The accumulation of sediment in reservoirs may greatly reduce water storage capacity. The safe use of water bodies for recreational activities is impaired by high sediment loads. Sediment fills navigation channels in rivers and harbors, hindering boat traffic and increasing the need for dredging. Excess sediment increases aquatic weed problems, damages game fish habitat, and is harmful to all levels of aquatic life. Erosion, sedimentation, and water runoff damage developed property.
Excessive runoff overloads storm drainage systems and causes increased flooding.
It is the policy of the State to protect the land and waters of the State from damage by erosion, sedimentation, and excessive water runoff. The purpose of this act is to strengthen existing erosion and sediment reduction and stormwater management programs for the protection of the land and water resources in the State. The South Carolina Land Resources Conservation Commission and the forty-six conservation districts of the State in cooperation with other appropriate state and federal agencies are assigned the responsibility of developing and implementing an erosion and sediment reduction and stormwater management program pursuant to this act. This chapter may be cited as the Erosion and Sediment Reduction Act of 1983. Erosion' means the wearing away of the ground surface by the action of wind, water, gravity, or any combination thereof.