State agency issues order allowing coastal property owners to take preventative measures ahead of Debby

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD)—The state environmental agency has issued emergency orders that allow coastal property owners to take preventative measures to protect their properties against Tropical Storm Debby.

The orders allow for minor renourishment, sand scraping, and sandbag installation for property owners along the immediate beachfront, according to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
Only residential and commercial structures deemed in imminent danger from erosion through the Critical Area Permitting Regulations are included under the orders.

“These emergency orders are effective 30 days from today; however, if after that time a structure is still considered in imminent danger, property owners may request an individual emergency order to extend the time for protection,” said Chris Stout, Chief of SCDES’s Bureau of Coastal Management.

When Debby passes, residents and officials are asked to report beachfront structure damage at mycoast.org/sc.

Damage to structures like seawalls, revetments, walkovers, and erosion should be reported to MyCoast.

“SCDES also has issued an emergency order for marine debris removal to allow the general public to remove boats and debris from the critical areas of the state using all best practices and measures. The public should report waterway debris, including vessels and structures, to their local emergency management officials at the county or municipal level,” the agency said.

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