ACOG's role in 208 Water Quality Management

The ACOG is the designated Water Quality Management Agency for the region. As part of our responsibilities in ensuring that the goals of the Federal Clean Water Act are carried out, the ACOG reviews sewer projects for conformance to the Regional Water Quality Management Plan. The ACOG carries out this review for SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Without certification from our agency, SCDHEC will not issue a permit for a sewer project.

Projects that require a 208 Water Quality Certification

The ACOG reviews projects that require a NPDES permit from DHEC. This includes all new point source discharges into the region's waters as well as extension of sewer lines, and expansions or changes to existing discharges.

What information is needed with the submission of a certification form?

For all permits the ACOG requires a completed certification form, downloadable from this site, and a location map indicating the where the lines are to be constructed. A full set of engineering plans is not required.

What fee do I have to pay?

A fee of $265 is required to offset the growing costs of maintaining the Regional Water Quality Management Program. The charges apply to all projects except for those being constructed by public entities such as local government, school districts and other special purpose districts.

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About how long does the review take?

If a plan amendment is not required, the review should not take longer than 5 working days. It often takes less time.

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