Who administers NPDES regulations within South Carolina?

The administration of NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) regulations within South Carolina falls under the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). This state agency is responsible for implementing and enforcing water quality regulations, including those that govern the discharge of pollutants into water bodies. The DHEC manages the state's NPDES permit program to ensure compliance with federal regulations and local laws aimed at protecting water resources.

In South Carolina, the DHEC plays a crucial role in monitoring water quality, issuing permits to facilities that discharge wastewater, and ensuring that these permits comply with both state and federal standards. The agency also conducts inspections and assessments to enforce compliance with the regulations set forth by the NPDES.

In contrast, other agencies like the United States Army Corps of Engineers primarily deal with federal regulatory processes associated with wetlands and navigable waters rather than directly managing NPDES programs. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources focuses more on the conservation of natural resources, such as wildlife and fisheries. Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes the overall framework for NPDES programs nationally, it delegates the implementation and administration of these programs to state agencies, such as the DHEC in South Carolina.