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How will the public know who is in negotiations with DHEC, and what
opportunities will the public have to be involved in the process?
The participant must form an interested persons group
-- people who may be affected by the facility’s activities due to their
proximity to it. The group will be able to review and comment on the draft
cooperative agreement, and the participant is required to meet with the
group at least once every 6 months to discuss the project. DHEC is also
required to provide a notice for public comment, and to hold a public
information forum if comments received indicate considerable public interest.
Will EPA recognize the cooperative agreements?
The USEPA supports innovative approaches to environmental
regulation. EPA Region IV has reviewed and offered comments on the legislation,
and has expressed its support for working with DHEC to develop a Memorandum
of Agreement outlining EPA’s role in the pilot program. At a minimum,
that role will include reviewing draft cooperative agreements particularly
when variances may involve federally delegated, approved or authorized
programs.
How does the cooperative agreement affect existing permits and existing
regulations?
The cooperative agreement must specify each permit or
provision of a permit and any provisions of law or regulation for which
variances are granted. All other requirements applicable to the facility
and not covered by the agreement remain in full force and effect.
How will DHEC ensure that the agreements are followed?
The participant will be required to periodically complete
performance evaluations, and to report any violations within 14 days after
completion of the evaluation. If violations are found, the participant
must submit a compliance schedule, approved by DHEC, which may include
penalties for nonperformance. DHEC can revoke the agreement if the participant
is not in compliance with it or with any requirements not covered in the
agreement.
What happens if a facility wants to expand?
DHEC will have the option of amending the cooperative
agreement or requiring the facility to follow existing permit or approval
procedures. DHEC may also amend the cooperative agreement to incorporate
any changes in federal or state environmental laws.
The South Carolina Environmental Excellence Program (SCEEP)
is a voluntary environmental leadership initiative designed to recognize
and reward facilities that have demonstrated superior environmental performance
through pollution prevention, energy and resource conservation, and the
use of an environmental management system.
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
Any South Carolina facility committed to waste reduction
and continuous environmental improvement is eligible to participate. A
company is not eligible to participate if there has been a pattern of
permits exceedences, notices of violations, or other enforcement activities
within the previous five years that indicate a lack of commitment to continuous
environmental improvement.
How does a facility become a member of the program?
A facility may apply for membership in one of two
ways: (1) by documenting active membership in a program recognized by
the SCEEP (e.g., ISO 14001, ATMI E3 program, CMA Responsible Care program,
AF&PA EHS Principles), or (2) by submitting an Environmental Excellence
Plan describing measurable waste reduction goals, a commitment to implement
an environmental management system, a commitment by senior management
to continuous environmental improvement, and an effective public communications
plan for the surrounding community. Membership is subject to renewal every
two years.
Who makes the decision regarding membership in the program?
The SCEEP Advisory Committee makes application decisions.
The Committee is comprised of industry, environmental, governmental, academic
and public interest representatives. The Committee meets at least quarterly
to review applications. A program coordinator from the SCDHEC Center for Waste Minimiation staffs the Committee.
What are the benefits of being a member of the program?
Membership benefits include public recognition, use of
the SCEEP logo, participation on the Environmental Excellence Council,
and opportunities to work with regulators on innovative regulatory initiatives.
Is DHEC or EPA involved in the program?
The Office of Environmental Quality Control at DHEC was
actively involved in the creation of the program, and the Assistant Deputy
Commissioner serves on the SCEEP Advisory Committee. DHEC also performs
the five-year compliance review for applications to the program. DHEC
has also partnered with SCEEP to participate along with the EPA in the
implementation of the National Environmental Performance Track Program,
EPA’s voluntary environmental leadership initiative. Along with DHEC,
the SCEEP Advisory Committee reviews South Carolina Performance Track
applications for EPA.
Where can I get more information about the Environmental Excellence
Program?
Information may be obtained by contacting:
Christine Steagall,SCEEP Program Coordinator
Center For Waste Minimization
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
2600 Bull St
Columbia, SC 29201-1708
(803) 896-8987
E-Mail: steagacl@dhec.sc.gov
Or visit the web site at http://www.scdhec.gov/eqc
Participants:
- International Paper Georgetown Mill
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