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South CarolinaGuidesMuddy water is running off a construction site. Who do I call?

Muddy water is running off a construction site. Who do I call?

Short answer

South Carolina's stormwater rules say a complaint about a site goes in writing to the agency that runs the program where the site is. That can be a county, a city or SCDES. SCDES also takes reports of stormwater concerns through its online form.

Who handles it depends on where the site is

Abbeville County

  • LocationAbbeville County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Aiken County

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Allendale County

  • LocationAllendale County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Anderson County

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Bamberg County

  • LocationBamberg County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Barnwell County

  • LocationBarnwell County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Beaufort County

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Berkeley County

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Calhoun County

  • LocationCalhoun County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Charleston County

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Cherokee County

  • LocationCherokee County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Chester County

  • LocationChester County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDHEC (now SCDES) – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Chesterfield County

  • LocationChesterfield County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Clarendon County

  • LocationClarendon County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Colleton County

  • LocationColleton County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Darlington County

  • LocationDarlington County This county only reviews projects located in a portion of the county. Please contact Darlington County for assistance in determining whether project will be reviewed by Darlington County or SCDES – must provide copy of correspondence for areas located outside of MS4 area

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Darlington County

    Darlington County website

SCDES doesn't say which portion. Ask the county whether your site is in it.

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Dillon County

  • LocationDillon County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Dorchester County

  • LocationDorchester County Please contact Dorchester County for assistance in determining whether project will be reviewed by Dorchester County or SCDHEC (now SCDES) in unincorporated areas– must provide copy of correspondence

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Dorchester County

    Dorchester County website

  • LocationIncorporated areas of Harleyville, Reevesville, Ridgeville, St. George, portions of Summerville)

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES - Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

  • LocationCity of North Charleston

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):City of North Charleston

    Find this office on SCDES Where to Apply

  • LocationSummerville, Town of

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Town of Summerville

    Find this office on SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Edgefield County

  • LocationEdgefield County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Fairfield County

  • LocationFairfield County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Florence County

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Georgetown County

  • LocationGeorgetown County Please contact Georgetown County for assistance in determining whether project will be reviewed by Georgetown County or SCDHEC (now SCDES) – must provide copy of correspondence

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Georgetown County

    Georgetown County website

  • LocationIncorporated Areas of Andrews, Georgetown, and Pawleys Island

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES - Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Greenville County

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Greenwood County

  • LocationGreenwood County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Hampton County

  • LocationHampton County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Horry County

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Jasper County

  • LocationJasper County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES - Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Kershaw County

  • LocationElgin, Town of

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Kershaw County

    Kershaw County website

  • LocationKershaw County* This county only reviews projects located in a portion of the county Please contact Kershaw County for assistance in determining whether project will be reviewed by Kershaw County or SCDHEC (now SCDES) – must provide copy of correspondence for areas located outside of MS4 area

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Kershaw County

    Kershaw County website

SCDES doesn't say which portion. Ask the county whether your site is in it.

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Lancaster County

  • Location

    For all projects submitted for review before December 31, 2017.

    Lancaster County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDHEC (now SCDES) – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

  • Location

    For projects north of SC 5 and east to NC state line submitted for review after January 1, 2018

    Lancaster County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Lancaster County

    Lancaster County website

SCDES's page doesn't say who reviews projects submitted after January 1, 2018 outside the area above. Ask Lancaster County or SCDES.

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Laurens County

  • LocationFountain Inn, City of (Including portions of the city located within Laurens County)

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Greenville County

    Greenville County website

  • LocationLaurens County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Lee County

  • LocationLee County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDHEC (now SCDES) – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Lexington County

  • LocationCayce, City of

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Lexington County

    Lexington County website

  • LocationIrmo, Town of (Richland and Lexington County)

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Lexington County

    Lexington County website

  • LocationLexington County (All incorporated and unincorporated areas)

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Lexington County

    Lexington County website

  • LocationLexington, City of

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Lexington County

    Lexington County website

  • LocationPine Ridge, Town of

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Lexington County

    Lexington County website

  • LocationSouth Congaree, Town of

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Lexington County

    Lexington County website

  • LocationWest Columbia, City of

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Lexington County

    Lexington County website

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Marion County

  • LocationMarion County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDHEC (now SCDES) – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Marlboro County

  • LocationMarlboro County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

McCormick County

  • LocationMcCormick County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Newberry County

  • LocationNewberry County (Unincorporated)

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):Newberry County

    Newberry County website

  • LocationNewberry County (Incorporated Areas)

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Oconee County

  • LocationOconee County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Orangeburg County

  • LocationOrangeburg County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Pickens County

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Richland County

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Saluda County

  • LocationSaluda County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Spartanburg County

SCDES lists Spartanburg County as "(Forthcoming)" and names no reviewer yet. Ask Spartanburg County's stormwater office or SCDES which office reviews your plan.

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Sumter County

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Union County

  • LocationUnion County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

Williamsburg County

  • LocationWilliamsburg County

    Reviews plans here (SCDES lists this as the "Reviewing Entity"):SCDES – Bureau of Water

    SCDES Where to Apply

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

York County

This office reviews construction stormwater plans here. It may also handle complaints, but not always. Ask them, or use SCDES's form.

Source: SCDES, Where to Apply . Checked Oct 30, 2026.

What the rules say about complaints

"Persons may complain about individual site problems or damages. The procedure is as follows: (1) The complaint will be registered in writing with the appropriate implementing agency."

S.C. Code Regs. 72-314(B)

Small sites (under 1 acre)

State permit coverage applies to sites that disturb 1 acre or more, or that are part of a larger plan that will. Smaller sites can still fall under local rules. See SCDES's forms page and our 1 vs 2 acres guide.

What to note before you call

  • What you saw, and the date and time
  • Where the site is (street or nearest cross street)
  • Where the water went (a ditch, storm drain, creek or your yard)
  • Photos taken from your own property or a public place

Don't go onto the site.

Sources

Disclaimers

General, plain-English information only. Not legal or engineering advice, and not site-specific. Always verify with SCDES, your MS4 or county, or a licensed professional. Full disclaimer.

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