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H 4102

Wastewater Discharge Signage

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Bauer and 13 co-sponsors

Requires NPDES permittees to post conspicuous, durable signs at discharge outlets identifying the permitted outfall, with permittee name, permit number, and DES reporting phone.

Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Sanders, Duncan, Reese, Rose
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Bill Summary · H 4102

Summary — H 4102: Wastewater Discharge Signage

Note: The materials supplied include unrelated language from a Massachusetts House docket (a sick‑leave bank for a named employee). This summary focuses on the substantive text titled “Wastewater Discharge Signage,” which would add Section 48‑1‑91 to the South Carolina Code (requirements for signage at NPDES outfalls).

Main purpose

Require persons holding NPDES permits (permits that authorize discharge of effluent into state waters) to post conspicuous, durable signs at or adjacent to permitted discharge outlets so the public can identify permitted outfalls and report concerns to the state agency.

Key provisions

  • Applicability: Any person possessing an NPDES permit that allows effluent discharge into state waters must post the required sign, except where exempted or waived.
  • Sign content (minimum required):
    • The words “Permitted Wastewater Outfall” or “Permitted Cooling Water Outfall,” as appropriate
    • Name of the permittee and the facility
    • Permit number
    • A telephone number for reporting to the Department
  • Sign placement and construction:
    • Sign must be attached to the outlet or posted adjacent to the outlet so it is visible from the receiving water.
    • If the outlet is submerged, sign must be posted on the bank as close as possible.
    • Sign materials must be durable for typical weather conditions.
  • Agency role: The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES) must develop a template and requirements for the signage.
  • Exemptions:
    • Discharges composed exclusively of stormwater.
    • Discharges authorized under certain NPDES general permits (hydroelectric generating facilities, hydrostatic test water, vehicle wash water, potable water treatment plants, and application of pesticides).
  • Waivers: A permittee may apply to DES for a waiver where:
    • Posting would conflict with other state/federal law;
    • Outlet is on property restricted to the public (fenced/controlled);
    • Sign cannot reasonably be maintained;
    • Sign location would not serve a public purpose; or
    • Discharge is temporary/short duration.
  • Timing and notice:
    • Signs must be posted no later than 12 months after the act’s effective date.
    • DES must notify all registered NPDES permit holders of the requirement no later than December 1, 2025.
  • Severability: If any provision is held unconstitutional/invalid, remaining provisions remain effective.
  • Effective date: Upon approval by the Governor.

Who is affected

  • Primary: NPDES permit holders in South Carolina who discharge effluent to state waters (public and private facilities).
  • Secondary: State agency (DES) for rulemaking, template development, and notification; the public (improved ability to identify and report permitted discharges).

Likely impacts and considerations

  • Compliance costs: one‑time sign production and installation and ongoing maintenance costs for permittees.
  • Public transparency and reporting: Easier public identification of permitted outfalls and a direct reporting phone number to DES.
  • Enforcement detail: The bill establishes posting and waiver processes but does not specify penalties or inspection/enforcement mechanisms within the text provided; those may be handled under existing DES authorities.
  • Scope exclusions: Stormwater‑only discharges and listed general permit categories are excluded, reducing applicability to many municipal stormwater systems and certain industrial/general activities.

Procedural status (from provided actions)

  • Introduced/Filed: February 26, 2025 (bill text dated 02/26/2025).
  • Referred: Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.
  • Hearing scheduled: May 28, 2025 (01:00–04:00 PM in A‑2).
  • Further committee/review activity recorded (see legislative record).

If you want, I can:
- Extract or draft the exact sign template language consistent with the bill,
- Compare this proposal to signage/notification requirements in other states, or
- Identify potential enforcement language to strengthen the bill.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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