Advisory Committee to Board; membership; appointment; qualifications; terms

An advisory committee to the department must be appointed for the purpose of advising the department during development or subsequent amendment of regulatory standards for the construction, maintenance, operation, and abandonment of wells subject to the jurisdiction of the department. The advisory committee is composed of eight members appointed by the director. Five members must be active well drillers; one member must be a registered professional engineer with experience in well design and construction; one member must be a consulting hydrogeologist with experience in well design and construction; and one member must be engaged in farming and shall represent the public at large. Three ex officio members shall also serve on the advisory committee, one of whom must be an employee of the Department of Environmental Services, and appointed by the director; and two of whom must be employees of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and appointed by the Director of the Department of Natural Resources. The term of office of members of the advisory committee is for four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms. The initial terms of office must be staggered and any member may be removed for cause after proper notification and an opportunity to be heard.