SCDHEC Drafting General Air Permit for Mine Operations

SCDHEC is working on a draft general air permit for certain mines in South Carolina, at least including crushed stone quarry operations. Although the mining industry had expressed interest in a general air permit that would replace both construction and operating permits for all non-metallic mineral mines that fall below certain thresholds, there is some uncertainty whether SCDHEC will simplify the air permitting process to this extent. Parties interested in commenting upon such a draft should contact Chris Smith at the Mining Association of South Carolina, [email protected], by October 31, 2013.