Water Quality
Coastal Nonpoint Program
South Carolina Estuarine and Coastal Assessment Program
The South Carolina Estuarine and Coastal Assessment Program (SCECAP), which was initiated in 1999 by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), is designed to assess the condition of the state's estuarine habitats and associated biological resources on an annual basis by integrating numerous measures of water quality, sediment quality, and biotic condition at a large number of sites throughout the state's coastal zone. It also expands historical monitoring activities that have primarily focused on open water habitats (e.g. bays, sounds, tidal rivers) to include an assessment of conditions in tidal creeks, which serve as important nursery habitat for most of the state's economically valuable species.
Near Shore Ocean Water Quality
OCRM is working closely with agency and academic partners to investigate the "coastal hypoxia" event that occurred in the Long Bay region of Myrtle Beach in July 2004.
Clean Vessels/Marine Pumpout
OCRM has developed this plan under a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Interior under the Clean Vessel Act of 1992 to provide for adequate pumpout facilities in the eight county coastal zone area.
Clean Marinas
The South Carolina Clean Marina Program recognizes marinas that engage in environmental practices and management activities that serve to protect the valuable resources of South Carolina's estuaries. To achieve the Clean Marina designation, marinas must satisfy criteria in four categories: Information and Education, Water Quality, Environmental Management, and Safety and Services.
'Scoop the Poop' Campaign
Did you know that dogs and cats in Charleston produce over 10,000 pounds of waste per day? DHEC/OCRM is encouraging pet owners to 'Scoop the Poop' to help protect coastal water quality.