Opinion ID: 2394431
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Repeal of Regulation 61-101

Text: Finally, DHEC argues the ALC and the court of appeals erred in finding Regulation 61-101 conflicts with § 44-1-60(E) and is therefore invalid. DHEC expresses particular concern that this ruling could invalidate other notification provisions contained within its numerous regulations. An administrative regulation is valid as long as it is reasonably related to the purpose of the enabling legislation. McNickel's Inc. v. S.C. Dept. of Revenue, 331 S.C. 629, 634, 503 S.E.2d 723, 725 (1998). Although a regulation has the force of law, it must fall when it alters or adds to a statute. Id. DHEC is responsible for managing the welfare of our public health systems and environment. In discharging these duties, DHEC has implemented practices and procedures which foster transparency and full disclosure in all matters regarding its regulatory authority. To this end, DHEC has enacted various notification regulations requiring it to send notice to the public of permit applications and to notify particular parties of DHEC's decision on the applications. Regulation 61-101 is one of these types of notification regulations. This regulation establishes procedures and policies for implementing water quality certification requirements of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act and requires DHEC to send notice to specific parties. See Regs. 61-101.G.1 (providing DHEC shall mail notice of a proposed decision on an application for water certification to the applicant; agencies having jurisdiction or interest over the activity site; owners or residents of property adjoining the area of the proposed activity; and those persons providing comment in response to the initial notice of application). In our view, the notice provisions in Regulation 61-101 do not conflict with § 44-1-60(E). Section 44-1-60(E) sets forth the procedure for appealing from a staff decision and provides which parties DHEC is required to notify by certified mail of the decision. On the other hand, Regulation 61-101 serves to further DHEC's policy goals including providing notice to the public, fostering openness, and keeping the public informed about important environmental decisions. Section 44-1-60(E) addresses appellate procedures, while Regulation 61-101 addresses public notice. Although § 44-1-60(E) places an affirmative duty on DHEC to send simultaneous notification of appealable staff decisions to the applicant, permittee, licensee, and affected persons who have asked to be notified by certified mail, it does not prohibit DHEC from sending notice of these decisions to additional persons. For these reasons, we find the regulation does not alter or add to the statute.