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A new era in environmental protection.

Formerly a part of DHEC, SCDES is committed to preserving South Carolina’s air, land, water and coast through Science, Service and Sustainability.

About SCDES

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Bureau of Water

BOW protects the state’s water resources for drinking, swimming, fishing and other uses that benefit all South Carolinians.

Bureau of Water

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Bureau of Land and Waste Management

BLWM has critical oversight of certain industries, like landfills and mines, that helps safeguard our state’s land resources.

Bureau of Land and Waste Management

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Bureau of Air Quality

BAQ protects the air we breathe by ensuring industries comply with state and federal air quality standards.

Bureau of Air Quality

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Bureau of Coastal Management

BCM helps ensure the appropriate use, development and conservation of South Carolina's irreplaceable coastal resources.

Bureau of Coastal Management

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Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services

BRLS responds to environmental incidents, samples and monitors air and water, and investigates tips received from the public.

Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services

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Public Notices

Commitment to Permitting Process Improvements

SCDES remains committed to modernizing its permit review processes while also guiding how our state grows responsibly. Through a separate initiative, SCDES is working to implement provisions of the S.C. Energy Security Act, also known as Act 41.

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South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award

The state of South Carolina is seeking nominations for an award to recognize individuals who are doing extraordinary work for the natural environment. Nominations will be accepted through October 17, 2025. The S.C. Environmental Awareness Award, now in its 33rd year, was established by the S.C. General Assembly during the 1992 legislative session to recognize outstanding contributions made toward the protection, conservation, and improvement of South Carolina’s natural resources.

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Hurricane Season

Stay Ready: Hurricane season is here (June 1 - Nov. 30)! When hurricanes, floods, or other weather emergencies threaten our state, SCDES takes actions within the scope of its authority that help protect people, property and the environment.

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Shellfish Monitoring Program

Shellfish monitoring runs Oct. 1 - May 15. Our Shellfish Monitoring Program works ensure that shellfish and the areas from which they are harvested meet the health and environmental quality standards provided by federal guidelines and state regulations.

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WaterSC

WaterSC, led by the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), works across state agencies and with key stakeholders to develop a state water plan that balances South Carolina's economic and environmental interests to ensure the long-term protection of the state’s water resources as demand increases from record-breaking economic development and population growth.

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Jobs & Careers

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.

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News

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SCDES Temporarily Closes Some Shellfish Harvesting Beds in Georgetown County due to Excessive Rain

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 13, 2025

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is temporarily closing some shellfish harvesting beds in Georgetown County due to heavy rainfall, the agency announced today.  

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Events

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Thursday, October 23, 2025 6:00 pm -

Phase 1 Jurisdictional Lines Review Public Hearing

The SC Department of Environmental Services's Bureau of Coastal Management (SCDES BCM) will hold an in-person public hearing on the proposed beachfront jurisdictional lines (baseline and setback line) for Phase 1 beaches (Daufuskie Island, Hilton Head Island, Bay Point Island, St. Phillips Island, Little Capers Island, Pritchards Island, Fripp Island, Hunting Island, and Harbor Island) on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 6pm at the Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center located at 310 Okatie Hwy, Okatie, SC 29909. 

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Blog

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Tuesday, Sep 16, 2025

World Water Monitoring Day: Protecting South Carolina’s Most Vital Resource

Clean, safe water is essential for every community, every ecosystem and every future. That’s why each year, World Water Monitoring Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of protecting water quality and empowering citizens to take part in caring for this vital resource.

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