South Carolina coastal property owners can take ‘proactive’ efforts to minimize storm damage, officials say

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTW) — Property owners in the state’s eight coastal counties can begin taking preventative steps to minimize potential impacts from Tropical Storm Debby — including sand scraping and minor renourishment.

That’s after a blanket emergency order issued Tuesday by the state Department of Environmental Services that remains in place for 30 days, but can be extended on a case-by-case basis.

The order allows for minor renourishment, sand scraping and placement of sandbags around structures deemed in “imminent danger” from erosion.

Marine debris removal is also permitted as long as the order is in place, officials said.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12 . See more of his work here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.