South Carolina Department of Environmental Services

It's all fun and games until it's time to get to work! ?? We love what we do and have fun doing it, but we also know the work we do matters. As collaborators, educators, advisors, and public servants, we're committed to protecting South Carolina's environment and ensuring a healthier future for all. At SCDES, we're dedicated to delivering efficient, high-quality services with a focus on Science, Service, and Sustainability. #TeamSCDES #ProtectSC #teamwork #office #officememes #manager #communitymanager #officehumor #foryourpage #funny #explorepage #fyp #explore #content #creative #creators #team

Gregg O’Quinn was recently named the new Aiken Area Director. He has a bachelor’s degree of science in biology from the University of South Carolina Aiken and a master’s in interdisciplinary toxicology from the University of Georgia. Gregg has more than 20 years of experience at this Agency and previously worked at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory at the Savannah River Site. During his career with DHEC and now SCDES, Gregg has been an important member of the Aiken Regional office with boots on the ground in varying capacities with the Environmental Surveillance and Oversight Program (ESOP) and the Federal Facility Agreement (FFA) program. For the last seven years, he has served as Program Manager over the Air/Land programs as well as ESOP and the regional FFA and National Nuclear Security Administration programs. Regarding his second job, he and his wife are committed to the challenges of raising two teenage girls. Gregg is excited about his new role and is looking forward to working with the Aiken staff, other regional staff and the programs in the other Bureaus to provide the best internal and external customer service possible. Congratulations, Gregg!

The next WaterSC Working Group Meeting is scheduled for: ?? March 20, 2025 ? 1 PM – 4 PM ?? Watch Live on South Carolina ETV WaterSC meetings bring together key stakeholders to discuss South Carolina’s water resources. While in-person attendance is limited, the public can stay informed by watching live on SCETV. Meeting recordings, presentations, and minutes will also be available online after the meeting. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eWuGVwjR #WaterSC #SCWaterResources #StayInformed

Batteries are everyday essentials but can be a hidden household hazard. Recycling opportunities for batteries are often overlooked. SCDES partners with the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) for "Take Charge! Be Battery Smart". We aim to raise awareness of safety concerns and recycling opportunities. Find out more: des.sc.gov/bebatterysmart

Looking for a new career opportunity in environmental services? SCDES has several exciting positions open for recruitment! New Job Openings: ?? Brownfield Project Manager (Geologist/Hydrologist I) – Bureau of Land & Waste Management ?? Environmental Education/Outreach Specialist (EHM II) – Bureau of Land & Waste Management ?? Environmental Scientist (EHM III) – Bureau of Land & Waste Management ?? Compliance Specialist II (EHM II) – Bureau of Air Quality ?? Adopt-A-Stream Coordinator II – Bureau of Water ?? Chemist III – Bureau of Regional & Laboratory Services ?? Engineering Associate II – Bureau of Land & Waste Management ?? Apply now at careers.sc.gov and be part of a team dedicated to protecting and enhancing South Carolina’s environment! #SCDESJobs #NowHiring #EnvironmentalCareers

Did you know? Our Shellfish Sanitation Program ensures that oysters, clams, and mussels meet strict health and environmental quality standards before they reach your plate! With 465 monitoring sites, we conduct routine water quality testing to keep South Carolina’s shellfish-growing areas safe and sustainable. Learn more about how we protect public health and our coastal waters: des.sc.gov/shellfish

Our SCDES Bureau of Water team joined the World Water Day Celebration at Francis Marion University on March 1! This free, family-friendly event featured STEAM activities, fishing and paddling demos, live animals, and more—bringing awareness to the importance of protecting our water resources. Special thanks to our team members Ashley Graham, Chanda Cooper, Derrick Stanley, and Scott Castleberry for representing SCDES alongside partners like SCDNR, Pee Dee River Basin Council, and others. With global water demand rising and challenges like droughts and pollution increasing, protecting our water is more critical than ever. To learn more about World Water Day, visit the United Nations website here: https://lnkd.in/dz6k9hjc #WorldWaterDay #ProtectSCWater #FrancisMarionUniversity

??? Heavy rain is expected across multiple regions today, increasing the risk of flooding. Remember: Never drive or walk through floodwaters! Stay safe and be prepared before, during, and after floods with these tips: Ready.gov/floods#during #FloodSafety #BePrepared

On March 5-6, 2025, the UST Management Division participated in the Southeast Petro-Food Marketing Expo?in Myrtle Beach, hosting a booth and connecting with industry stakeholders. The expo showcased the latest advancements in petroleum technology and offered education, networking, and collaboration. The UST Management Division used this opportunity to provide compliance assistance, share regulatory updates, and engage directly with key stakeholders, including fuel distributors, tank owners, and environmental consultants. The Southeast Petro-Food Marketing Expo is a great opportunity for discussions on industry best practices and emerging challenges, strengthening relationships with partners, and expanding outreach efforts.

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 https://shorturl.at/byivm!