Helene Impacts

SCDES continues to coordinate with fellow state agencies and local governments as we help respond to severe weather impacts from Helene. For storm information and local government closures, visit scemd.org. 
Follow the S.C. Emergency Management Division (@scemd) and SCDES (@SouthCarolinaDES) on social media for the latest updates.

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A new era in environmental protection.

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

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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.

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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.

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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

Hydrology

The mission of the Hydrology Section is to provide guidance, counsel, and data to the State government and the public for the beneficial use, conservation, and management of South Carolina's water resources.

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Shellfish Monitoring Program

Shellfish monitoring runs Oct. 1 - May 15. Our Shellfish Monitoring Program works to 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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Ozone Season

Learn about SCDES’s seasonal ozone forecasts and how you can help reduce ozone pollution.

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Be Battery Smart

SCDES - in partnership with the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) - developed the "Take Charge! Be Battery Smart" outreach campaign to raise awareness of both the safety concerns and the recycling opportunities that are available and growing in number.

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Jobs & Careers

SCDES is dedicated to helping people live healthy lives in healthy communities. With more than 3,800 employees in 100 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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Adopt-a-Stream

Learn how to monitor the health and quality of South Carolina's waterways at free workshops. Choose to sample freshwater streams, tidal saltwaters, lakes, or macroinvertebrates. Work with local partners to protect and restore our waterways.

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News

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Friday, Sep 27, 2024

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Sept. 27, 2024

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

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Events

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Thursday, October 10 at 6:00 pm - Thursday, October 10 at 8:00 pm

Public Meeting for Santee River Basin Planning Activities

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Control (SCDES) is holding two public meetings to kick-off river basin planning activities in the lower Santee River Basin. The meetings will serve as an opportunity to engage with the public about water planning and to seek volunteers interested in serving on a council that will develop and implement the water plan for the Santee basin. 

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