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.
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.
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.
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.
Temporary Closure is an option that tank owners may choose when they decide not to use the tanks for a period of time. The proper temporary closure is referred to as Extended-Out-Of-Use (EOU). In order for a facility to remain in compliance while out-of-use, the following requirements must be met:
