FY2025 Annual Accountability Report Reports the FY2025 strategic objectives, performance measures, targets, and actual results of the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. This StratML Part 2 rendition is derived from the Strategic Plan Results and related information contained in the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services FY2025 Annual Accountability Report. Information presented in spreadsheet form in the source report has been mapped to corresponding StratML elements. Supporting information from spreadsheet columns for which there is no more specific StratML element is captured in Other Information. ^^ Submitter's Note: This StratML rendition has been compiled from the source by ChatGPT and lightly edited in the form at https://stratml.us/forms/Claude/Part2.html South Carolina Department of Environmental Services SCDES SC-SCDES A South Carolina state cabinet agency responsible for protecting and preserving the state's air, land, water, and coastal resources. Citizens of South Carolina Environmental Beneficiaries Benefit from protection and preservation of South Carolina's environment and public health. Beneficiary Business Community Regulated and Economic Stakeholders Interact with SCDES environmental permitting, regulatory, compliance, and related services. Beneficiary SCDES Staff Agency Workforce Perform the activities required to achieve the agency's goals and objectives. Performer A healthy environment for all South Carolinians. ID-7B239408-4E7B-4054-9465-241E1AD6A462 To preserve South Carolina's air, land, water and coast through Science, Service and Sustainability — now and for generations to come. ID-68813535-D561-4FF3-92AA-EAB5C201EF83 Data, Decisions & Policy Lead with data-driven decisions to implement policy. ID-D16435F3-0030-4B54-B9DE-C60F36FAA294 1 Data-Driven Decisions ~ The FY2025 Annual Accountability Report identifies this as Goal 1. SCDES describes itself as comprising environmental experts who use science and data to drive decisions and actions for protecting South Carolina's air, land, water and coast. The agency reports that its first-year modernization initiatives supported environmental protection through enhanced use of technology. Technology Ensure comprehensive use of modern tools and technologies for agency decision-making. ID-ED816217-62E7-493A-A980-E720371F2BAF 1.1 Regulated Community Reporting and Processing Customers Benefit from efficiencies in required reporting and processing. Beneficiary Modern Technology ~ State Objective: Public Infrastructure and Economic Development.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 9803.100100X000.^^The Agency Achievements section documents several FY2025 initiatives directly related to this objective under the heading "Embracing Modernization: Supporting Environmental Protection through the Enhanced Use of Technology."^^Artificial Intelligence: SCDES established an internal AI Workgroup and AI policy to explore the potential of artificial intelligence tools. The agency reports that the workgroup is intended to understand AI basics, identify opportunities for application, consider ethical and practical implications, and develop strategies to enhance staff effectiveness and efficiency while maintaining the essential human element. SCDES states that its goal is to foster open dialogue about how AI can streamline processes, improve decision-making, and accelerate innovation.^^Environmental Data Technology: The South Carolina Coastal Atlas provides public access to information about the state's coastal environment through interactive ArcGIS StoryMap features. SCDES received a 2024 Notable State Document Award from the South Carolina State Library for development of the Coastal Atlas.^^Public Information Technology: SCDES and PalmettoPride launched the Recycle Here SC mobile application, which consolidates information for residents on what, where and how to recycle various items across the state. The initiative received the Innovation Partnership Award from Keep America Beautiful.^^GIS and Emergency Response: During Hurricane Helene, the SCDES GIS Team collaborated with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to develop a debris drop-off dashboard that supported emergency-response debris management and included quarantine zones intended to restrict the spread of invasive species. During Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene, SCDES also developed pre- and post-dam inspection GIS dashboards to improve situational awareness and support rapid decision-making.^^ePermitting Modernization: SCDES reports continued development and improvement of ePermitting, its online platform supporting environmental permitting, licensing, registration, projects, reporting, monitoring, complaints, compliance and enforcement. By the end of FY2025, 28 programs had been implemented in ePermitting, with additional permitting programs continuing to migrate to the platform. The agency's stated goal is to house all environmental permitting processes within ePermitting to provide a more streamlined and quicker permitting process. 1.1.1 Customers Using ePermitting Number ID-F9997477-37EA-4733-93A1-93BA32556F1B Source performance measure description: Number of processes improved to ensure ongoing incorporation of modern technologies and best practices.^The source report contains an apparent inconsistency among the performance measure description, calculation method, value type, and target. The measure description refers to the number of processes improved, while the calculation method is the total number of customers inputting data into the ePermitting portal. The baseline and actual values, 17,407 and 15,548 respectively, are counts, while the stated target is 8 percent. For this StratML rendition, the MeasurementDimension is therefore based on what is actually calculated -- customers using ePermitting -- rather than on the source measure description.^To provide a target NumberOfUnits consistent with the quantitative count represented by the baseline and actual, the source target of 8 percent is interpreted as an intended increase of at least 8 percent over the baseline. Applying 8 percent to the baseline of 17,407 yields 18,799.56; because customers are discrete units and the source specifies a desired outcome of equal to or greater than the target, the derived target is rounded upward to 18,800 customers. This interpretation is an inference and is not explicitly stated in the source report.^The reported actual of 15,548 represents a decrease of approximately 10.68 percent from the baseline of 17,407 rather than an 8 percent increase.^Time applicable: State Fiscal Year.^Calculation method: Total number of customers inputting data into ePermitting portal.^Data source: Number of new customers inputting data through ePermitting.^Data location: Program databases.^Stakeholder need satisfied: Efficiencies of required reporting and processing.^Primary stakeholder: Regulated community.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 9803.100100X000. 17407 Baseline reported in the source accountability report. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 18800 The source report states the target as 8%. The NumberOfUnits value of 18,800 is derived by interpreting the target as an increase of at least 8% over the reported baseline of 17,407 customers. The exact mathematical result is 18,799.56 and is rounded upward to the next whole customer. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 15548 FY2025 actual reported in the source accountability report. Processes Increase process efficiencies through quality improvement initiatives. ID-5FD0835D-4466-4071-AC43-1391EB0BBF62 1.2 Regulated Community Process Beneficiaries Benefit from greater consistency and efficiency of agency processes. Beneficiary SCDES Staff Internal Process Stakeholders Perform and benefit from quality improvement initiatives and more efficient agency processes. Performer Beneficiary Citizens of South Carolina Public Beneficiaries Benefit from consistent and efficient agency processes. Beneficiary Process Efficiency ~ State Objective: Public Infrastructure and Economic Development.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 8700.012500.000.^^The Agency Achievements section reports that SCDES prioritized improvements to environmental permitting processes to reduce processing timeframes. The average Onsite Wastewater permit processing timeframe was reduced from 21 weeks to 9.32 days, while Coastal Zone Consistency review timeframes were reduced from an average of eight to nine months to the majority of reviews being completed in under 60 days. SCDES reports applying Lean Six Sigma strategies used in these programs to other permitting programs, including internal process reviews, improved permit applications, and refined permitting information and resources. 1.2.1 Quality Improvement Projects Completed Percent ID-29CA2AB5-E263-4A51-A6D0-24D3136A2B53 Source performance measure description: Number of quality improvement projects completed.^The source report identifies the value type as Percent complete even though the performance measure description is phrased as a number of projects completed. The calculation method clarifies that performance is based on improvements identified and implemented through quality audits; therefore, this StratML rendition uses Percent as the UnitOfMeasurement while preserving the source measure wording here.^The source report also identifies the desired outcome as Equal to or less than. That direction appears inconsistent with a percent-complete measure whose stated target is 95 percent, because greater completion would ordinarily indicate better performance. The source provides no explanation for this apparent inconsistency, so it is preserved here without correction.^Time applicable: Calendar Year.^Calculation method: Improvements identified and implemented through quality audits.^Data source: Quality Assurance Manager and Internal Audits.^Data location: Records maintained by Quality Assurance Manager and office of Internal Audits.^Stakeholder need satisfied: Consistency and efficiencies of processes.^Primary stakeholders: Regulated community, Internal staff, Citizens of South Carolina.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 8700.012500.000. 0 Baseline reported in the source accountability report. 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 95 The source report states the target as 95 percent. 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 33 The source report states the actual result as 33 percent. Data & Information Ensure environmental data and information are easily accessible and provided in a meaningful way for public use. ID-1D8770D6-4B95-4DF7-B49C-4CB5054A00E2 1.3 Citizens of South Carolina Environmental Information Users Benefit from easier access to environmental data and information. Beneficiary Business Community Environmental Information Users Benefit from easier access to environmental data and information. Beneficiary Data Accessibility ~ State Objective: Public Infrastructure and Economic Development.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 0100.000000.000.^^The Agency Achievements section provides examples of SCDES making environmental information directly accessible to the public. The South Carolina Coastal Atlas enables users to explore coastal data and applications through interactive ArcGIS StoryMap features, including information on critical areas, living shorelines, public beach access, erosion, renourishment, hazard vulnerability, King Tides, and abandoned vessels. The Recycle Here SC mobile application similarly consolidates recycling information for residents. These initiatives illustrate approaches that may reduce the need for individually processed information requests by making useful information directly accessible. 1.3.1 FOI Data Requests Number ID-995A63F3-684A-40DC-B885-79A3B810C042 Source performance measure description: Number of data requests through FOI.^The source report contains an apparent inconsistency among the baseline, target, actual, and value type. The baseline of 1,720 and actual of 5,645 are counts, and the source identifies the value type as Count, but the target is expressed as 100 percent.^Unlike Performance Indicator 1.1.1, a target NumberOfUnits cannot be derived with reasonable confidence. The source does not state whether 100 percent means 100 percent of the baseline, a 100 percent increase over the baseline, or some other relationship. Moreover, the source explicitly notes that the baseline represents only one quarter of data available at the time of the agency split. Applying the percentage to that partial-period baseline could therefore produce a misleading annual target. The TargetResult NumberOfUnits is consequently left blank while the reported 100-percent target is preserved in the TargetResult Description.^The source specifies a desired outcome of Equal to or less than, which is logically compatible with treating the number of FOI requests as something to be reduced through easier direct access to environmental information. However, the relationship between that desired direction and the reported 100-percent target is not explained in the source.^Time applicable: State Fiscal Year.^Calculation method: Number of FOI requests for data.^Data source: FOI database.^Data location: FOI records / IQ system.^Stakeholder need satisfied: Ease of access to environmental data.^Primary stakeholders: Citizens of South Carolina, Business Community.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 0100.000000.000.^Source note: Baseline captured one quarter of data based on available information at the time of the agency split. 1720 Baseline reported in the source accountability report. The source notes that the baseline captured only one quarter of data based on information available at the time of the agency split. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 The source report states the target as 100 percent. A corresponding target count cannot be derived reliably from the information provided in the report. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 5645 FY2025 actual number of FOI data requests reported in the source accountability report. Services Ensure efficient and optimal delivery of services. ID-46033BE3-C661-4160-9997-76B333126F52 2 Service Delivery ~ The FY2025 Annual Accountability Report identifies this as Goal 2. The agency's first-year activities included substantial efforts to improve permitting, compliance assistance, public engagement, environmental monitoring, and internal business processes. Narrative accomplishments reported elsewhere in the accountability report provide additional evidence of service-delivery performance beyond the formal performance measures reported for this goal. Permitting Implement a comprehensive environmental permitting process that serves users, stakeholders and communities. ID-222E2AE7-45E8-4B05-8EEA-AE520DA2284F 2.1 Regulated Community Permitting Customers Benefit from an improved customer service experience in the environmental permitting process. Beneficiary State Objective: Public Infrastructure and Economic Development.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 9803.100100X000.^^The Agency Achievements section reports that SCDES focused on improving environmental permitting processes and reducing processing timeframes. The agency reports reducing the average Onsite Wastewater permit processing timeframe from 21 weeks to 9.32 days. It also reports reducing Coastal Zone Consistency review timeframes from an average of eight to nine months to the majority of reviews being completed in under 60 days. SCDES reports applying Lean Six Sigma strategies from these efforts to other permitting programs through internal process reviews, improved permit applications, and refined permitting information and resources.^^SCDES also continued expansion and improvement of ePermitting. By the end of FY2025, 28 programs had been implemented in the system, with additional environmental permitting programs continuing to migrate to the platform. The agency's stated goal is to house all environmental permitting processes within ePermitting to provide a more streamlined and quicker permitting process. 2.1.1 ePermitting Stakeholder Events Number ID-3DE0A0C4-799D-4AD3-81CF-CBCE7FEB6334 Source performance measure description: Number of ePermitting stakeholder events held.^Desired outcome: Equal to or greater than.^Time applicable: State Fiscal Year.^Calculation method: Count of stakeholder events where ePermitting improvements are discussed.^Data source: Stakeholder discussions.^Data location: Meeting notes.^Stakeholder need satisfied: Improved customer service experience for regulated community.^Primary stakeholder: Regulated community.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 9803.100100X000. 0 Baseline reported in the source accountability report. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 2 Target number of ePermitting stakeholder events. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 5 Five ePermitting stakeholder events were reported for FY2025. Pollution Increase pollution prevention by offering compliance assistance to permittees. ID-4B88EEE1-34BB-49CC-ABDD-158A582CB215 2.2 Citizens of South Carolina Environmental Beneficiaries Benefit from improved compliance and reduced environmental impacts. Beneficiary Business Community Compliance Stakeholders Benefit from compliance assistance and improved environmental compliance. Beneficiary Pollution Prevention ~ State Objective: Public Infrastructure and Economic Development.^^The formal performance measures for this objective emphasize the production of compliance reports and provision of external stakeholder training. These are outputs intended to support the broader objective of preventing pollution through improved compliance. The accountability report also emphasizes SCDES's role in providing technical and compliance assistance to regulated entities as part of its service-oriented approach to environmental protection. 2.2.1 Compliance Reports Number ID-E8F71EEC-6D26-4E3D-AA25-26E142CE039F Source performance measure description: Number of summary compliance reports developed based on compliance data.^Desired outcome: Equal to or greater than.^Time applicable: Calendar Year.^Calculation method: The number of reports provided to leadership on compliance data.^Data source: ePermitting compliance reports.^Data location: ePermitting database.^Stakeholder need satisfied: Improved compliance and reduced environmental impact (polluting prevention).^Primary stakeholders: Citizens of South Carolina, Business Community.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 9803.100100X000.^The source wording "polluting prevention" appears to be a typographical error for "pollution prevention"; the source wording is preserved here for provenance. 0 Baseline reported in the source accountability report. 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 4 Target number of summary compliance reports. 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 4 Four summary compliance reports were reported as completed. 2.2.2 External Stakeholder Trainings Number ID-4557EFC5-CCAB-46FE-AD36-121066485BDB Source performance measure description: Number of trainings held for external stakeholders based on compliance data.^The source provides no numeric baseline, displaying a dash instead. Accordingly, no numeric baseline is inferred.^The source identifies the desired outcome as Complete rather than expressing a directional comparison. Because the measure itself is quantitative and supplies a numeric target and actual, the quantitative values are preserved without attempting to translate "Complete" into another result value.^Time applicable: Calendar Year.^Calculation method: Number of trainings held.^Data source: Training materials and attendee list.^Data location: Internal SharePoint.^Stakeholder need satisfied: Improved compliance and reduced environmental impact (polluting prevention).^Primary stakeholders: Citizens of South Carolina, Business Community.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 8700.012500.000. The source reports the baseline as a dash, indicating that no numeric baseline is provided. 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 3 Target number of external stakeholder trainings. 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 5 Five external stakeholder trainings were reported as completed. Engagement Ensure meaningful public engagement in the environmental permitting process. ID-7B2A012D-8775-4A85-9603-B42A5D1BC989 2.3 Citizens of South Carolina Public Engagement Beneficiaries Benefit from meaningful engagement and greater understanding of environmental permitting. Beneficiary Business Community Permitting Stakeholders Benefit from meaningful engagement and reduced permit appeals. Beneficiary Public Engagement ~ State Objective: Public Infrastructure and Economic Development.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 8700.012500.000.^^The objective links public engagement directly to the environmental permitting process. The formal measure concerns development and publication of a stakeholder and community engagement process, while the stakeholder need identified by the agency is public education and reduction of permit appeals. Thus, the reported measure is an enabling output rather than a direct measure of whether engagement became more meaningful or permit appeals declined. 2.3.1 Engagement Processes Published Number ID-96CAC2C6-3026-4EFB-8C7B-AB860BC486D7 Source performance measure description: Develop and publish our stakeholder and community engagement process.^The source identifies the value type as Count and the desired outcome as Complete. The source measure is phrased as an action rather than a conventional measurement dimension. For this StratML rendition, the MeasurementDimension is expressed as Engagement Processes Published, corresponding to the source calculation method of a completed project and publication on the website.^Time applicable: State Fiscal Year.^Calculation method: Completed project and publication on website.^Data source: Website.^Data location: External website.^Stakeholder need satisfied: Public education and reduction of permit appeals.^Primary stakeholders: Citizens of South Carolina, Business Community.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 8700.012500.000. 0 Baseline reported in the source accountability report. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 1 Target is completion and publication of one stakeholder and community engagement process. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 1 One completed and published engagement process was reported. Oversight Provide regulatory oversight and monitoring to safeguard the state's environment and public health. ID-BA1F3FDB-00CA-4781-B0D1-FAEEF0AF9410 2.4 Citizens of South Carolina Environmental and Public Health Beneficiaries Benefit from environmental monitoring and maintenance of health-based standards. Beneficiary Business Community Environmental Quality Stakeholders Benefit from reliable monitoring and clearly demonstrated attainment of environmental standards. Beneficiary Environmental Oversight ~ State Objective: Public Infrastructure and Economic Development.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 8700.012500.000.^^The accountability report describes environmental protection and public health as core SCDES responsibilities and documents the agency's use of monitoring data and geospatial technology for operational and emergency decision-making. During Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene, SCDES used GIS dashboards to support pre- and post-event dam inspections and situational awareness. During Hurricane Helene, the agency also worked with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division on a debris drop-off dashboard supporting debris management and invasive-species quarantine zones. These activities illustrate uses of environmental information and monitoring capabilities beyond the air-monitoring performance measure formally reported for this objective. 2.4.1 Air Monitoring Requirements Met Percent ID-5DEAC69B-0D42-488A-B66C-6365B8803C8F Source performance measure description: Performing ambient monitoring to demonstrate attainment of environmental standards.^The source contains an apparent inconsistency in the baseline. The Base column displays 60 percent and the Value Type column identifies the measure as Percent, but the source note states: "Changed performance measure base to the correct number of 60. This is the number of monitors that are used to determine compliance with the 6 National Ambient Air Quality Standards." Thus, the source appears to conflate a count of 60 monitors with a percentage baseline. Because the target and actual are both explicitly reported as 100 percent and the calculation method concerns meeting national air monitoring network requirements, this StratML rendition retains Percent as the UnitOfMeasurement. The baseline NumberOfUnits of 60 preserves the numeric value reported by the source, while this OtherInformation documents that its semantic meaning is ambiguous and may represent 60 monitors rather than 60 percent.^Desired outcome: Equal to or greater than.^Time applicable: Calendar Year.^Calculation method: Meeting national air monitoring network requirements.^Data source and location: EPA National database (AQS and WQP).^Stakeholder need satisfied: Continued maintenance and improvement of environmental quality to meet health-based standards.^Primary stakeholders: Citizens of South Carolina, Business Community.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 8700.012500.000. 60 The source displays the baseline as 60 percent. However, its accompanying note states that the performance measure base was changed to the correct number of 60 and explains that 60 is the number of monitors used to determine compliance with the six National Ambient Air Quality Standards. 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 100 The source states the target as 100 percent of applicable national air monitoring network requirements. 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 100 The source reports an actual result of 100 percent. Efficiency Improve business efficiencies. ID-B882E154-A2D4-41F0-ADC8-11D9403338CE 2.5 SCDES Staff Operational Improvement Stakeholders Perform and benefit from improvements to agency operational processes. Performer Beneficiary Citizens of South Carolina Service Beneficiaries Benefit from improved customer experience and reduced operational waste. Beneficiary Business Efficiency ~ State Objective: Public Infrastructure and Economic Development.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 0100.000000.000.^^SCDES reports using process-improvement approaches during its first year as a standalone agency, including Lean Six Sigma methods and internal process reviews. The agency identifies improved customer experience and reduced waste as the stakeholder need associated with this objective. The reported 32 or more documented operational process improvements substantially exceeded the formal target of two, although the performance measure does not quantify the resulting reductions in cost, processing time, or waste. 2.5.1 Operational Process Improvements Number ID-1D2ED48B-6E9D-4296-B760-DC96956A66F9 Source performance measure description: Number of documented process improvements made in operations.^Desired outcome: Equal to or greater than.^Time applicable: State Fiscal Year.^Calculation method: Number of documented process improvements made in operations.^Data source: Director of Operations and Continuous Improvement.^Data location: Internal SharePoint site.^Stakeholder need satisfied: Improved business efficiencies will improve customer experience and reduce waste.^Primary stakeholders: SCDES staff, Citizens of South Carolina.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 0100.000000.000.^Source note: At least 32 documented operational process improvements completed during FY25. 0 Baseline reported in the source accountability report. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 2 Target number of documented operational process improvements. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 32 At least 32 documented operational process improvements were completed during FY2025. Collaboration & Partnerships Strengthen stakeholder engagement and collaborative partnerships. ID-E74BDCEE-A1AC-4FB6-83E3-FBF5A282998E 3 Stakeholder Collaboration ~ The FY2025 Annual Accountability Report identifies this as Goal 3. SCDES emphasizes collaboration and stakeholder engagement as important components of its approach to environmental protection and service delivery. The agency reports working with local governments, communities, regulated entities, other state agencies, and additional partners to improve environmental decision-making and implementation. Narrative accomplishments reported elsewhere in the accountability report provide evidence of collaboration extending beyond the formal performance measures associated with this goal. Partnerships Enhance collaborative partnerships with local governments, communities, county leaders, and permittees. ID-464EDC4A-D959-4003-9420-2A766BA9A313 3.1 Citizens of South Carolina Public Service Beneficiaries Benefit from improved governmental discussions and services. Beneficiary Business Community Collaborative Stakeholders Participate in and benefit from collaborative discussions with government entities. Beneficiary State Objective: Government and Citizens.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 9803.100100X000.^^The accountability report documents collaboration with governmental and nongovernmental partners in carrying out SCDES responsibilities. Examples include coordination with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division during Hurricane Helene to develop a debris drop-off dashboard supporting emergency debris management and invasive-species quarantine zones, as well as collaboration with PalmettoPride in developing and launching the Recycle Here SC mobile application. These examples illustrate the broader collaborative activity represented by this objective but are not included in the reported count of counties and municipalities participating in meetings. 3.1.1 Government Entities Participating Number ID-9129BFCB-DD1D-412C-ADE9-FB1DD0CFCA29 Source performance measure description: Number of government entities participating in meetings.^The calculation method specifies the total number of counties and municipalities participating. Thus, although the source performance measure refers more broadly to government entities, the calculation method appears to limit the reported measure to counties and municipalities.^Desired outcome: Equal to or greater than.^Time applicable: Calendar Year.^Calculation method: Total number of counties and municipalities participating.^Data source: Meeting agendas.^Data location: Internal SharePoint site.^Stakeholder need satisfied: Improved government discussions to improve services.^Primary stakeholders: Citizens of South Carolina, Business Community.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 9803.100100X000. 0 Baseline reported in the source accountability report. 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 46 Target number of government entities participating in meetings. 2025-01-01 2025-12-31 79 Actual number of government entities reported as participating. Regulations Ensure robust stakeholder input on regulatory promulgation. ID-11C1D273-5278-445A-999A-FE43D18DC88A 3.2 Citizens of South Carolina Regulatory Stakeholders Benefit from informed regulatory decision-making supported by stakeholder engagement. Beneficiary Business Community Regulatory Stakeholders Participate in and benefit from stakeholder engagement during regulatory promulgation. Beneficiary Regulatory Input ~ State Objective: Government and Citizens.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 9803.100100X000.^^This objective establishes stakeholder engagement as part of regulatory promulgation, with the formal performance measure specifying one stakeholder meeting for each regulation promulgated. The FY2025 report states that no regulations were promulgated and therefore no meetings were held under this measure. Consequently, the reported zero should not be interpreted as evidence that a required stakeholder-engagement opportunity was omitted. 3.2.1 Stakeholder Meetings per Regulation Ratio ID-5C117A6A-A27E-4452-8701-B57DEC937D3F Source performance measure description: Number of stakeholder meetings.^The source identifies the Value Type as Ratio, while the performance measure description is phrased as a simple count. The calculation method clarifies that the intended measure is a 1:1 ratio -- one stakeholder meeting for each regulation promulgation. Accordingly, the MeasurementDimension is expressed as Stakeholder Meetings per Regulation and the UnitOfMeasurement is Ratio.^The reported target NumberOfUnits of 1 represents the numerator-to-denominator ratio 1:1 rather than a simple count of one meeting.^The reported actual of 0 requires qualification. The source note states that no meetings were held because no regulations were promulgated. Thus, the denominator was zero as well as the numerator. Mathematically, a meeting-per-regulation ratio with zero regulations is undefined rather than necessarily zero. The source nevertheless reports 0 as the actual value, which is preserved here while documenting the inconsistency.^Desired outcome: Equal to or greater than.^Time applicable: State Fiscal Year.^Calculation method: 1:1 Ratio - one stakeholder meeting for each regulation promulgation.^Data source: Stakeholder agendas.^Data location: Internal SharePoint site.^Stakeholder need satisfied: Engaging stakeholders for informed decision making.^Primary stakeholders: Citizens of South Carolina, Business Community.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 9803.100100X000.^Source note: No meetings held because no regulations were promulgated. 0 Baseline reported in the source accountability report. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 1 The source target is a 1:1 ratio, meaning one stakeholder meeting for each regulation promulgation. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 0 The source reports an actual value of 0 because no regulations were promulgated and therefore no corresponding stakeholder meetings were held. Convenings Convene stakeholders for the planning and implementation of agency initiatives. ID-5F14C6DF-52B2-4E60-9ECD-D3963D6C8E45 3.3 Citizens of South Carolina Collaborative Service Beneficiaries Benefit from improved delivery of services through collaborative partnerships. Beneficiary Business Community Collaborative Service Beneficiaries Benefit from improved delivery of services through collaborative partnerships. Beneficiary Stakeholder Convening ~ State Objective: Government and Citizens.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 9803.100100X000.^^The accountability report reflects a broader pattern of convening and working with stakeholders to support agency initiatives, including environmental permitting, compliance assistance, emergency response, recycling, and environmental information services. The formal performance measure for this objective focuses specifically on state environmental coalition workgroups rather than attempting to quantify all forms of stakeholder convening. 3.3.1 Environmental Coalition Workgroup Meetings Number ID-9CBAD6FC-5165-482E-81CD-022274FFCE2F Source performance measure description: Number of state environmental coalition workgroup per bureau are lead or supported by SCDES.^The source wording appears grammatically incomplete and appears to describe the number of workgroups per bureau led or supported by SCDES. However, the calculation method states that the measure is the number of state environmental coalition workgroup meetings held. For this StratML rendition, the MeasurementDimension is therefore expressed as Environmental Coalition Workgroup Meetings, corresponding to what the calculation method says is actually counted.^This creates a possible comparability issue: the target of 1 may refer to one workgroup per bureau, while the reported actual of 14 appears to represent workgroup meetings. The source does not provide enough information to determine whether the target and actual represent exactly the same unit of measurement, so both source values are preserved without further inference.^The source identifies the desired outcome as Complete even though it supplies numeric baseline, target, and actual values. Because the measure is quantitatively countable, this rendition treats it as a quantitative output and preserves Complete as source metadata rather than converting it into a qualitative DescriptorValue.^Time applicable: State Fiscal Year.^Calculation method: The number of state environmental coalition workgroup meetings held.^Data source: Workgroup agendas.^Data location: Internal SharePoint site.^Stakeholder need satisfied: Improved delivery of services through collaborative partnerships.^Primary stakeholders: Citizens of South Carolina, Business Community.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 9803.100100X000. 0 Baseline reported in the source accountability report. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 1 The source reports a target of 1. The performance measure wording suggests this may mean one state environmental coalition workgroup per bureau, while the calculation method refers instead to the number of workgroup meetings held. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 14 The source reports an actual value of 14. Based on the calculation method, this appears to represent state environmental coalition workgroup meetings held. Workforce Build a specialized and competent workforce. ID-17F12C0F-7307-40B5-8B1B-4D7CA20C4B9F 4 The FY2025 Annual Accountability Report identifies this as Goal 4. As a newly established standalone agency, SCDES identifies development and retention of a specialized and competent workforce as important to its ability to fulfill its environmental mission. The agency's workforce strategy includes employee retention, leadership and technical development, cross-training, and opportunities to broaden staff knowledge across environmental programs. Staff Retention Retain and increase specialized staff. ID-F316276E-C99A-403B-B987-8F0530648C62 4.1 SCDES Staff Workforce Stakeholders Perform the agency's work and benefit from efforts to improve employee engagement and retention. Performer Beneficiary State Objective: Education, Training, and Human Development.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 0100.000000.000.^^The formal FY2025 measure for this objective does not directly measure either the number of specialized staff retained or an employee-retention rate. Instead, it measures development of a retention action plan based on Stay Survey results. The plan is therefore an enabling output intended to support the objective of retaining and increasing specialized staff rather than a direct measure of the objective's outcome. 4.1.1 Retention Action Plans Number ID-3F85AE3F-208E-4446-A032-80C720E3B89E Source performance measure description: Develop retention action plan based on Stay Survey results.^The source reports no numeric baseline, displaying a dash instead. Accordingly, no baseline NumberOfUnits is inferred.^The source identifies the Value Type as Count and the Desired Outcome as Complete. Because the performance measure has a numeric target and actual of one, this rendition represents the completed retention action plan as a quantitative output.^Time applicable: State Fiscal Year.^Calculation method: Agency action plan for employee engagement approved by SCDES Leadership.^Data source: Survey form, data from staff survey.^Data location: Internal SharePoint site.^Stakeholder need satisfied: Increased employee engagement and retention.^Primary stakeholder: SCDES staff.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 0100.000000.000.^Although the calculation method refers to an employee engagement action plan while the performance measure calls it a retention action plan, the source provides no basis for determining whether these are distinct plans. This rendition therefore preserves the source terminology and documents the difference without attempting to reconcile it. The source reports the baseline as a dash, indicating that no numeric baseline is provided. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 1 Target is completion of one retention action plan based on Stay Survey results. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 1 One retention action plan was reported as completed. Training Provide leadership and technical training opportunities for staff to promote professional growth and development. ID-3779AA0B-CD66-41AF-880B-657332D798BA 4.2 SCDES Staff Professional Development Stakeholders Benefit from leadership and technical training opportunities supporting professional growth and development. Beneficiary State Objective: Education, Training, and Human Development.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 0100.000000.000.^^The source objective contains the phrase "professional growth" twice in succession. This rendition treats the repetition as an apparent editorial duplication and states the objective once as "promote professional growth and development."^^The formal performance measure addresses completion of SCDES Leadership Academy cohorts. Thus, although the objective encompasses both leadership and technical training opportunities, the reported FY2025 performance measure quantifies only Leadership Academy cohorts and does not separately quantify technical training. 4.2.1 Leadership Academy Cohorts Number ID-4B345AB8-2572-4A66-B478-CFB5CC1875CC Source performance measure description: Number of cohorts completing SCDES Leadership Academy.^Desired outcome: Equal to or greater than.^Time applicable: State Fiscal Year.^Calculation method: Number of staff cohorts that complete leadership training.^Data source: Training records.^Data location: HR/Training attendance logs.^Stakeholder need satisfied: Increased employee engagement and retention.^Primary stakeholder: SCDES Leadership Staff.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 0100.000000.000.^The source reports a baseline of 0, a target of 2, and an actual of 0. The accompanying note explains that the first cohort was unable to start until July 31, 2025 due to a scheduling conflict with Midlands Technical College and that at least two cohorts are anticipated during FY2026. Because July 31, 2025 falls after the June 30, 2025 end of FY2025, the reported FY2025 actual of zero is consistent with the timing described in the note. 0 Baseline reported in the source accountability report. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 2 Target number of cohorts completing the SCDES Leadership Academy during FY2025. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 0 No SCDES Leadership Academy cohorts were completed during FY2025. Cross-Training Provide cross-training opportunities for staff to increase environmental knowledge and retention. ID-D601A29F-5164-4A30-8470-BB9389E00EE1 4.3 SCDES Staff Cross-Training Stakeholders Perform the agency's work and benefit from opportunities to broaden environmental knowledge across programs. Performer Beneficiary State Objective: Education, Training, and Human Development.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 0100.000000.000.^^Cross-training is intended to increase staff environmental knowledge and support retention. The formal measure counts presentations provided to staff rather than directly measuring increases in environmental knowledge or employee retention. It is therefore represented as an Output. The accountability report reports at least 12 cross-training events for agency staff during FY2025, exceeding the target of eight. 4.3.1 Cross-Training Presentations Number ID-432E6460-E403-4F89-B1AC-99E2670B6D21 Source performance measure description: Number of cross-training presentations provided to staff.^Desired outcome: Equal to or greater than.^Time applicable: State Fiscal Year.^Calculation method: Number of trainings or presentations done internally.^Data source: Training records and webinar attendance logs.^Data location: HR/Training records and Communications attendance logs.^Stakeholder need satisfied: Increased employee engagement and retention.^Primary stakeholder: SCDES staff.^State Funded Program Number Responsible: 0100.000000.000.^Source note: At least 12 cross training events held for agency staff.^The performance measure description refers specifically to presentations, while the calculation method includes trainings or presentations and the source note refers to events. These terms may encompass somewhat different activities. The reported target and actual are preserved as supplied, while the terminology difference is documented here. 0 Baseline reported in the source accountability report. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 8 Target number of cross-training presentations provided to staff during FY2025. 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 12 The source reports at least 12 cross-training events for agency staff during FY2025. ID-37B42F18-D99B-431C-AE44-D8F9A27EC24B 2024-07-01 2025-06-30 https://www.scstatehouse.gov/reports/aar2025/P500.pdf ID-B4DB0094-FAEE-43DD-89DB-FF6A39B6CFBD Owen Ambur Owen.Ambur@verizon.net