What Are State Navigable Waters?

State navigable waters means those waters which are now navigable, or have been navigable at any time, or are capable of being rendered navigable by the removal of accidental obstructions, by rafts of lumber or timber or by small pleasure or sport fishing boats. Navigability shall be determined by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES). All navigable waters of South Carolina are considered as public trust properties either by virtue of State ownership of the streambed or by navigational servitude or both.

What are Water Quality Standards?

Water quality standards help to protect and restore the quality of our surface waters in accordance with the Clean Water Act (CWA).  Water quality standards define the goals for a waterbody by designating its uses, setting criteria to protect those uses, and establishing provisions to protect water quality from pollutants.  To do this, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services works with the U.S.

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.

Water Quality Standards in South Carolina

• Regulation 61-68, Water Classifications and Standards

South Carolina's water quality standards are promulgated in S.C. Regulation 61-68, Water Classifications and Standards. This regulation sets forth the classifications of our state's waters and establishes water quality standards that protect and maintain the existing and classified uses of those waters.

Section 303(c)(2)(B) of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that South Carolina's water quality standards be reviewed and revised, where necessary, at least once every three years for the purposes of considering the Environmental Protection Agency's most recent numeric and narrative criteria and to comply with recent Federal regulatory revisions and recommendations. This process is commonly referred to as the triennial review.

This is an example for a Corps of Engineers 404 Permit process and describes the joint process used in South Carolina.

Applications for Permits for Construction in Navigable Waters are now found in ePermitting. See Downloads and Links below for instructions.

Navigable Waters - Requirements

Any activity, such as construction, dredging, filling or other alterations, below the mean high water line (tidal waters) or the ordinary high water mark (nontidal waters) in a navigable waterway of South Carolina must first receive a Construction in Navigable Waters Permit.

Walkthrough inspections can be done in conjunction with A/B operator requirements. A person knowledgeable in tank systems (does not have to be the A/B operator) must complete the inspection form. Walkthrough inspections include two components: monthly requirements and annual requirements. Walkthrough inspections must begin no later than May 26, 2020.

Assessment/Corrective Action

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