The department shall implement a statewide erosion and sediment reduction and stormwater management program as follows:
(1) The department is designated as the state agency responsible for developing, coordinating, and promoting erosion and sediment reduction and stormwater management programs in the State.
(2) The department must develop general guidelines for reducing erosion and sedimentation and improving stormwater management for use by conservation districts, local government, landowners, and land users of the State. The department must publicize and promote these guidelines through information and education programs.
(3) The department must conduct surveys, investigations, and assessments of erosion, sediment, and stormwater management problems.
(4) The department must make available existing technical assistance upon request to local governments, conservation districts, landowners, and land users.
(5) The department must promulgate regulations for erosion and sediment reduction and stormwater management only on land either owned by the State, a state agency, or quasi-state agency or land under the management or control of such an entity through right-of-way easements or other agreements between such entities and private landowners, and must develop regulations for this purpose pursuant to Section 48-18-70. The regulations shall apply to privately owned lands only where they are under the management or control of the State, a state agency, or quasi-state agency through right-of-way easements or other agreements.
HISTORY: 1984 Act No. 277, Section 2; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1219.