Annual Operating Fees for Agricultural Permits

General Information

Since 1987, the South Carolina General Assembly has authorized DHEC to assess annual environmental operating permit fees for certain state permits. Changes to the fee regulation, State Regulation 61-30, went into effect on June 26, 1998, which include annual operating fees for agricultural facilities (animal growing operations). The fee amount is based on the type of animal operation and either the size of the facility or the type of manure handling. If a state permit is valid on July 1 of a year but is not being used, the fee still applies for that year. In accordance with regulation R.61-30, the following fees apply:

Swine Facilities

Other Animal Facilities

Fee Assessment and Closed Facilities

Fees are assessed on non-operational facilities until the permit is canceled. Inspection for closure by DHEC personnel does not automatically cancel a permit. Cancellation of a permit does not dismiss outstanding permit fees. Any facility with an active operating permit on July 1 is subject to the fee for the state Fiscal Year (July 1-June 30) with no proration of fees.

It is the permittee's responsibility to advise DHEC in writing of any change or cancellation of a permit. If possible, for facilities that close toward the end of the Fiscal Year, it is recommended that requests for cancellation be submitted to the Department at least ninety (90) days prior to July 1. This will ensure the permit is canceled before July 1 so the facility will not be billed the next Fiscal Year for an active permit on a facility that has closed. To cancel a permit, notify DHEC at the following address:

SC DHEC, Bureau of Water
Agricultural & Stormwater Section
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Invoices

Invoices are due upon receipt and past due thirty days from the date of the invoice. Please note that the fee regulation allows DHEC to withhold permit issuance (future construction permit) for a permittee with past due fees in programs covered by the fee regulation. The regulation also allows for the assessment of penalties for delinquent accounts. Prompt attention to an invoice when it is received will be appreciated.

Questions regarding the annual operating fees can be directed to the Agricultural & Stormwater Section at the above address. You may also call us at telephone number (803) 898-4300 (Bureau of Water's main switchboard number). When you call, please tell the Bureau switchboard operator that you are calling about the annual operating fees for agricultural operations and the call will be directed to the appropriate person.