South Carolina law
Environmental Laws in South Carolina.
South Carolina environmental law combines federal programs (RCRA, CERCLA, CWA, CAA) with state implementation through the Department of Public Health (DPH, formerly DHEC — Department of Health and Environmental Control) and the Department of Environmental Services (created 2024). South Carolina is distinctive for coastal-focused environmental practice (Coastal Zone Management Act), the Savannah River Site (federal nuclear facility) and associated cleanup issues, and ongoing tidal-flooding and climate-adaptation matters. The 2024 DHEC split into DPH (health) and DES (environment) reorganized the regulatory framework.
Last verified: 2026-04-17
State law
Key South Carolina Statutes
Authorizes state administration of water pollution control (delegated CWA) and air pollution control (delegated CAA).
Regulates hazardous waste generation, transport, treatment, storage, and disposal under delegated RCRA authority.
Regulates development in coastal counties. Critical Area permits required for development in tidal wetlands, beaches, and beach/dune systems.
Effective July 2024, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) split into two agencies: Department of Public Health (DPH) and Department of Environmental Services (DES). Environmental regulatory authority transferred to DES.
Savannah River Site (SRS) is a major U.S. Department of Energy nuclear facility in Aiken County. Ongoing CERCLA cleanup and litigation.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.
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