South Carolina SWPPP inspection requirements
- Rain trigger
- None required — a post-storm check after a 1.0″ storm is recommended, not mandatory
- Post-rain deadline
- N/A — no storm-triggered inspection
- Routine inspections
- At least once each calendar week, no more than 9 days between inspections
- Permit
- SCR100000 Construction General Permit (2026)
- Agency
- South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
How South Carolina handles construction stormwater
Construction sites in South Carolina disturbing one acre or more need coverage under the SCR100000 Construction General Permit (2026), administered by South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. The 2026 CGP is effective March 30, 2026 – March 29, 2031 (SCDES absorbed DHEC's environmental programs in July 2024). Inspections are weekly with no more than 9 days between them; a Rain Log records events of 0.5″ or more; the 24-hour check after a 1.0″ storm is recommended, not required.
Inspector qualifications
Sites disturbing over 2 acres: the C-SWPPP preparer, an equivalently registered professional, someone under their direct supervision, or a holder of an SCDES-approved inspector certification (Clemson CEPSCI). Smaller sites: the permittee or designee after a SWPPP walkthrough.
Official sources
Common questions
What triggers a SWPPP inspection in South Carolina?
South Carolina's SCR100000 Construction General Permit (2026) has no mandatory rain-triggered inspection. The requirement is routine: at least once each calendar week, no more than 9 days between inspections.
Who can perform SWPPP inspections in South Carolina?
Sites disturbing over 2 acres: the C-SWPPP preparer, an equivalently registered professional, someone under their direct supervision, or a holder of an SCDES-approved inspector certification (Clemson CEPSCI). Smaller sites: the permittee or designee after a SWPPP walkthrough.
Who administers the construction stormwater program in South Carolina?
South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) administers the NPDES construction stormwater program in South Carolina under the SCR100000 Construction General Permit (2026).
What are the penalties for SWPPP violations in South Carolina?
Federal Clean Water Act civil penalties can reach $68,445 per day per violation, and SCDES can issue administrative orders and state penalties on top. Missing rain-triggered inspections is among the most commonly cited violations in stormwater audits.
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