As South Carolina teachers prepare for a new school year, SCDES is offering grants, free classroom resources and educational programs that help students explore environmental topics through hands-on learning. Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers at public, private and charter schools across the state can apply for funding and access educational materials that encourage students to become environmental stewards both inside and outside the classroom.

SCDES samples water at more than 120 locations along South Carolina's coast from May 1 - October 1. If elevated levels of bacteria are detected, advisories are issued for that monitoring location. An advisory means that SCDES advises you NOT to swim in those areas. Advisories do not mean that the beach is closed. Wading, fishing, and shell collecting do not pose a risk.

Invasive species are a leading factor in freshwater fish extinctions and endangerments. Non-native invasive species cost the economy of the United States more than $120 billion annually in lost production and control costs. In the absence of native predators and diseases, nonindigenous organisms may develop very large populations that create severe ecological and economic problems. When such invasions occur in our lakes and rivers they can disrupt whole aquatic ecosystems and impair important municipal, industrial, agricultural, and recreational uses of our waterways.

From April 1 through September 30, SCDES provides a daily forecast for ground-level ozone concentrations across the state. These forecasts help South Carolinians take simple steps to protect their health on days when ozone levels are expected to be elevated.

Introducing the SCDES Office of Compliance Assistance (OCA)! OCA facilitates communication between the regulated community and SCDES through phone consultations, online surveys, email, general permitting guidance, problem solving, compliance assistance visits, and both virtual and in-person meetings and training opportunities. Through development and implementation of these compliance assistance activities, OCA’s goal is to reduce pollution, increase the level of understanding of environmental requirements and prevent violations before they occur.

SCDES is dedicated to helping people live healthy lives in healthy communities. With more than 1,200 employees in more than a dozen offices across the state, SCDES has a diverse team of employees who are leaders in their fields and share a passion for making a difference.