Special Area Management Plans
Uses of coastal resources are not always mutually compatible and conflicts of use can occur. Where these conflicts are widespread, a Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) is used to collect and examine data, identify potential development trends and anticipates conflicts between different uses. SAMPs can be used to develop strategies to protect and manage resources in order to ensure the goals of…, Cooper River Corridor SAMP, The Cooper River Corridor SAMP presents an opportunity to implement recommendations which focus on three primary issues in the area: cultural resources management, water-based recreation, and natural resources management. The Cooper River Corridor in Berkeley County, stretching from Old Highway 52 to Highway 41/402 and from the "Tee" to the Pinopolis Dam, is a uniquely important area from…, Murrells Inlet Special Area Management Plan, Phase 1 of the Murrells Inlet Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) focused on the following objectives: Work in partnership with Georgetown and Horry counties to ensure that water quality is given equal consideration to water quantity in the drainage improvement projects being undertaken in the inlet watershed. In order to do this, the SAMP will develop and fund a demonstration project to treat…, Ashley River SAMP, Completed in February of 1992, the goals of the SAMP were to develop public policy for conservation of the natural and historic character of the Ashley River Corridor, thus increasing the predictability of governmental decisions and ensuring the long-term protection of the unique character of the area while taking into consideration the rights of individual citizens. The SAMP boundary stretches…, Beaufort County SAMP, This comprehensive Beaufort County management plan encompasses a wide range of topics and activities: more advanced stormwater controls, wastewater disposal in the county, water quality monitoring, boating management, and education of the public about buffers, shorelines, septic tanks, hazardous materials, and boating. Resources Beaufort County SAMP Beaufort County SAMP Summary Beaufort County…, Charleston Harbor Project, The Charleston Harbor Special Area Management Plan contains an overview of the current status of the Charleston estuary and surrounding uplands. This multi-year research program was designed to assist federal, state, and local governments with the process of framing action plans for issues both immediate and long-term, related to public policy and private initiatives, which may be localized or…Critical Area Permitting - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Critical Area"? , By law, the critical areas in South Carolina are the Coastal Waters, Tidelands, Beaches and Beach/Dune systems. In these areas SCDES BCM has direct jurisdiction for permits to perform any alteration. , What activities are covered under a critical area permit? , Common activities covered by a critical area permit include docks, bulkheads and foot paths. Other activities requiring a permit include additions to existing structures, such as boatlifts, floating boat storage structures, floating docks and pier heads., How do I find out if my property qualifies to have a dock? , It is important for waterfront property owners to do their homework. If you live in a subdivision, there may be an approved dock master plan (DMP) outlining which lots are potentially eligible for private docks. If it is a newly developed subdivision, the developer should share any knowledge regarding a DMP and details should be noted in the contract. The HOA is also a good resource for…, How do I apply for a new dock?, ePermitting is SCDES's online platform for environmental permitting, licensing, registration, reporting, monitoring, complaints, compliance and enforcement. ePermitting is designed to support the full regulatory lifecycle while allowing you, our customers, to do business with the agency through the platform. New docks, as well as other critical area activities can be applied for in ePermitting…, BCM Critical Area Activities, application form For general inquiries regarding dock permitting, please contact the SCDES-BCM office in Beaufort, Charleston, or Myrtle Beach . , Can I share a dock with my neighbor? , SCDES BCM encourages joint use or shared docks to help reduce the number of docks along a creek. Contact your local SCDES BCM office to discuss your site-specific situation. Should two parties agree to share a dock, it is important to outline up front each individual's maintenance responsibility and use of the structure., What size can my dock be? , SCDES BCM has specific regulations regulating the size of the structure as it relates to the size of the creek. Creek width is typically measured as the open water from marsh grass to marsh grass. The following guidelines are currently used to limit maximum dock size: Creeks 10' or less = no dock structures allowed Creeks less than 20' wide = no dock structures allowed unless specific geographic…, Should I tell my neighbor that I am applying for a dock permit? , SCDES BCM encourages open communication between the applicant and their neighbors at all stages of the permitting process. You will need to provide your neighbors' mailing addresses to SCDES BCM so that we may inform them of your permit application with a public notice. Neighbors may respond to SCDES BCM in writing with any comments that they may have about your proposed project during the public…, Do I have to use an agent to submit my application to BCM? , An agent is not required and SCDES BCM staff are available to help an applicant through the permitting process. However, some applicants prefer to have an agent manage the administrative application process., Do I have to obtain other permits or authorizations from other agencies once I have obtained a permit from SCDES BCM? , A SCDES BCM permit does not relieve the permit applicant from the responsibility of obtaining any other permit(s) or authorizations. It is important to check with the Army Corps of Engineers, local governments, homeowners associations (HOAs) or Architectural Review Boards (ARBs) of the neighborhood where you are located to determine if additional authorizations are required. , What do I need to do if I oppose a pending permit or object to a permit decision?, If you oppose a pending permit, you need to write a letter to SCDES BCM explaining the reason for the opposition. The letter must be received within the Public Notice period. If twenty or more people request a public hearing on the pending permit, SCDES BCM will hold a public hearing in the county where the proposed project is located. , What should I be aware of during the construction of my dock? , As the owner and applicant, you should check on the work performed by your dock builder often, as it is ultimately the permit holder who is responsible if the dock is constructed improperly or illegally. Here are some tips: Beware of dock builders who tell you that additions can be made without prior approval from SCDES BCM. While some items may seem minor, it is necessary to contact SCDES BCM…, Does SCDES BCM have any regulations regarding construction practices? , Newly, SCDES BCM does not have any regulations that specifically address construction practices for private docks. However, local governments may require a dock to be built consistent with local codes or ordinances. Be sure to consult with your local government prior to construction and be sure that your dock builder complies with all requirements. , Does my project qualify for normal maintenance and repair? , Basic maintenance and repair may not require a new permit. Our regulations state, "Normal maintenance and repair applies only to work on a structure which has been previously permitted or is grand-fathered or exempted and is still generally intact and functional in its present condition. The work may only extend to the original dimensions of the structure, and any expansion, additions, or major…, BCM Critical Area Activities, application form. SCDES BCM will review your request and if staff determines that it meets the criteria, we will send you an acknowledgment letter and a maintenance and repair construction placard. Again, be sure to place the placard in a conspicuous place while the repairs are being made. , Can I make additions to my dock? , Depending on the extent of the additions, you may qualify for an amendment to an existing, active permit or you may qualify to make an addition under the dock general permit. The general permit authorizes minor additions such as catwalks, roofs on existing pierheads, handrails, utilities, benches, storage boxes, sinks, and mooring piles. If you wish to increase the square footage of a dock…, BCM Permit Change Form (Amendments, Transfers, Extensions), . To apply for a dock general permit or a direct critical area permit, please use the, BCM Critical Area Activities, application form via ePermitting . , Are dock permits transferable? , Yes, a permit may be transferred if the permit is still active. You will need to submit a, BCM Permit Change Form (Amendments, Transfers, Extensions), via ePermitting ePermitting . Both parties should sign this form. Once the application is complete, SCDES BCM will transfer the permit to the new permittee and the new permit holder will be responsible for all conditions prescribed under the original permit. , Can I extend the expiration date of my permit? , State regulations require a permit holder to complete work within five years from the date of permit issuance. However, SCDES-BCM may extend this five-year period upon showing of good cause indicating that due diligence toward completion of the work has been made, evidenced by significant work progress. A , BCM Permit Change Form (Amendments, Transfers, Extensions), form will be required via ePermitting . If an extension is granted, work should continue and be completed as expeditiously as possible. Expired permits may not be extended.Shoreline Change Initiative
In 1986, a Blue Ribbon Panel was convened by the former South Carolina Coastal Council (now SCDES-BCM) to address what was considered a "crisis" situation involving our beaches., In the two decades following the passage of the 1988 Beachfront Management Act and associated regulations, hard stabilization of the beachfront was reduced yet development in high hazard areas persisted. Planning and regulatory efforts outlined in the Beachfront Management Act endeavored to balance economic development and private property rights with public access and conservation of valuable…The South Carolina Coastal Zone Management Program
The South Carolina Coastal Zone Management Program was established under the guidelines of the, national Coastal Zone Management Act (1972), as a state-federal partnership to comprehensively manage coastal resources. The Program was authorized in 1977 under the South Carolina Coastal Tidelands and Wetlands Act (CTWA) with the goal of achieving balance between the appropriate use, development, and conservation of coastal resources in the best interest of all citizens of the state. , SCDES's Bureau of Coastal Management (BCM ) is the designated state agency responsible for the implementation the state's Coastal Zone Management Program. SCDES BCM’s authorities are outlined in the CTWA, Coastal Division Regulations, and the South Carolina Coastal Zone Management Program Document . As participants of the national Coastal Zone Management Program , administered by the National…Council on Coastal Futures
In November 2002, the Board of the Department of Health and Environmental Control appointed the 19 members of the Council on Coastal Futures as an ad hoc advisory committee. The Board charged the council with documenting priority issues and concerns and recommending actions, programs and measures to improve the effectiveness of the South Carolina Coastal Zone Management Program. In keeping with…, Summary of Recommendations , Regulatory Processes , Improve internal DHEC coordination to ensure concurrent and expedited project review Improve cooperation between DHEC-OCRM and other agencies Implement a mandatory mediation program for all DHEC-OCRM permit appeals Improve the DHEC-OCRM public notices Clarify that conditions on DHEC-OCRM critical area permits continue for the life of the permit , Assistance to Local Government , Build capacity at DHEC-OCRM to be a 'center of technical expertise' for local governments Continue DHEC implementation of the state stormwater permitting program Improve water quality by managing stormwater on a watershed basis , Coastal Resource Management Issues , Encourage construction of community docks in lieu of multiple private docks Encourage voluntary dock planning by cooperating landowners Develop statewide legislation for managing freshwater wetlands Review DHEC's septic tank policy Identify marina dredging issues and problems, evaluate technologies and recommend preferred alternatives for spoil disposal Determine strategies and alternative…, Resources , CCF Final Report Executive Summary of Final Report Fact Sheets Beachfront Management State Certification and Federal Consistency Changing Faces and Places of Coastal South Carolina Coastal Program Time Line Critical Area Permitting Freshwater Wetlands Mission, Scope and Authority Retrospective Group Interviews Stormwater ManagementClean Marinas
By meeting prescribed environmental performance criteria, marinas can qualify to fly the South Carolina Clean Marina flag to attract recreational and transient boaters to their facility. More than 30 states and territories operate Clean Marina programs using best management practices to protect and improve water quality at marinas. Clean Marina programs are voluntary programs run by many states…State and Local Beachfront Planning
The state, Beachfront Management Act, (S.C. Code Ann. § 48-39-250, et seq, ) establishes the statutory guidance and state policies that direct all state beachfront activities and decisions. The Act is implemented through a variety of mechanisms at the state and local levels, including through the, State Comprehensive Beachfront Management Plan, and, Local Comprehensive Beach Management Plans, . The Act requires ocean beachfront counties and municipalities to prepare local comprehensive beach management plans in coordination with SCDES BCM. These plans must include a minimum of ten specific elements. Once adopted by the community, local comprehensive beach management plans are then submitted to SCDES BCM for review and state approval., Local Comprehensive Beach Management Plans, Local comprehensive beach management plans, are an important and effective management tool for local governments. These plans provide guidance to state and federal agencies on local policies, regulations, and procedures related to beachfront management. Local comprehensive beach management plans are required to be reviewed by the local government every five years. , Coastal and Beachfront Public Access, Promoting responsible public access to South Carolina's beaches, rivers and creeks is a cornerstone of the coastal management program. SCDES BCM works with municipalities to establish, maintain and enhance public access points through coordinated planning programs. Visit the , S.C. Beach Guide, , an application designed to provide residents and visitors information and directions to public beach access locations and the amenities associated with those locations, and also important beach water quality information for monitoring stations proximate to access locations., Resources, TNC Resilience Network, SC Coastal Information NetworkHurricane Dorian Update - Thu, September 5, 2019
Thursday, September 5, 2019 , This page will be updated regularly as information becomes available. , This page will be updated regularly as information becomes available, In response to Hurricane Dorian, SCDES staff continue to actively assess and respond to public health and environmental needs across the state. For important information, please visit our, hurricane preparedness page, and visit the, S.C. Emergency Management Division webpage, ., SCDES Care Line, DES’s, Care Line call center is open, to provide information and answer general questions about SCDES services:, 1-855-472-3432, ., Health Care Facilities, The Governor issued a, Mandatory Medical Evacuation Order, Sept. 1 for health care facilities located within the evacuation zone. SCDES is currently in communications with all, 175 health care facilities impacted by the mandatory medical evacuation order, including, : 13 hospitals 25 nursing homes 92 assisted living facilities As of Sept. 5, three hospitals have closed, one is sheltering in place, and nine hospitals have been granted exemptions from mandatory medical evacuations., Controlled Substances, SCDES has authorized a statewide, one-time early refill of Schedule III-V prescriptions for valid refills that are due within the next seven days. Schedule II prescriptions can be refilled via oral authorization throughout the state from a prescribing practitioner if an emergency situation exists, in compliance with how an emergency situation is defined as in the Controlled Substances regulation…, here, ., Special Medical Needs Shelters, As of Sept. 5, there are, 5 special medical needs shelters open and 18 shelters on standby, ., Special Medical Needs Shelters, provide shelter for people whose medical conditions exceed the capabilities of the Red Cross shelters but are not severe enough to require a hospital stay. SCDES doesn’t provide health care services in these shelters. Please call the Care Line at, 1-855-472-3432, to determine eligibility for, Special Medical Needs Shelters, ., Dams, On Sept. 4, SCDES staff conducted pre-storm assessments of an additional nine dams in areas predicted to receive five inches or more of rain, based on updated weather models. A total of 31 dams were assessment ahead of the storm. Please, click here, for the list of dams, their locations and classifications. A, CodeRed, notification was delivered Sept. 2 to all dam owners and operators located in areas of concern based on predicted rainfall., If you have a concern about a dam that may have been impacted by the storm, please call SCDES at, (803) 898-1939, ., Private Wells, If a well has been flooded, it needs to be disinfected and tested to ensure it’s safe. Please see the, Sept. 4 update, for information about private well testing and disinfection. For questions about testing a private well that’s flooded, call your, local SCDES Environmental Affairs office, ., Storm Debris Disposal, To dispose of storm debris, please call the landfill in advance to ensure it's open and can accept the debris. More information is available, here, ., Drinking & Wastewater, SCDES conducted assessments of drinking water plants and intakes and wastewater plants within potential flood inundation areas. Staff have been in contact with 84 community drinking water systems and 76 wastewater treatment facilities located along the coast., Shellfish Harvesting Closure, On Sept. 3, SCDES closed summer shellfish harvesting along the coast., Coastal Resources and Sandbags, SCDES has issued blanket emergency orders to local governments that allow property owners along the immediate beachfront to conduct sand scraping or install sandbags. SCDES also has asked local governments to provide updates on beachfront erosion and damage through our, MYCoast application, ., Petroleum Distribution Terminals, To facilitate the distribution of fuel to areas impacted by mandatory evacuations, SCDES requested and received a, No Action Assurance letter from EPA, ., SCDES Office Closures, SCDES follows the closings and delays of county offices., The latest information on delays and closures can be found at, www.scemd.org/closings, or on, local media, ., Stay Connected, Stay tuned to your local weather forecast and get the latest information about our preparation and response efforts by following us on, Twitter, and, Facebook., Previous Updates, Hurricane Dorian Update – Wednesday, Sept 4, 2019, Hurricane Dorian Update - Tuesday, Sept 3, 2019, Hurricane Dorian Update - Monday, Sept 2, 2019, Hurricane Dorian Update - Sunday, Sept 1, 2019, Hurricane Dorian Update - Saturday, Aug 31, 2019Hurricane Dorian Update - Tues, September 3, 2019
Tuesday, September 3, 2019 , This page will be updated regularly as information becomes available. , Hurricane approaching eastern coast of United States, If you have questions about Hurricane Dorian or need assistance, please visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division at, www.scemd.org, ., With Hurricane Dorian approaching the South Carolina coast, SCDES is actively working to prepare for the storm. This website will be updated throughout the storm. For tips, please visit our, hurricane preparedness page, ., As of Sept. 3,, 221 SCDES staff across the state are mobilized, for storm preparation and response efforts., SCDES Careline, SCDES's, Care Line call center is open, to provide information and answer general questions:, 1-855-472-3432, ., Health Care Facilities, On Sept. 1, 2019, the Governor issued a, Mandatory Medical Evacuation Order, for health care facilities regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDES) in the evacuation zone. SCDES is currently in communications with all, 175 health care facilities impacted by the mandatory medical evacuation order, including:, 13 hospitals 25 nursing homes 92 assisted living facilities, 4 hospitals have closed or are in the process of closing:, (1) Hilton Head Hospital, (2) Encompass Health Rehab Hospital of Bluffton, (3) Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health, (4) Vibra Hospital of Charleston., 9 hospitals have been granted exemptions from mandatory medical evacuations, , allowing them to remain open for emergency medical services., Controlled Substances, Due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Dorian, along with the possible interruption of services and communications that may follow throughout South Carolina, the SCDES Bureau of Drug Control has authorized a, one-time, early refill of Schedule III-V prescriptions for valid refills that are due within the next seven days. Requirements and information for Schedule III-V, as well as Schedule II substances, may be found on our, Authorization for Emergency Dispensing, page., Special Medical Needs Shelters, During times of emergency, SCDES operates, Special Medical Needs Shelters, to provide shelter for people whose medical conditions exceed the capabilities of the Red Cross shelters, but are not severe enough to require a hospital stay. We do not provide health care services in those shelters. As of Sept. 3, there are, 4 shelters open and 20 shelters on standby, . Please call the Care Line at, 1-855-472-3432, to determine eligibility for Special Medical Needs Shelters., Dams, A CodeRed notification was delivered to dam owners and operators just before 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2, 2019. The message was sent to all dam owners located in areas of concern based on predicted rainfall of five inches or more over a 24-hour period. Those areas included Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dillon, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Marion, and Williamsburg…, assessing 22 dams, currently predicted to receive five inches or more of rain: 9 in Horry County 5 in Berkeley County 3 in Williamsburg County 2 in Dorchester County 1 in Marion County 1 in Charleston County 1 in Georgetown County For a complete list of these dams and their classifications,, click here, . , Understanding Dam Classifications, Unless exempted by law, dams regulated by SCDES are classified based on size and hazards, and must meet one of the following criteria: 25 feet in height impounds (holds back) 50-acre feet or more of water classified as a high-hazard dam, regardless of size Hazard classification applies to the potential loss of human life or property damage in the event of failure or improper operation of the dam…, High-hazard (C1):, failure will likely cause loss of life or serious damage to infrastructure., Significant-hazard (C2):, failure will not likely cause loss of life but may damage infrastructure., Low-hazard (C3):, failure may cause limited property damage, If you have a concern about a dam that may have been impacted by the storm, please call SCDES at, (803) 898-1939, . , Coastal Resources and Sandbags, SCDES has issued blanket emergency orders to local governments to allow property owners along the immediate beachfront to conduct sand scraping or install sandbags to provide temporary protection from anticipated wave uprush from the storm. SCDES has asked local governments along the coast to provide updates on beachfront erosion and damage through our, MYCoast application, ., Petroleum Distribution Terminals, To facilitate the distribution of fuel across the state due to evacuations, SCDES requested and received a, No Action Assurance letter from EPA, . This helps ensure the availability of tanker trucks to be able to provide an adequate supply of fuel to areas impacted by mandatory evacuations. This action reassures the petroleum industry that EPA is using its discretion not to pursue enforcement for certain provisions related to loading of tanker trucks related to tank tightness and documentation., SCDES Office Closures, SCDES follows the closings and delays of county offices, . The latest information on delays and closures can be found at, https://www.scemd.org/closings, or on, local media, ., Stay Connected, Stay tuned to your local weather forecast and get the latest information about our preparation and response efforts by following us on, Twitter, and, Facebook., Previous Updates, Hurricane Dorian Update - Monday, Sept 2, 2019, Hurricane Dorian Update - Sunday, Sept 1, 2019, Hurricane Dorian Update - Saturday, Aug 31, 2019Hurricane Dorian Update - Wed, September 4, 2019
Wednesday, September 4, 2019 , This page will be updated regularly as information becomes available. , Hurricane approaching eastern coast of United States, If you have questions about Hurricane Dorian or need assistance, please visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division at, www.scemd.org . With Hurricane Dorian approaching the South Carolina coast, SCDES is actively working to prepare for the storm. This website will be updated throughout the storm. For tips, please visit our hurricane preparedness page. As of Sept. 4,, more than 220 SCDES staff across the state are mobilized, for storm preparation and response efforts., SCDES Careline, SCDES's, Care Line call center is open, to provide information and answer general questions:, 1-855-472-3432, ., Health Care Facilities, The Governor issued a, Mandatory Medical Evacuation Order, Sept. 1 for health care facilities located within the evacuation zone. SCDES is currently in communications with all, 175 health care facilities impacted by the mandatory medical evacuation order, including:, 13 hospitals 25 nursing homes 92 assisted living facilities As of Sept. 4, three hospitals have closed, one is sheltering in place, and nine hospitals have been granted exemptions from mandatory medical evacuations., Controlled Substances, SCDES has authorized a one-time early refill of Schedule III-V prescriptions for valid refills that are due within the next seven days. Additional information is available, here, ., Special Medical Needs Shelters, As of Sept. 4, there are, 5 special medical needs shelters open and 21 shelters on standby., Special Medical Needs Shelters, provide shelter for people whose medical conditions exceed the capabilities of the Red Cross shelters but are not severe enough to require a hospital stay. SCDES doesn’t provide health care services in these shelters. Please call the Care Line at, 1-855-472-3432, to determine eligibility for Special Medical Needs Shelters., Dams, A, CodeRed, notification was delivered Sept. 2 to all dam owners and operators located in areas of concern based on predicted rainfall, and SCDES staff conducted pre-storm assessments of 22 dams predicted to receive five inches or more of rain. See the, Sept. 3, update for additional information, including the list of 22 dams, their locations and classifications., If you have a concern about a dam that may have been impacted by the storm, please call SCDES at, (803) 898-1939, ., Private Wells, Before the storm, owners of private drinking water wells should seal their well by plugging or covering all openings to the casing before the storm to help prevent it from becoming contaminated by surface flooding. Wells should be inspected after the storm for damage and any plug or covering on casing vent should be removed. Only use water that has been properly disinfected for drinking, cooking…, here, . Please also see this brief, video about emergency well disinfection, . For questions about testing a private well that’s flooded, call your local SCDES Environmental Affairs office ., Storm Debris Disposal, Two types of landfills accept solid waste from the public: Class 2 landfills and Class 3 landfills. To dispose of storm debris at a Class 2 or Class 3 landfill, please call the facility in advance to ensure it's open and can accept the debris. More information is available, here, ., Drinking & Wastewater, SCDES conducted assessments of drinking water plants and intakes and wastewater plants within potential flood inundation areas. Staff have been in contact with 84 community drinking water systems and 76 wastewater treatment facilities located along the coast., Shellfish Harvesting Closure, On Sept. 3, SCDES closed summer shellfish harvesting along the coast., Coastal Resources and Sandbags, SCDES has issued blanket, emergency orders to local governments, that allow property owners along the immediate beachfront to conduct sand scraping or install sandbags. SCDES also has asked local governments to provide updates on beachfront erosion and damage through our MYCoast application ., Petroleum Distribution Terminals, To facilitate the distribution of fuel to areas impacted by mandatory evacuations, SCDES requested and received a No Action Assurance letter from EPA ., SCDES Office Closures, SCDES follows the closings and delays of county offices, . The latest information on delays and closures can be found at https://www.scemd.org/closings or on, local media, ., Stay Connected, Stay tuned to your local weather forecast and get the latest information about our preparation and response efforts by following us on Twitter and Facebook. Previous Updates Hurricane Dorian Update - Tuesday, Sept 3, 2019 Hurricane Dorian Update - Monday, Sept 2, 2019 Hurricane Dorian Update - Sunday, Sept 1, 2019 Hurricane Dorian Update - Saturday, Aug 31, 2019