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INTRODUCED
February 24, 2021
S. 606
S. Printed 2/24/21--S.
Read the first time February 24, 2021.
TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, RELATING TO STATEMENT OF POLICY; AND SPECIFIC PROJECT STANDARDS FOR TIDELANDS AND COASTAL WATERS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 4995, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. The regulations of the Department of Health and Environmental Control, relating to Statement of Policy; and Specific Project Standards for Tidelands and Coastal Waters, designated as Regulation Document Number 4995, and submitted to the General Assembly pursuant to the provisions of Article 1, Chapter 23, Title 1 of the 1976 Code, are approved.
SECTION 2. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
Pursuant to the S.C. Coastal Zone Management Act, S.C. Code Sections 48-39-10 et seq., the Department of Health and Environmental Control ("Department") amends R.30-1 and R.30-12 to provide a definition and add project standards for living shorelines. Coastal property owners and other stakeholders in South Carolina have expressed an increased interest in the use of living shorelines as an alternative to hardened erosion control structures within the estuarine environment. Coastal Division regulations currently do not provide guidance specific for living shoreline installations. The lack of a regulatory definition or specific project standards for living shorelines has resulted in longer permitting review times and uncertainties about project performance. New sections R.30-1.D(31) and R.30-12.Q allow for a more efficient authorization process by defining which projects qualify as a living shoreline and establishing specific standards for living shoreline installations. The new sections also help ensure a project's design will accomplish its intended goals.
The Department developed the new sections using scientific data and monitoring results from existing living shoreline installations in South Carolina and with input from state, local, and federal agencies, the Living Shoreline Working Group, and additional stakeholder engagement.
The Department had a Notice of Drafting published in the April 24, 2020, South Carolina State Register.
This web page was last updated on February 24, 2021 at 6:56 PM