Records on Permit Application Status

Below is a list of permit applications DHEC has received from dam owners to repair or rebuild their structures that were damaged during the October 2015 historic flooding event. As of September 29, 2016, DHEC has received 72 permit applications and issued 37 permits. This includes permits issued pursuant to Emergency Orders or other DHEC directives, such as the Inspection and Maintenance letters issued in November 2015. It's important to note that the permit application process is the same for reconstruction and for substantial repairs.

Once a permit application is reviewed and approved by DHEC, repairs to a dam could begin immediately. To assist dam owners seeking to repair their structures, DHEC has increased staffing to facilitate the permitting process. DHEC continues to work with dam owners to provide technical assistance so that they can make final decisions on the future of their dams and implement the repairs.

Based on the joint assessments conducted by DHEC and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers following the October 2015 historic flooding event, the department identified dams as being damaged and in need of repairs, or requiring non-emergent maintenance.

Emergency Orders: As a result of statewide assessments of dams following the historic rains and flooding, DHEC ordered immediate actions at a number of dams statewide that needed to lower their water levels and hire an engineer to evaluate damage to their dam.

Non-Emergent Inspection/ Directive Letters: Unlike the dams that received emergency orders, the damage or maintenance issues identified during the initial post-flood assessments did not place these dams at immediate risk.