SC Department of Environmental Services

SC Department of Environmental Services A new era in environmental protection. SCDES is committed to preserving SC’s air, land, water and coast through Science, Service and Sustainability.

SCDES partnered with leading environmental organizations to launch an on-demand Living Shorelines training course throug...
08/25/2026

SCDES partnered with leading environmental organizations to launch an on-demand Living Shorelines training course through Clemson Extension in 2024.

This comprehensive program explores the benefits of living shorelines in South Carolina’s estuarine ecosystems while covering regulations, site assessments, installation techniques, and performance evaluations.

Participants gain insights from experts at SCDES, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Clemson Extension, The Nature Conservancy, and the Coastal Conservation League.

Ready to learn more? To register and access the course today visit tinyurl.com/558jjy7n.

There’s still time to enter the 2026 SCDES Coastal Photography Contest!Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just lo...
08/24/2026

There’s still time to enter the 2026 SCDES Coastal Photography Contest!

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just love capturing the beauty of South Carolina’s coast, we want to see your best shots.

Submit your coastal photos for a chance to have your winning image featured on the 2027 Tide Tables and showcase the beauty of our state’s coastal treasures.

📅 Submit your photos now through August 31, 2026
📷 View contest rules, eligibility and submission details: des.sc.gov/CoastalPhoto

Healthy shellfish beds start with clean water! Our Shellfish Sanitation Program monitors coastal water quality monthly, ...
08/24/2026

Healthy shellfish beds start with clean water! Our Shellfish Sanitation Program monitors coastal water quality monthly, ensuring shellfish-growing areas meet state and federal standards.

By analyzing water samples and tracking environmental changes, we help protect South Carolina’s shellfish industry and promote water quality restoration.

Learn more about our efforts: des.sc.gov/shellfish

September is the peak of hurricane season, but hurricanes and tropical storms can develop at any time throughout the sea...
08/24/2026

September is the peak of hurricane season, but hurricanes and tropical storms can develop at any time throughout the season.

Hurricanes and tropical storms can bring a variety of hazards, including storm surge, damaging winds, flooding, tornadoes, and power outages. Now is the time to review the risks that could affect your home, business, or community and make sure you're prepared.

Learn more at https://hurricane.sc/

🌧️ Flooding causes more deaths than any other thunderstorm hazard—and many are preventable.• 6" can knock over an adult•...
08/23/2026

🌧️ Flooding causes more deaths than any other thunderstorm hazard—and many are preventable.

• 6" can knock over an adult
• 12" can carry away a car
• 2' can sweep away SUVs & trucks

Never drive around barricades. NEVER walk or drive into floodwaters.

The Breathe Better (B2) program provides resources to help South Carolina communities reduce vehicle idling and promote ...
08/23/2026

The Breathe Better (B2) program provides resources to help South Carolina communities reduce vehicle idling and promote cleaner air.

B2 offers resources such as anti-idling signs, air quality education, AQI information, air monitoring, workshops and transportation audits to help schools and businesses take action.

Small changes can make a difference in the air we breathe.

Join B2 this Fall: des.sc.gov/b2

Wildfire safety starts at home. Create a 30-foot defensible space around your home by clearing leaves, dry grass and oth...
08/22/2026

Wildfire safety starts at home. Create a 30-foot defensible space around your home by clearing leaves, dry grass and other flammable materials from your yard, deck, gutters and roof. A few simple steps can help protect your home and community. Learn more: ready.gov/wildfires

🌊 Heading to the SC coast? SCDES monitors water quality at 122 beach locations from May 1–Oct. 1.If bacteria levels are ...
08/22/2026

🌊 Heading to the SC coast? SCDES monitors water quality at 122 beach locations from May 1–Oct. 1.

If bacteria levels are elevated, we issue a temporary swimming advisory. Wading, walking and shell-hunting remain safe.

Check conditions: des.sc.gov/beachmonitoring

As hurricane season continues, take a few minutes to know your risk. Hurricanes can bring dangerous wind and flooding we...
08/21/2026

As hurricane season continues, take a few minutes to know your risk. Hurricanes can bring dangerous wind and flooding well inland, not just along the coast.

Check your flood risk by ZIP code: floodsmart.gov/flood-map-zone/what-is-my-flood-risk

U.S. EPA Region 4, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), S.C. Department of Agriculture (SCDA) and Fair...
08/21/2026

U.S. EPA Region 4, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), S.C. Department of Agriculture (SCDA) and Fairfield County continue to work jointly on the response efforts of the fire at the Healthcare SC facility (home of MLILY mattress manufacturer) in Winnsboro, S.C. As response efforts have transitioned to environmental cleanup, the agencies’ priority is to continue to mitigate any potential impacts to people or the environment. SCDES, local officials and environmental clean-up contractors remain onsite.

Preliminary data collected during and after the fire do not indicate harmful impacts to air or drinking water in the community.

“Fairfield County is thankful for the response from our state government, S.C. Department of Environmental Services, S.C. Department of Agriculture, U.S. EPA and the many county, municipal and local fire districts that sent almost 200 firefighters and countless pieces of equipment and fire apparatus,” said Fairfield County Administrator Vic Carpenter. “Our concern now that the fire threat has subsided is to ensure the safety of our citizens and our Fairfield County environment. County staff continue to be a resource to Healthcare SC and to our partner agencies working to ensure that our air, water and soil are clean and safe.”

Full news release: bit.ly/4grjOsv

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2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC
29212

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Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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