employees to make absolutely sure that no one, including those we serve and our staff, “falls between the cracks," and that we continue to provide outstanding services to every South Carolinian without interruption during the transition.…, How Will the New Agencies Be Structured?, The environmental roles and responsibilities of SCDES will continue as currently structured in Air Quality, Coastal Management, Land & Waste Management and Water, and Regional and Laboratory Services. Two new programs from the SC Department of Natural Resources will be housed in Water. The work of DPH will be implemented by its talented and dedicated team of employees who will serve within…, DPH’s proposed July 1, 2024, organizational structure, ., How Will Restructuring Affect Me?, For the Public You will continue to receive outstanding services without interruption during and after the transition. On July 1, 2024, the DHEC website will guide you to the appropriate agency website for general information and services. Locations There will be no changes to our physical locations by July 1, 2024. If moves occur later, SCDES and DPH will give advance notice. Examples include:…, state’s Vital Records office, which issues birth and death certificates, marriage certificates and divorce reports, will remain at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201 for the time being. In addition, our county, Vital Records office locations, will remain at their current locations. Our, local environmental offices, and, public health clinics/departments, will remain at their current locations after the transition. If moves occur later, SCDES and DPH will give advance notice. Our public health and environmental laboratory will remain at its current location, 8231 Parklane Road Columbia, SC 29223. DHEC Name and Logo After July 1, 2024, you may continue to see the DHEC name and logo. They may appear on exterior building signage or in local news…, For the Regulated Community, All DHEC staff will move to one of the new agencies or to the Department of Agriculture. This means the staff you work with at DHEC now will likely be the same staff you will work with at the other agencies in the future. Appeals of Department Decisions Beginning July 1, 2024, final decisions of SCDES and DPH may be appealed to the Administrative Law Court pursuant to applicable law.…, retail food program and milk and dairy lab will merge with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, effective July 1, 2024., Who Should I Contact If I Have Questions?, If, after reading this page, you have questions about how restructuring may affect you, your business or your loved one, please contact, Constituent Services, .
  • Vulcan Construction Materials LLC – Orangeburg Limestone Quarry
    Vulcan Construction Materials LLC has applied for environmental permits from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to mine limestone at a site located on Addidas Road in Orangeburg County, approximately 3.5 miles southeast of Eutawville, SC. A proposed reclamation plan to restore the site to grassland and a lake/pond has been submitted with the application.  , This webpage has been developed by SCDES as a community resource and will be updated as new information is made available., Please bring this webpage to the attention of others you know who may be interested., Mining, DHEC’s Bureau of Land and Waste Management (BLWM) received an application for a mine operating permit for the proposed Orangeburg Limestone Quarry on September 25, 2023. The BLWM provided notice of the application in the, Orangeburg Leader,  newspaper and began accepting comments on January 3, 2024. Additionally, the public notice was mailed to adjacent landowners, local and state government/regulatory agencies, and other interested parties. The public notice was also posted on DHEC’s ePermitting Portal., Summary Response to Comments, - August 15, 2024, Public Notice of Intent to Mine,  - January 3, 2024 , Notification to Adjacent and Nearby Landowners,  - January 3, 2024 The mine permit application, reclamation plan, maps, and other related documents are available below. These documents, as well as others used in the BLWM technical review/permitting process, are also available online through the end of the public comment period., Application for Mine Operating Permit & Reclamation Plan,  - September 25, 2023, Description of Mine Operations,  - September 25, 2023, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation & Concurrence Request a/k/a Jurisdictional Determination,  - January 11, 2021 , Endangered and Threatened Species Preliminary Biological Assessment Report,  - August 31, 2023, Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey (September 2021) and State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) Response to Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey, (August 3, 2021, Stormwater Runoff Design Summary / Overburden Sediment Ponds Design Plan,  - August 3, 2023, August 2022 Subsurface Investigation,  - October 5, 2022, Numerical Groundwater Flow Model Update,  - January 6, 2023, Groundwater Monitoring Plan,  - September 25, 2023, Map - Mine Development Plan Map,  - June 20, 2023, Map - Existing Conditions with Blasting Setbacks and Well Inventory Areas Phases, (June 21, 2023, Map – Mine Land Use with Bonding,  - June 30, 2023, Map – Pit Phases,  - July 27, 2023, Map – Erosion and Sediment Control, (July 11, 2023, Map – Reclamation,  - July 12, 2023, Diagram - Erosion and Sediment Control Details A,  - June 30, 2023, Diagram – Erosion and Sediment Control Details B,  - July 11, 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 (formerly known as DHEC) determined that the Vulcan Orangeburg Limestone Quarry can comply with the South Carolina Mining Act and applicable mining regulations. SCDES approved the mine…, Approved Permit Package, - August 15, 2024 Questions about the Orangeburg Limestone Quarry and the BLWM’s mine permitting process may be directed to: Colby Myers Phone: (803) 898-3079 Email:, Colby.Myers@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 October 20…, Public Notice of Draft Air Permit and Public Hearing,  - January 3, 2024, Air Construction Permit Application,  - October 20, 2023, Draft Air Construction Permit, Draft Statement of Basis, Draft Modeling Summary, Final Air Construction Permit Decision On August 15, 2024, the BAQ issued a Department Decision to approve an air quality permit to construct and operate a limestone quarry and processing plant for the Orangeburg Quarry. 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…, Memo of Final Decision to Concerned Citizens, - August 15, 2024, Department Decision, - August 15, 2024, Construction Permit CP-50000132 v1.0, - August 15, 2024, Statement of Basis, - August 15, 2024, Response to Comments, - August 15, 2024, Modeling Summary, Questions about the air permit decision 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 Orangeburg…, NOI for Coverage Under NPDES General Permit SCG73000, - November 6, 2023 , Map – U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Topography, - July 13, 2023 , Map - Mine Land Use with Bonding, - June 30, 2023 , NPDES General Permit SCG73000, Questions about 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, DHEC held a combination public meeting and public hearing on the proposed Orangeburg Limestone Quarry on February 8, 2024, at the Eutawville Community Center located at 419 Porcher Avenue in Eutawville. 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…, Public Meeting Presentation - February 8, 2024, Public Hearing Transcript - February 8, 2024, For additional information about SCDES public meetings and public hearings, please refer to:, SCDES Community Engagement Tools, 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…, What to Expect After the Public Comment Period Closes , After the public comment period closes, SCDES will review and consider all comments received before making final decisions on the mine permit application and draft air permit. Additional information may also be requested from the applicant, if needed.  Once final decisions are made, SCDES will provide notification to: Everyone on our mailing list for the proposed Orangeburg Limestone Quarry;…, registration form, . , Filing a Request for Final Review, S.C Code Ann. § 48-6-30(D)(2) provides: “Within thirty calendar days after the mailing of a decision [pursuant to S.C. Code Ann.§ 48-6-30(D)(1)], an applicant, permittee, licensee, certificate holder, or affected person desiring to contest the department decision may request a contested case hearing before the Administrative Law Court, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.” Should…, South Carolina Mining Council, The, SC Mining Council, resides in the Office of the Governor and acts as an advisory body to the Governor in considering issues relating to mining. The Council considers appeals on decisions made by SCDES regarding the enforcement of, South Carolina’s Mining Act, . , Stay Connected - Community Engagement, SCDES is committed to providing meaningful opportunities to hear the questions and concerns of community members and the sharing 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 project one-on-one. Submitting a written comment or question…, SCDES Community Engagement, SCDES encourages residents to ask questions and share information with us. Staying engaged in our process helps us to learn more about your community.  Questions about community engagement in SCDES’s permitting process may be directed to: Donna Moye Phone: , (803) 898-1382, Email: , Donna.Moye@des.sc.gov
  • Henry Tract Mine (Florence County)
    Blue Water Industries LLC (now Martin Marietta Southeast Agg Operations, LLC) has applied for environmental permits from DHEC (now SCDES) to mine sand at a site located at 331 East Highway 378 Hanna, approximately ¾ of a mile east of Salem, in Florence County (TMS #00418-02-006). A proposed reclamation plan to restore the site to grassland and a lake/pond has been submitted with the application.  , This webpage has been developed by SCDES as a community resource and will be updated as new information is made available., Please bring this webpage to the attention of others you know who may be interested., Mining, DHEC’s Bureau of Land and Waste Management (BLWM) received an application for a mine operating permit for the proposed Henry Tract Mine on August 11, 2023. The BLWM provided notice of the application in the Florence Morning News newspaper and began accepting comments on August 31, 2023. Additionally, the public notice was mailed to adjacent landowners, local and state government/regulatory…, Public Notice of Intent to Mine, – August 31, 2023 , Notification to Adjacent and Nearby Landowners, – August 31, 2023 , Application for Mine Operating Permit & Reclamation Plan, – August 11, 2023 , Mine Map, – July 27, 2023 , Updated Mine Map,  – October 13, 2023, Reclamation Map, – July 27, 2023 , Wetlands Delineation & Concurrence Request, – April 17, 2023 , Wetlands Delineation Map, – March 10, 2023 , Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey, – May 8, 2023, State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) Response to Cultural Resources Reconnaissance  Survey, – April 10, 2023 , Protected Species Assessment, – November 7, 2023, S.C. Department of Natural Resources Comment Letter,  – September 22, 2023, Well Survey, During the initial public comment period, the BLWM received a request for a public meeting and public hearing on the proposed Henry Tract Mine. DHEC acknowledged this request on October 12, 2023. Notice of the public meeting and public hearing was provided in the Florence Morning News newspaper on November 2, 2023. Notice was also provided to adjacent landowners, local and state government/…, Acknowledgment of Public Hearing Request, – October 12, 2023, Notice of Public Meeting, Public Hearing and Extended Comment Period, – November 2, 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 (formerly known as DHEC) determined that the Henry Tract Mine can comply with the South Carolina Mining Act and applicable…, Summary Response to Comments, - January 29, 2025, Notice of Approval Memo, - January 29, 2025, Approved Permit Package, - January 29, 2025 Questions about the Henry Tract Mine and the BLWM’s mine permitting process may be directed to: Colby Myers Phone:, (803) 898-3079, Email:, colby.myers@des.sc.gov, Water Quality, DHEC’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 Salem-Sand…, Notice of Intent, – September 6, 2023, Site Maps – August 29, 2023 & July 27, 2023, Issuance of General Permit Coverage SCG731687, – October 5, 2023, 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, DHEC held a, public hearing on December 7, 2023, , at, 7:30 PM, , to accept oral and written comments on the proposed Henry Tract Mine., A public meeting was held from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM prior to the public hearing, ., Henry Tract Mine Public Meeting Presentation - December 7, 2023, Henry Tract Mine Public Hearing Transcript - December 7, 2023, 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…, Filing a Request for Final Review, South Carolina Mining Council, 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 council from a decision or determination of the department issuing, refusing, modifying, suspending, revoking, or terminating a certificate of exploration or operating permit or reclamation plan, or imposing a…, Administrative Law Court, S.C. Code Ann. § 48-6-30(D)(2) provides: “Within thirty calendar days after the mailing of a decision [pursuant to S.C. Code Ann.§ 48-6-30(D)(1)], an applicant, permittee, licensee, certificate holder, or affected person desiring to contest the department decision may request a contested case hearing before the Administrative Law Court, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.”…, 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 Saluda Quarry one-on-one. Submitting a written comment or question…, Community Engagement, SCDES encourages residents to ask questions and share information with us. Staying engaged in our process helps us to learn more about your community.  Questions about community engagement in SCDES’s permitting process may be directed to: Donna Moye Phone: , (803) 898-1382, Email: , Donna.Moye@des.sc.gov
  • Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway
    Notice of Department Decision (SAC-CW-2023-0002), The Department, acting on an application for Water Quality Certification, pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act and SC Regulation 19-450 Permits for Construction in Navigable Waters, has reached a proposed decision for the USACE maintenance dredging and placement of dredged materials for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) from the NC/SC state line to Port Royal Sound in…, 803-898-4243, or via e-mail at, wqcwetlands@dhec.sc.gov, .
  • Cleaning Up Mercury Spills
    Mercury exposure is a health risk, and precaution must be taken in the event of a spill. Please visit the fluorescent bulb or thermometer spills pages for specific steps. No matter the source of the spill, it is imperative to proceed with caution to minimize risk of exposure., Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean up mercury. The vacuum will put mercury into the air and increase exposure. Never use a broom to clean up mercury. It will break the mercury into smaller droplets and spread them. Never pour mercury down a drain. It may lodge in the plumbing and cause future problems during plumbing repairs. If discharged, it can cause pollution of the septic tank or sewage…, Handling a Broken Fluorescent Bulb, Learn step-by-step procedures for handling a broken fluorescent bulb, ., Handling a Broken Thermometer, Learn step-by-step procedures for handling a broken thermometer, ., Actions to Take to Prevent Broken Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, Fluorescent bulbs are made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled. To avoid breaking a bulb, follow these general practices: Always switch off and allow a working CFL bulb to cool before handling. Always handle CFL bulbs carefully to avoid breakage. If possible, screw/unscrew the CFL by holding the plastic or ceramic base, not the glass tubing. Gently screw in the CFL until snug. Do…, The, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is the source for the information on this page.
  • How to Recycle Right
    Woman puts bottle in Recycle Right SC bin Recycling Right means only placing items in your recycling bin or cart that are accepted in your program and prepared properly. Incorrect or improperly prepared items – called, contamination, – can harm your recycling program. Contamination can result in: a decrease in the value of the material to be recycled; disposal of material that could be recycled; an increase in local government recycling program costs to remove the contamination; a reduction of services or material accepted in your recycling program; and elimination of your recycling program., Be cart smart: Don’t trash recycling, It is essential to know what is accepted in your recycling program. Most programs accept aluminum and steel (e.g., food) cans, plastic bottles, and cardboard, but every program varies. To find out what is accepted in your program, visit, RecycleHereSC, . Remember: when in doubt, leave it out. For what NOT to recycle, click, here, . It is also essential to properly prepare items for recycling. Properly prepared means recyclables must be:, Dry, –  No liquids remaining. Liquids can ruin paper, cardboard, and other material in the recycle bin, making them contamination;, Empty, – No or little food residue remaining; and, Loose, –  Do NOT bag your recyclables., Commonly available recycling options beyond curbside and drop-off centers, While some items cannot be recycled in your curbside bin or at your local recycling convenience centers, many of them can be recycled elsewhere. Appliances, some electronics, lead-acid batteries (e.g., car, truck), and tires must be recycled by law in South Carolina. Each of the state’s 46 counties offers collection centers for these items. Find out where at, RecycleHereSC, . Counties also may offer programs or single-day events to collect batteries, fluorescent bulbs, paint, and household hazardous materials. Find your recycling program’s website and more, here, . Rechargeable batteries can be recycled at major retailers that participate in the, Call2Recycle program, . This program is free to residents. Learn more about safely handling and recycling batteries through, Be Battery Smart, . Learn more about recycling hard-to-manage items, here, .
  • Recycle Right SC - Resources
    Recycle Right SC: A Guide to Residential Recycling (PDF), Recycle Right! Learn about Recycling with the Recycling Guys (PDF), Recycling: The Basics – What You Need to Know (PDF), The 3-Step Recycling Loop poster (PDF), Recycle Right SC: “Wishful Recycling” (Bilingual - PDF), Recycle Right SC: What Is Contamination? (PDF), Recycling’s Dirty Dozen (PDF), The Top 10 Reasons to Recycle in South Carolina (PDF), What Can Recycled Items Become? (PDF), What Happens to Your Recycling? - York County Material Recovery Facility (Video)
  • Permits for Construction in Navigable Waters
  • Statement of Policy
  • Applying for a Permit