Notice of Drafting
The Notice of Drafting for the 2016 triennial review of Regulation 61-68, Water Classifications and Standards, and Regulation 61-69, Classified Waters, was published in the State Register on Friday, February 26, 2016. The closing date for the public comment period was March 28, 2016.
Stakeholder Meeting
The Department met with stakeholders on June 22, 2016, to discuss the Notice of Drafting and to receive stakeholder input regarding the issues. The Department presented the proposed adoption of human health water quality criteria from EPA.
Proposed Regulation
DHEC has proposed to amend R.61-68 Appendix, Water Quality Numeric Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Life and Human Health Priority Toxic Pollutants and Non Priority Pollutants. The proposed revised language is added to reflect the EPA's most recent recommendations and guidance concerning ambient water quality criteria for the protection of human health for ninety-four chemical pollutants and concerning aquatic life water quality criteria for cadmium.
The proposed amendments to R.61-68 Appendix were presented to the DHEC Board on September 8, 2016. The Notice of Proposed Regulation was published in the State Register on September 23, 2016. The closing date for the public comment period was October 24, 2016.
Staff Informational Forum
The Department held a Staff Informational Forum on October 24, 2016. The purpose of the forum was to answer questions, clarify any issues, and receive comments from interested persons on the proposed amendments to R.61-68. DHEC received comments on the proposed regulation from the following interested parties:
- American Forest & Paper Association (AFPA)
- Domtar
- Federal Water Quality Coalition (FWQC)
- National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI)
- Resolute Forest Products
- Sonoco
- South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA)
- South Carolina Pulp & Paper Association (SCPPA)
- Springs Industries, Inc.
Hearing
The hearing date of December 8, 2016, has been postponed to respond to comments.
Contact
If you have any questions or comments regarding the 2016 Triennial Review or would like to request a copy of the proposed regulation amendments, please contact Andrew Edwards at edwardaj@dhec.sc.gov or 803-898-1271.