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  • Public Meetings scheduled for March 21st and 22nd to Kick-off Pee Dee River Basin Planning Activities
    Feb 15, 2022 SCDNR will host two public meetings on March 21st in Conway and on March 22nd in Florence to kick-off river basin planning activities in the Pee Dee River Basin. An overview of the South Carolina State Water Planning Framework will be presented and applications for the Pee Dee River Basin Council will be solicited. Similar information will be presented at each meeting. For more…, Pee Dee Basin Planning, page.
  • Next Edisto River Basin Council Meeting Scheduled for February 16th, 2022
    Feb 2, 2022 The next Edisto River Basin Council meeting has been scheduled for February 16th, 2022, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (, draft agenda, ) at the Clemson Edisto Research and Education Center. The public may attend in-person or virtually. To request virtual meeting access information, please contact Scott Harder (, harders@dnr.sc.gov, ).
  • As Summer Arrives, DHEC Encourages Beachgoers to Safely Enjoy and Also Protect SC Beaches
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 24, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — May to October is a busy time for South Carolina beaches, when residents and visitors flock to the coast to enjoy one of South Carolina’s greatest and most beautiful natural attractions. South Carolina’s sandy beaches, dunes, and ocean waters drive a booming coastal tourism economy.   Healthy beaches and dune systems also protect life and…, Keep off the Dunes Program, encourages preservation of the state’s dune resources through a collaborative partnership to enhance public awareness of sensitive dune environments. DHEC’s, Adopt-a-Beach Program, is a voluntary, beach cleanup program designed to keep South Carolina beaches clean and healthy. Residents and tourists visiting the coast can take simple, but important steps to help protect the state’s beaches, dunes, coastal waters, and the species that rely on these critical resources. Be mindful when walking past the dunes. Stick to existing paths and walkovers to prevent dune disturbance.…, South Carolina Ordinances Providing Protection to Sea Turtles, . Reduce the amount of plastic you take to the beach: choose reusable items over single-use items and leave nothing behind., Recycle monofilament fishing line, , which can entangle animals. Organize or participate in a local beach cleanup and report your data using DHEC’s, MyCoast South Carolina, application. While at the beach, DHEC reminds beachgoers to protect their own safety and the safety of others by being aware of potential ocean hazards like rip currents, water quality-related swimming advisories, and other risks. Visit DHEC’s, Beach Monitoring webpage, or, CheckMyBeach, webpage to review any long- or short-term swimming advisories due to elevated bacteria levels in ocean waters. DHEC’s, SC Beach Guide, can be used to find beach access locations and information about seasonal lifeguards, parking, public transit accessibility and more. Pay special attention to local reports about rip currents or other potential risks. Ocean currents present an added threat to safe swimming. Learn about rip currents and other ocean safety tips from the, American Red Cross, . Be aware of areas that do and don’t have lifeguards on duty, and never leave children unattended near the ocean or any body of water. Review swimming safety tips and guidelines on DHEC’s, Water Safety and Drowning Prevention webpage, . It’s also advised to avoid swimming in natural waterbodies, whether fresh or salt, if you have an open wound as doing so can increase the risk for infection. Learn more about DHEC’s role with protecting the coastal environment at, scdhec.gov/ocrm, , and find important safe swimming guidance on our, Water Safety and Drowning Prevention webpage, .   ###
  • DHEC Encourages South Carolinians to Actively Celebrate Earth Day, Take Small Steps for a Greener Lifestyle
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 19, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — As South Carolina’s environmental protection agency, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is proud to join millions of people, schools, community groups, businesses, and governments around the world in celebrating, International Earth Day, on April 22. Earth Day is held annually to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. DHEC encourages South Carolinians to take an active role in preserving South Carolina’s irreplaceable natural resources by utilizing the many environmental education tools and resources available at, scdhec.gov/environment, . DHEC’s website provides fact sheets and signage, local volunteer groups, environmental grant opportunities, classroom education materials, and more — all centered on promoting environmental health. “We want South Carolinians to know that we at DHEC aren’t just environmental regulators. Our staff have a passion for environmentalism and are dedicated to ensuring our beautiful state has clean air…, said Myra Reece, DHEC’s Director of Environmental Affairs, . “We hope everyone finds a way to actively participate in Earth Day and to also take steps toward implementing an environmental mindset all year long.”, EarthDay.org, provides a searchable map to easily find nearby Earth Day events and activities seeking public participation. Additional ways to take part in Earth Day include: Take part in the, Breathe Better (B2), anti-idling-clean air campaign Volunteer to, Adopt-a-Stream, or, Adopt-a-Beach, Add a, compost pile, to your backyard Switching from paper billing to online billing Apply for ", Champions of the Environment, " funding for your K-12 classroom Dispose of, household batteries, and, hazardous substances, properly, Reduce food waste, , which reduces wasted resources Learn about, smart gardening, Beyond single-day Earth Day activities, South Carolinians can make small changes to their daily routines that can lead to an overall more earth-friendly lifestyle: Biking and walking and using public transportation can help reduce your carbon footprint Properly recycling and reusing or repurposing items keeps them out of landfills Limit household water use by installing rain barrels for outdoor…, scdhec.gov/environment, . For more on Earth Day, visit, EarthDay.org,   ###
  • DHEC Launches New Vessel Turn-In Program to Help Relieve SC Coast of Abandoned Boats
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 1, 2024 CHARLESTON, S.C. – Abandoned and derelict boats are a chronic problem along South Carolina’s coast, negatively impacting marshes and coastal waters and creating hazards. Derelict boats are often old, neglected and in very poor condition. A new program is being piloted by the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to prevent derelict boats from…, Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP), this summer for individuals and businesses in South Carolina’s eight coastal counties: Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Horry and Jasper. Through the VTIP, individuals and businesses located in those counties can apply to have unwanted, at-risk or end-of-life vessels disposed of before they become abandoned, at no cost. “The Vessel Turn-In Program is an excellent…, said Marian Page, Interim Bureau Chief of DHEC OCRM., “Abandoned boats threaten sensitive habitat, impact the safe recreational use of our waterways and detract from our state’s beautiful coastal landscape.” After applying, individuals will be notified if they’ve been accepted for the program and will be provided details for transporting their vessel to a drop-off site or having their vessel picked up by DHEC OCRM contractors. The vessels will be…, Page said., “These two pilot programs aim to protect natural resources and divert waste from landfills in our coastal communities.” The pilot programs are being funded through a Coastal Zone Enhancement grant from the, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)., Those interested in the VTIP pilot project should apply online at, scdhec.gov/ADV, and will need key pieces of information to complete the application, including the boat title, U.S. Coast Guard documentation or S.C. Department of Natural Resources registration number; vessel hull identification number; vessel material; approximate dimensions and weight of the vessel; and four photos of the vessel (front, back, and both sides). The first vessel drop-off day will take place in…, Interested applicants from any of the state’s eight coastal counties are encouraged to apply online by April 5, 2024, to be considered for the pilot VTIP, . Anyone with questions about the VTIP project can learn more at, scdhec.gov/ADV, or email, chriscj@dhec.sc.gov., ###
  • Erica Zepp and John Bell Critical Area Permit Application
    UPDATE: The Bureau of Coastal Management issued a, Critical Area Permit with, Special Conditions for a private recreational dock at 746 Clearview Drive in Charleston, SC with (TMS# 454-01-00-085). Specifically, a 4' x 336' walkway with handrails leading to an 8' x 12' fixed pierhead with handrails. On the left side of the pierhead, a 3' x 24' catwalk will provide access to an 8' x 16' two-pile boat lift. The purpose is for private recreational use. Attached is a copy of…, 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.”, Community Engagement, Public Hearing SCDES BCM held a public hearing in order to receive comments on the proposed private recreational dock project on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 6:00 pm. The public hearing was held at the James Island Town Hall located at 1122 Dills Bluff Road, Charleston, SC 29412. During the public hearing, SCDES BCM staff provided a brief summary of the proposed application and accepted verbal…, adamsja@dhec.sc.gov.
  • Tom Point Creek OysterGro Mariculture Critical Area Permit Application
    The proposed project consists of the installation of 1,428 floating OysterGro mariculture cages within Tom Point Creek.  The applicant has proposed to install floating oyster cages within two sites. Site 1 will be approximately 2 acres and is divided into Areas 1 and 2.  Within Area 1, the OysterGro gear will run parallel to the shoreline, and there will be four lines of gear containing 84…, Community Engagement, Public Hearing, DHEC OCRM will hold an in-person public hearing, to receive comments on the, proposed floating mariculture project, on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 6:00 pm. The public hearing will be held at the Edisto Beach Civic Center located at 42 Station Court, Edisto Island, SC 29438. During the public hearing, DHEC OCRM staff will provide a brief summary of the proposed application and will accept verbal comments for the record to be considered prior to making a final decision.  This hearing is designed so that DHEC OCRM…, Written comments will continue to be accepted through the public notice page until June 7, 2024, . DHEC OCRM's final permit decision will be made available on this webpage and by email or mail to everyone on DHEC OCRM’s mailing list who requested to be notified of the final Department decision for the proposed floating mariculture project.    Contact Information For technical information regarding the critical area permit application, please contact Blair Williams at, Blair.Williams@des.sc.gov, .
  • New Indy Catawba
    *Page Updated May 15, 2025,  , On May 15, 2025, SCDES issued, air construction permit CP-50000041, to New Indy Catawba. The permit replaces the legacy production limit of 1,825 air dried tons of unbleached pulp/day (ADTUBP/day) with a 2,700 ADTUBP/day production limit. The permit application for the previously issued construction permit 2440-0005-DF (for the switch from bleached to unbleached paper) and construction permit CP-50000061 (for the new stream stripper) included emission…, New Indy Air Construction Permits page, . Odor Complaints and Investigation On August 21, 2023, DHEC began using our, Report It!, system instead of the New Indy Odor Investigation Form to receive environmental reports from the public related to New Indy. The , Report It!, system relays comments from the public to our local offices, and staff will continue to address these reports as quickly as possible.  The investigation into undesirable levels of odors surrounding New Indy has resulted in several actions, and New Indy has been required to perform extensive measures that have improved conditions in the surrounding communities. Orders remain in effect that require…, Report It!, system for submitting environmental or health concerns. Odor information and concerns about New Indy also should continue to be sent directly to the facility at, newindycatawba.com, . Those experiencing New Indy odor in North Carolina should also report concerns directly to the facility at, newindycatawba.com, . Other concerns about local odor can be reported to North Carolina air quality agencies for investigation:, Mecklenburg County Air Quality, (Charlotte, Pineville, and other areas in Mecklenburg County), NC DEQ Regional Office in Mooresville, (Marvin, Waxhaw, and other areas in Union County) Odor Reports Map Many variables affect the number of odor reports during a time period. The main variable is wind direction and whether or not people are upwind or downwind from New Indy. We have used citizen reports that include time and place along with local wind speed and direction data to follow air parcels back in time to recreate the path…, Catawba River New Indy Water Special Study, Order to correct undesirable level of air contaminants issued to New Indy, Pollution Control Act Order Letter - June 29, 2022, New Indy's Response to DHEC Request for Information, New Indy NPDES Compliance Inspection, Notice of Alleged Violation/Notice of Enforcement Conference, NPDES Consent Order - June 29, 2022, Notice of Order Violation: Consent Order 22-042-W, Preliminary Engineering Report Requirements - February 21, 2023, DHEC Back Trajectory Summary Report, DHEC Lancaster and York County Odor Investigation Report, New Indy Solid Waste Landfill Inspection Form, New Indy Air Quality Inspection Report, New Indy Stripper Restart Approval, DHEC worked with state, local, tribal, and federal partners to investigate the odors. North Carolina DEQ indicated to South Carolina DHEC that they investigated their wastewater treatment plants in North Carolina and did not find issues believed to contribute to the odors. To assist in the investigation and ongoing response, DHEC requested resource assistance from the US EPA: to bring in pulp and…, advanced technology, to measure air quality in surrounding communities where odors have been reported On May 13, 2021, EPA issued an, Order, to address the endangerment posed by the air emissions of hydrogen sulfide. Odors from Sulfur-Containing Compounds at Regulated Sources Sulfur odors come largely from decaying organic matter - especially when decaying organic materials are concentrated in one area like a wastewater treatment plant, land application of organic fertilizer and certain industries like pulp and paper mills. The pulp…, There are no state or federal odor regulations applicable to South Carolina, .  Weather patterns may also influence the detection of odors. DHEC typically receives odor complaints during changes of seasons, during temperature inversions, and when wind comes from atypical directions. Meteorologists of both South Carolina and North Carolina have confirmed temperature inversions have recently occurred in the area.  Methyl mercaptan, a sulfur-containing compound, is added to…, form, for community members to contribute details of their odor observations to assist in our initial investigation but encourages community members impacted by odor to make reports directly to New Indy. Observers in North Carolina are also encouraged to provide reports to the local environmental protection agency that has jurisdiction in their area.  Resources, Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry: Are Environmental Odors Toxic?, Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry: ToxFAQTM for Hydrogen Sulfide, SCDES and local partners continue to work to resolve odor concerns., This webpage will be updated as new information about the odor investigation is available.
  • Adrian Sand/Clay Mine - Horry County
    Adrian Sand LLC has applied for environmental permits from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to mine sand and clay at a 52.3-acre site located on Chow Lane in Horry County, approximately eight miles northeast of Conway, SC. The site is bordered by Chow Lane to the south, a wooded area to the west, Maple Swamp to the north, and a residential area to the east…, This webpage has been developed by DHEC 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., Existing General Mine Operating Permit Coverage, On September 1, 2023, Adrian Sand LLC was granted coverage under General Mine Operating Permit GP1-002406 “Mining General Permit for the Excavation of Topsoil or Sand/Clay.” Coverage under this general permit allowed mining operations limited to the excavation of topsoil or sand/clay affecting an area, no greater than five (5) acres, , a maximum depth of twenty (20) feet, and with no further material processing.   The General Mine Operating Permit was issued on November 18, 2014. A general permit undergoes public notice and comment procedures prior to issuance or renewal, therefore additional public notice and comment procedures are not required if an applicant requesting coverage has demonstrated that its proposed operation…, which precedes the current pending permit action, , are available below:, Application for Coverage Under General Mine Operating Permit GP1 “Mining General Permit for the Excavation of Topsoil or Sand/Clay”, – April 25, 2023 , Map of Adjacent Land Uses and Distances to Nearest Homes, – April 6, 2023, Request for Wetlands Delineation and Jurisdictional Determination by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, - March 30, 2022, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation & Jurisdictional Determination, – December 21, 2022, S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Comment Letter (includes Spotted Turtle Assessment Protocol dated March 2018), – June 9, 2023, Issued Permit Package for Coverage Granted Under General Mine Operating Permit GP1-002406 (includes cover letter, permit, reclamation plan, CZC certification and map), - September 1, 2023 , General Mine Operating Permit Inspection Report, – December 20, 2023 , Proposed Individual Mine Operating Permit, DHEC’s Bureau of Land and Waste Management (BLWM) received an application for an individual mine operating permit for the Adrian Sand/Clay Mine on January 4, 2024, to expand its existing mine operation to approximately 52 acres with a maximum 30-foot depth. The BLWM provided notice of the application in The Horry Independent newspaper and began accepting comments on January 18, 2024. Additionally…, DHEC’s ePermitting Portal, . , Public Notice of Intent to Mine, - January 18, 2024 , Notification to Adjacent Landowners, - January 18, 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, – January 4, 2024 , Mine Map, – October 26, 2023 , Reclamation Map, – October 26, 2023, Biological Evaluation (includes Wetland Delineation and Threatened & Endangered Species Survey), – November 6, 2023 (Originated May 4, 2023, Revised May 11, 2023 & Updated November 6, 2023), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation & Jurisdictional Determination, –, December 21, 2022 , State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) Comment Letter, – January 31, 2024 , Phase I Archaeological Survey, – March 2024, S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Comment Letter, – February 16, 2024, Applicant Response to DNR Comment Letter, – March 4, 2024 During the initial public comment period, the BLWM received a request for a public hearing on the proposed Adrian Sand/Clay Mine. DHEC acknowledged this request on February 14, 2024. In response to the level of interest shown during the public comment period, DHEC is holding both a public meeting and public hearing on the proposed mine. Notice of the public meeting and public…, With this notice, the public comment period on the mine permit application has been extended through May 22, 2024., Acknowledgment of Public Hearing Request, – February 14, 2024 , Notice of Public Hearing, – April 4, 2024, 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 Adrian Sand/Clay Mine can comply with the South Carolina Mining Act and applicable mining regulations. Having made this determination and being in receipt of the…, Approved Permit Package, Summary Response to Comments, Join Notification of Approval Memo, Questions about the proposed Adrian Sand/Clay Mine and the BLWM’s mine permitting process may be directed to: Katelyn Mills Phone:, (803) 898-1375, Email:, millske@dhec.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 Adrian Sand/…, Application/NOI for Coverage Under NPDES General Permit SCG73000, – April 27, 2023, Mine and Reclamation Map, – March 30, 2023, Mine Map – U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Topography, – April 25, 2023 , NPDES General Permit Coverage Approval, – July 31, 2023 , NPDES General Permit SCG73000,   On November 22, 2023, the BOW received an application from Adrian Sand LLC requesting a modification of the NPDES General Permit for the Adrian Sand/Clay Mine. An NPDES General Permit Minor Modification was subsequently issued by the BOW on January 1, 2024. Documents related to the modification are available below:, Application for NOI Modification, – November 22, 2023 , Mine Map for NOI Modification, – October 26, 2023  , NPDES General Permit Minor Modification Approval, – January 1, 2024  Questions about the NPDES general permit coverage and BOW’s permitting process may be directed to: Brett Caswell Phone:, (803) 898-4396, Email:, Brett.Caswell@des.sc.gov, Coastal Zone Consistency, SCDES’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) issues Coastal Zone Consistency (CZC) certifications of state permits in the coastal zone of South Carolina. This certification is based on the enforceable policies contained within the SC Coastal Zone Management Program. OCRM’s certification is provided to SCDES’s Mine Permitting Program prior to a final decision being made on either…, General Coastal Zone Consistency (GCZC) Certification Request Form, – April 10, 2023, General Coastal Zone Consistency (GCZC) Additional Information, – March 30, 2023 , Application for Coverage Under General Mine Operating Permit GP1 “Mining General Permit for the Excavation of Topsoil or Sand/Clay”,   – April 25, 2023 , S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Comment Letter (includes Spotted Turtle Assessment Protocol dated March 2018), – June 9, 2023, Coastal Zone Consistency Certification, – September 1, 2023 A full CZC certification is required for an individual mine operating permit affecting five (5) or more acres. On November 14, 2023, the OCRM received a request from Adrian Sand LLC for a full CZC certification for the proposed expansion of Adrian Sand/Clay Mine. A final CZC certification for the proposed project is currently under review and has not yet been issued or denied…, Coastal Zone Consistency Certification Request Form, – November 14, 2023, Application for Mine Operating Permit,   – January 4, 2024, Mine Map,   – October 26, 2023 , Reclamation Map, – October 26, 2023, Biological Evaluation (includes Wetland Delineation and Threatened & Endangered Species Survey), - November 6, 2023, Public Notice of Intent to Mine,   - January 18, 2024  Questions about the CZC certification and OCRM’s certification process may be directed to: Benjamin Thépaut Phone:, (843) 953-0205, Email:, Benjamin.Thepaut@des.sc.gov, Public Meeting and Public Hearing, DHEC held a combination public meeting and public hearing on May 7, 2024, to accept oral and written comments on the proposed Adrian Sand/Clay Mine, . , Adrian Sand Clay Mine Public Meeting Presentation, Adrian Sand Clay Mine Public Hearing Transcript, For additional information about DHEC public meetings and public hearings, including the differences and what to expect at each, please refer to:, SCDES Community Engagement Tools, DHEC’s presentation from the public meeting will be available on this webpage after May 7, 2024. Questions about participating in the public meeting and/or hearing may be directed to: Donna Moye Phone: , (803) 898-1382, Email: , Donna.Moye@des.sc.gov, Individuals with disabilities or special needs should contact SCDES in advance to discuss any special services required to participate., 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…, What to Expect After the Public Comment Period Closes , After the public comment period closes on, May 22, 2024, , DHEC will review and consider all comments received and determine if any modifications should be made to the mine permit application. Additional information may also be requested from the applicant, if needed. DHEC will then make a final decision to approve or deny a mine operating permit for the proposed Adrian Sand-Clay Mine.  Once a final permit decision is made, DHEC will provide…, registration form, . , 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 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 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, Additional Resources, Mining and Reclamation in South Carolina,  , South Carolina Mining Act,  , Regulation 89-10 through 89-350, Office of the Governor – Mining Council of South Carolina
  • PFAS - Frequently Asked Questions