SCState-AdministeredSWPPP Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina administers its construction stormwater program through the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), successor to the former Department of Health and Environmental Control, under the SC Stormwater Management and Sediment Control Act (SMSCA). The NPDES General Permit SCR100000 covers construction activities disturbing one acre or more. South Carolina's regulatory framework requires both the NPDES stormwater permit and a separate local stormwater permit in many jurisdictions under the SMSCA. Counties and municipalities with approved local stormwater programs issue Land Disturbance Permits (LDPs) that must be obtained before construction. The state uses a dual-permit approach similar to Georgia's LIA system, though implementation varies by county. The South Carolina Lowcountry presents unique challenges — the flat coastal plain, prolific wetland systems, and tidal influence in many construction areas require careful dewatering management and turbidity control. The Grand Strand and Charleston areas see active SCDES enforcement with particular focus on turbid discharges to coastal waters. Inland sites in the Piedmont must manage the red clay soils that characterize much of upstate SC — highly erodible and challenging to stabilize during the growing season.
South Carolina SWPPP Key Facts
- ✓SCR100000 general permit — $100 NOI fee; permit valid for 5-year cycles
- ✓SC Stormwater Management and Sediment Control Act (SMSCA) requires local LDP in addition to state NPDES coverage in many jurisdictions
- ✓Coastal Zone projects (8 coastal counties) require SCDES Coastal Division review under the Coastal Zone Management Act
- ✓Inspections required every 7 days AND within 24 hours of a 0.5-inch rain event
- ✓SC Land Resources Conservation Commission (LRCC) provides training for qualified inspectors
- ✓SCDES is the current state environmental agency for stormwater — update legacy references that still say DHEC
- ✓Red clay Piedmont soils are highly erodible — plan for aggressive perimeter controls in upstate SC
- ✓Sites near Designated Trout Waters or Outstanding National Resource Waters require enhanced BMPs
Administering Agency
- Agency
- South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
- Phone
- 803-898-4300
- Website
- SCDES Stormwater Program
Permit Details
- Permit Name
- NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities
- Permit Number
- SCR100000
- Effective Date
- 2026-03-30
- Expiration Date
- 2031-03-30
- Permit Document
- View Current Permit
SWPPP Thresholds & Triggers
- Acreage Threshold
- 1 acre; common plans of development ≥1 acre trigger coverage
SC Coastal Zone — projects within the Coastal Zone (the eight coastal counties) may require additional SCDES Coastal Division review under the Coastal Zone Management Act. Critical Line areas near wetlands and tidal waters have buffer requirements. Grand Strand (Myrtle Beach area) and Lowcountry projects near sensitive coastal waters require special attention to dewatering and turbidity controls.
Inspection Requirements
- Inspection Frequency
- At least every 7 calendar days AND within 24 hours after each rain event of 0.5 inches or greater in a 24-hour period.
- Rain Event Threshold
- 0.5 inches in 24 hours
- Certified Inspector
- Required by state
- Accepted Certifications
- CPESC (Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control), CESSWI (Certified Erosion, Sediment and Stormwater Inspector), SCDES-approved qualified inspector
SCDES requires inspections be conducted by a 'qualified inspector' with documented training in erosion and sediment control. The permit does not mandate a specific certification but inspectors must demonstrate competence through training records. Training is available through the SC Land Resources Conservation Commission (LRCC) and other approved providers.
Penalties & Enforcement
- Max Civil Penalty (Per Day)
- $10,000 per day per violation
- Criminal Penalties
- Up to $25,000 per day per violation for knowing violations; imprisonment possible for repeat/willful violations
SCDES enforces through Notices of Violation, Consent Orders, and referrals to the SC Attorney General. The SC Stormwater Management and Sediment Control Act (SMSCA) gives the state environmental agency authority to require corrective action and assess penalties. Local governments with delegated programs (under the SMSCA) have concurrent enforcement authority.
Permit Fees
- NOI Filing Fee
- $100
- NOT Filing Fee
- $0
- Other Fees
- Projects requiring individual NPDES permits may incur higher fees. Coastal Zone permits have separate fees through SCDES Coastal Division.
How South Carolina Differs from Federal Requirements
- ⚠Local SMSCA delegated programs create a dual-permit requirement in many jurisdictions, unlike the single federal CGP
- ⚠$100 NOI fee vs. no fee under EPA CGP
- ⚠Coastal Zone Management Act adds a third regulatory layer for coastal county projects
- ⚠SC uses 7-day NOI lead time (vs. 14 days under EPA CGP) — confirm current requirement when filing
- ⚠SCDES (formerly DHEC) administers SMSCA and the construction CGP — verify current forms on des.sc.gov
SWPPP Tips for South Carolina
- ➤Check whether your project county has a delegated local stormwater program before filing with SCDES — in delegated counties, the local LDP process must be initiated first and may satisfy state requirements.
- ➤For Lowcountry projects (Charleston, Beaufort, Horry counties), conduct a wetland delineation early — the jurisdictional wetland boundary directly affects your buffer zone requirements and may require Army Corps of Engineers 404 permit coordination.
- ➤SCDES ePermitting requires advance registration. Set up your account at least 2 weeks before you need to file — electronic NOI filing is standard and paper submissions are discouraged.
- ➤South Carolina's construction season extends year-round, but the hurricane season (June–November) brings concentrated rainfall events. Stage additional BMP materials on-site during this period and plan for rapid deployment.
- ➤For upstate SC Piedmont sites, specify appropriate erosion controls for red clay soils — standard seeding mixes may not establish quickly enough in compacted soils. Consider hydraulic mulch with tackifier as a temporary stabilization measure.
- ➤Verify current SCDES contact information on des.sc.gov — some local handouts may still reference the former DHEC name.
- ➤SC does not require a separate Erosion and Sediment Control Plan as a distinct document — the SWPPP must comprehensively address all erosion and sediment controls, and it serves as the E&SC plan.
South Carolina SWPPP FAQs
What is the SC Stormwater Management and Sediment Control Act and how does it affect my project?+
The SMSCA is South Carolina's primary state law governing construction stormwater. It authorizes SCDES to issue the statewide NPDES general permit (SCR100000) and also authorizes local governments to administer their own stormwater programs. In delegated jurisdictions, you must obtain a local Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) in addition to or instead of the state permit. Check with your county or municipality first to determine which program applies.
Does South Carolina require a separate Erosion and Sediment Control Plan?+
South Carolina does not require a separate named E&SC Plan document in addition to the SWPPP. The SWPPP must comprehensively address erosion and sediment control measures. However, local delegated programs (under the SMSCA) may require specific plan formats — verify with your local jurisdiction.
My site is in a SC coastal county — what additional permits do I need?+
Projects within the SC Coastal Zone (the eight coastal counties: Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Horry, and Jasper) may require a Coastal Zone Consistency determination or permit from SCDES Coastal Division. If your project is near the Critical Area (coastal waters, tidelands, beaches), a Critical Area Permit may be required separately from the stormwater permit.
How do I file the SCR100000 NOI?+
NOI filing is done electronically through SCDES ePermitting. The $100 fee is paid online. You must submit the NOI at least 7 days before construction begins. The NOI requires site information, receiving water body, and confirmation that an SWPPP has been prepared.
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