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The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) team recently shared the below message regarding changes to take effect July 1 and specifics on the new South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES).

Under state law, DHEC is becoming two separate agencies on July 1, 2024. The two new agencies will be the SCDES and South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH).

 As SCDES, we will be able to offer better delivery and improved services to our customers.

 This message provides a quick update of what to expect as our customer or partner.

 What will stay the same?

  • We will continue delivery of our core environmental programs (Air Quality, Coastal Management, Land & Waste Management, Water, and Regional & Laboratory Services).
  • Existing permits will remain in effect after July 1, 2024.
  • Your contacts with the agency will remain the same.
  • Current emails and phone numbers will continue to work during this transition period.
  • 2600 Bull Street in Columbia will serve as the Central Office for SCDES at this time.

What will change?

  • You will see a new name, new logo and new webpage.
  • SCDES will also include two new programs (currently residing at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources — hydrology and aquatic nuisance species).

 How will we keep you informed?

 We will be sharing monthly email updates and additional information on our webpage through July 1, 2024.

Please see DHEC's restructuring webpage to stay updated on the transition.