SCDES Provides Update on Lake Hartwell Harmful Algal Bloom before Memorial Day Weekend
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) continues to monitor the harmful algal bloom (HAB) on Lake Hartwell in order to provide the latest recommendations for protecting public health. On May 19, SCDES’s Aquatic Science Division (ASD) teams surveyed the lake and collected new water samples from 17 different…, Based on the latest round of lake observations and water sampling, the Recreational Watch for Lake Hartwell remains in effect, with the following recommendations:, , avoid direct contact with lake water in areas where the HAB is observed, keep pets and animals from swimming in or drinking from the lake in areas where the HAB is observed, SCDES first issued a Recreational Watch for Lake Hartwell on April 30 after identifying the presence of a HAB. Cyanobacteria capable of producing cyanotoxins were observed in initial water samples and subsequent samples collected on May 6, but cyanotoxin concentrations were low or below the analytical detection limit as they are in the most recent samples. The most common symptoms associated…S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) Promotes Dam and Reservoir Education and Awareness for National Dam Safety Awareness Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― During Dam Safety Awareness Day on May 31, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) encourages residents to learn how dams function and are regulated and to be mindful of important tips for those who live or work near water bodies created by dams. Dams are an important part of national, state and local infrastructure. Nearly…, SCDES Dam Safety Inspectors perform routine inspections of regulated dams throughout the state. Prior to forecasted heavy rainfall events, inspectors also proactively conduct pre-storm assessments to help make sure dam owners have made storm preparations to their dams, including keeping spillways free of debris., “The South Carolina Dams and Reservoirs Safety Act, which is the primary law concerning dams, states that a dam owner is solely responsible for maintaining their dam in a safe condition through the life of the structure,”, said John McCain, Manager of SCDES’s Dam Safety Section., “One of the main roles of our Dam Safety Program is to make sure dam owners understand this responsibility. Our inspectors work closely with dam owners to explain any issues that need to be addressed to ensure their dams meet applicable safety standards.” In South Carolina, a dam is regulated by the state if it: Is 25 feet or greater in height from top to bottom of the structure Can impound 50…WaterSC Meeting
The WaterSC Water Resources Working Group will hold its next meeting on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Stone River, 121 Alexander Road in West Columbia., The meeting, will be livestreamed, by SCETV, For more information on upcoming and previous WaterSC meetings, visit our, WaterSC Meetings webpage, .Lower Savannah-Salkehatchie Basin Planning Meeting
Visit our Lower Savannah-Salkehatchie Basin Planning Meetings webpage for a draft agenda and information on past meetings. The Council will meet virtually. For meeting access information, please contact Scott Harder (, scott.harder@des.sc.gov, ) or Alexis Modzelesky (, alexis.modzelesky@des.sc.gov, ).Santee River Basin Council Meeting
The next Santee River Basin Council meeting has been scheduled for June 10, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM., The Council will meet in-person at the Santee Cooper Operations Center (1 Riverwood Drive, Moncks Corner, SC 29461). The meeting may be attended virtually as well. For meeting access information, please contact Scott Harder ( scott.harder@des.sc.gov ) or Alexis Modzelesky ( alexis.modzelesky@des.sc.gov ). Visit our Santee River Basin Council webpage for a draft agenda and information on past…Bureau of Regional & Laboratory Services
Magic Oak Estates Public Meeting/Hearing
SCDES is seeking input on the proposed application from Magic Oaks, LLC to disturb land to facilitate construction of 27 single family residential lots and associated infrastructure. SCDES invites interested people to an informational session, public hearing, and/or to provide written comments. The informational public meeting will include: SCDES’s role in the proposed application and applicable…, An informational public meeting to share information and answer questions will begin at 6 pm and will be followed by a formal public hearing beginning at 7 pm., The hearing will be conducted by a hearing officer. Oral and written comments will be accepted. Oral presentations may be limited to a fixed, reasonable amount of time. The number of representatives that may make oral statements on behalf of any individual or organized group may be limited. Any individuals with disabilities or special needs who wish to participate in these proceedings or review…SCDES Collects Additional Samples, Conducts Third Extensive Survey of Lake Hartwell Harmful Algal Bloom
Certain areas of Lake Hartwell lifted from Recreational Water Watch , FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) continues to monitor the harmful algal bloom (HAB) on Lake Hartwell in order to provide the latest recommendations for protecting public health. On June 3, SCDES’s Aquatic Science Division (ASD) teams surveyed the lake and collected new water samples from 10 different locations…, Based on the latest round of lake observations and water sampling, SCDES has updated the Recreational Watch for Lake Hartwell and removed certain areas of the lake, including:, Tugaloo River lake arm upstream of I-85 Seneca River lake arm upstream of West Cherry Road Six and Twenty lake arm upstream of Centerville Road , The Recreational Watch for Lake Hartwell remains in effect for areas downstream of these road crossings, with the following recommendations:, avoid direct contact with lake water in areas where the HAB is observed keep pets and animals from swimming in or drinking from the lake in areas where the HAB is observed , Please note that the HAB may still be found in areas where the Recreational Watch has been lifted. SCDES encourages caution when recreating in coves or near the shore. , SCDES first issued a Recreational Watch for Lake Hartwell on April 30 after identifying the presence of a HAB. Cyanotoxin concentrations were low or below the analytical detection limit then, as they are in the most recent samples. The most common symptoms associated with HABs are stomach pain, skin rash, headache, coughing and watery eyes. If a pet displays symptoms after coming into contact…SC Energy Security Act
Prepared for the Season: SCDES Supports Hurricane Readiness Across South Carolina
As South Carolinians welcome the start of summer, it’s also time to turn our attention to hurricane preparedness. The, Atlantic hurricane season, officially began, June 1, and continues through, November 30, . This year, forecasters with the, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), are predicting an active season, with an, increased potential for severe storms and above-average storm activity. , South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is a vital member of the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), which brings together local, state, and federal agencies to coordinate emergency preparedness and response efforts. SCDES plays several key roles in helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from hurricanes and tropical storms. Here are just a few of the ways…, Dam Safety and Flood Preparedness, : We alert dam and reservoir owners ahead of major rainfall and monitor dam conditions throughout storm events., Water System Support, : Our teams provide technical assistance to public water and wastewater facilities facing storm-related impacts., Private Well Protection, : We offer resources to help private well owners protect their water quality before and after a storm., Storm Debris Management, : We coordinate with local governments to establish temporary debris collection sites to assist with cleanup and recovery., Hazardous Materials Response, : Our emergency response staff are ready to manage spills or incidents involving hazardous materials., Shellfish Harvesting Closures, : We issue temporary shellfish harvesting closures in areas affected by polluted floodwaters to protect public health., GIS & Mapping Tools, : Our GIS specialists create flood maps and spatial data tools to guide emergency response and long-term recovery., Agricultural Assistance, : We work with permitted agricultural operations to minimize the impact of floodwaters on waste lagoons., Coastal Damage Assessments, : Our teams conduct post-storm coastal assessments using aerial surveillance., Emergency Coastal Orders, : We issue emergency orders that authorize sandbagging and marine debris removal in impacted coastal areas. To ensure coordination and readiness, SCDES leadership recently participated in the, Governor’s Annual Hurricane Tabletop Exercise, , held June 5. This yearly event brings together state agency leaders, emergency managers, and federal partners to review procedures, discuss forecasts, and reaffirm our collective commitment to protecting people, property, and the environment when hurricanes strike. We encourage all South Carolinians to take time now to prepare for hurricane season. The 2025 South Carolina Hurricane Guide,…, Download your copy from, SCEMD's website . You can also learn more about how SCDES supports storm preparedness and recovery efforts at, des.sc.gov/storms, . At SCDES, we remain committed to doing our part to help South Carolina stay safe, strong, and storm ready.