(1) A state Advisory Council on Erosion and Sediment Reduction (State Advisory Council), which may include, but not be limited to, a representative of each of the following, must be appointed by the Governor upon the advice of the following agencies and organizations:

South Carolina Association of Counties

South Carolina Municipal Association

South Carolina Association of Conservation Districts

South Carolina Home Builders Association

Associated General Contractors, Inc.

South Carolina Association of Realtors

South Carolina Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects

South Carolina Chapter, American Society of Civil Engineers

Council of Governments Executive Director's Committee

South Carolina Farm Bureau

South Carolina State Grange

Office of the Governor

USDA-Soil Conservation Service

Clemson University

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

South Carolina Forestry Commission

South Carolina Forestry Association

South Carolina Chapter

American Institute of Architects

(2) The department must provide staff support to the State Advisory Council.

(3) Duties of the State Advisory Council include, but are not limited to the following:

(a) Study the erosion and sediment reduction and stormwater management programs of other states and evaluate their applicability to South Carolina.

(b) Evaluate erosion, sedimentation, and stormwater conditions in the State.

(c) Recommend improvements and changes to meet the needs for erosion and sediment reduction and stormwater management in the State.

(d) Assist the department with educational programs including, but not limited to, seminars, conferences, workshops, media productions, and written publication.

(e) Compile information pertaining to sedimentation of water bodies in the State.

(f) Evaluate and recommend conservation programs and technology for reducing erosion and sedimentation and improving stormwater management.

(g) Evaluate the need for additional legislation for erosion and sediment reduction and stormwater management.

(h) Recommend appropriate recognition programs for landowners and land users implementing outstanding erosion and sediment reduction and stormwater management programs.

(i) Provide information to the department as needed.

HISTORY: 1984 Act No. 277, Section 2; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1219.