Title 49, Waters, Water Resources and Drainage

Whenever land or a portion of it donated pursuant to this chapter ceases to be used for the purpose for which it was donated, the title to the land reverts to the donor.

Management of scenic river areas may differ in degree within a given class of rivers based on the special attributes of the river but must adhere to the following management policies: (1) Natural rivers must be managed in a manner which: (a) would best maintain and enhance those …

The provisions of this chapter regarding restrictive use or zoning of lands apply only to those lands which have been accepted into the State Scenic Rivers Program by donation, perpetual easement, or purchase.

The department shall formulate comprehensive water and related land use plans for the three classes of scenic rivers. Each plan must address access of electricity, natural gas, and communication lines or other facilities for permitted uses for each class of river facilities. Each…

Sellers of electric energy, natural gas, or communication services may cross on, over, or under lands designated as part of the Scenic River System provided that the department certifies that such crossing is consistent with the management plan for those lands. A certificate of c…

The department shall administer the provisions of this chapter. The department may promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter. In addition to general regulations, the department may promulgate further regulations based on the individual attributes of each …

The department may enter into agreements with local, state, and federal agencies, and private landowners, for the mutual management of a scenic river. An agency which has administrative jurisdiction over lands or interests in land along a state scenic river must assist the depart…

Except as otherwise required by the context: (1) "Department" means the Department of Natural Resources. (2) "Free flowing" means existing or flowing in natural condition without impoundment, (diversion) straightening, riprapping, or other modification of the waterway. The existe…

The Natural Resources Enforcement Division of the Department of Natural Resources and the State Forestry Commission, as well as local sheriffs, constables, and special officers, shall cooperate in the inspection and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.

A person who violates a provision of this chapter, the regulations promulgated by the management agency under it, or the conditions of the perpetual easements granted to the State under this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be compelled to comply with or obey the provis…

To the extent practicable and consistent with the objectives of this chapter to preserve and maintain scenic rivers, camping activities are encouraged to be included in the comprehensive management plans of all classes of scenic rivers when that activity does not interfere with t…

The following are designated as scenic rivers: (1) that portion of the Little Pee Dee River located between the Highway 378 bridge crossing of the Little Pee Dee River and the confluence of the river with the Great Pee Dee River; (2) that portion of the Broad River located betwee…

The General Assembly finds that certain selected rivers and river segments of this State possess unique or outstanding scenic, recreational, geologic, botanical, fish, wildlife, historic, or cultural values. It is the policy of the General Assembly to provide for the protection o…

The following types of rivers are eligible for inclusion in the State Scenic Rivers Program: Natural rivers: those free-flowing rivers or river segments generally inaccessible except by trail or river, with adjacent lands and shorelines essentially undeveloped and its waters esse…

(A) The department shall inventory and study all South Carolina rivers and identify the rivers or river segments which possess unique or outstanding scenic, recreational, geological, botanical, fish, wildlife, historic, or cultural values in accordance with Section 49-29-70. (B) …

The department shall hold a public meeting in the vicinity of the river or river segment proposed for addition to the State Scenic Rivers Program. This public meeting must be conducted before any action by the department to designate the river or river segment as an eligible stat…

The department shall establish and publish minimum criteria for assessing a river's eligibility and classification under the State Scenic Rivers Program. To qualify as eligible, the river or river segment must possess unique or outstanding scenic, recreational, geological, botani…

After eligibility procedures for a river or river segment are completed by the department, and the General Assembly ratifies such designation, the department, through the executive director, shall establish an advisory council for that scenic river. The advisory council must be a…

No river or river segment may be eligible as a state scenic river and accorded the protection of this chapter, except upon formal action by the department. Following action by the department declaring a river or river segment eligible as a state scenic river, the department shall…