South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

We promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.

• Pre-Application Process
• Certification Process
• Regulations
• Wetlands as Waters
• Nationwide Permits
• Exemptions
• Related Documents
• Public Notices
• Links
• Contact

The S. C. Department of Health and Environmental Control administers the Water Quality Certification program pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act. Section 401 requires that the State issue certification for any activity which requires a Federal permit and may result in a discharge to State waters. This certification must state that applicable effluent limits and water quality standards will not be violated.

All activities requiring a Federal 404 permit (a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit for the discharge of dredged or fill material) result in a discharge to waters or wetlands, so SCDHEC must take certification action on all 404 permit applications. U.S. Coast Guard Permits and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Permits also require states to take Water Quality Certification action. During review of applications for Water Quality Certification, the Department looks at whether or not there are feasible alternatives to the activity, if the activity is water dependent, and the intended purpose of the activity. Certification is denied if the activity will adversely affect existing or designated uses. The Federal permit cannot be issued if certification is denied. Regulation 61-101 entitled Water Quality Certification directs the Department in processing applications for certification.

Regulation(s)

• R. 61-101, Water Quality Certification
• R. 61-68, Water Classifications and Standards
• R. 61-69, Classified Waters

Related Documents

• A Brief Guide to Wetland Regulations in South Carolina (PDF-79KB)
• Best Management Practices for Construction (PDF15KB)
• Wetlands: Essential for Wildlife Habitat, Improving Water Quality and Providing Flood Protection (PDF-171KB)
• The Facts On Wetlands (PDF-124KB)
• Wetlands...and Their Importance (PDF-49KB)

Links

Links to non-DHEC organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. The links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs. DHEC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization web pages found at these links. Each entity listed below has regulatory or review authority in the 404 permit / 401 certification process.

DHEC - Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
S.C. Department of Natural Resources
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Marine Fisheries Service

Contact

Chuck Hightower, Section Manager, (803) 898-0369.
Map With DHEC Project Manager Contacts (PDF)