All owners of agricultural animal facilities are required to attend Clemson University's Manure Manager's Training Program. The Department provided input to Clemson University on the development of the program. Operators of all new and expanding swine facilities and large animal facilities are required to be certified by Clemson as manure managers. Operators of existing small swine facilities and small animal facilities do not have to be certified but they must attend the training.

Timing for Closure

Agricultural Facility Closures

Facilities that have been closed for two years or less may renew operations without applying for a new permit and without notifying the Department. Facilities that have been closed for more than two years but less than five must notify the Department that they wish to renew operations.

Overview

The Groundwater Protection Program is part of the Division of Monitoring, Assessment, and Protection in the Bureau of Water.

• Reporting Forms
• Reporting Guidance

New or Expanding Facilities

New or expanding facilities with 10,000 lbs. of normal production animal live weight or less, that do not have a lagoon, storage pond or other treatment system, are excluded from obtaining a permit but must have and implement an  Animal Facility Management Plan (AFMP) that complies with the regulation. The AFMP is not submitted to DES. However, a permit may be required on a case by case basis.

Summary of Agricultural Laws

SC Pollution Control Act

The SC Pollution Control Act (PCA) is the basis of South Carolina's water pollution control and water quality protection programs. It establishes the Department of Health and Environmental Control (Department) as the state agency responsible for environmental matters. The law empowers the Department to hold hearings, promulgate regulations, require permits, conduct monitoring, and take enforcement actions among other things.

1. The lagoon liquid effluent and sludge accumulation should be removed. All of these waste products must be removed for close-out. The lagoon should be agitated and pumped out for land application. The wastewater must be analyzed for nutrient content and applied to agricultural fields at an agronomic rate. NRCS or a private engineer may prepare a close-out plan. This plan should include all information on clean-out procedures, application rates and land application sites.

Barns, Stables, Pens or Growing Houses (not including lagoon, storage pond, or waste utilization areas)

Wells

• Human Drinking Water Wells - 200 feet (excluding the applicants which must be 50 feet)
• Irrigation Wells (including animal drinking water wells) - 50 feet (per Reg. 61-71) 

Ditches except site drainage:

• which drain to waters of the state including ephemeral and intermittent streams - 100 feet

Residences/Property Lines

Barns, Stables, Pens or Growing Houses (not including lagoon, storage pond, or waste utilization areas)

Wells

• Human Drinking Water Wells - 200 feet (excluding the applicants which must be 50 feet)
• Irrigation Wells (including animal drinking water wells) - 50 feet

Ditches except site drainage:

• which drain to waters of the state including ephemeral and intermittent streams - 100 feet

Property Lines 

Barns, Stables, Pens or Growing Houses (not including lagoon, storage pond, or waste utilization areas)

Wells

• Human Drinking Water Wells - 1,750 feet (excluding the applicants which must be 100 feet)
• Irrigation wells (including animal drinking water wells - 100 feet

Ditches except site drainage:

• which drain to waters of the state including ephemeral and intermittent streams - 100 feet

Residence/ Property Line (excluding the applicants residence) - 1,750 feet