What changed in 2026

Last checked: October 20, 2026 against the source documents. Based on: SCDES Fact Sheet for SCR100000 (pp.1-3) and the permit sections it points to; SCDES Construction Activities page.

The permit's cover page shows “Issued: February 27, 2026”, “Effective: March 30, 2026” and “Expires: March 29, 2031”. [CGP cover, p.1] SCDES's fact sheet says the permit “is set to become effective on March 30, 2026, and will expire on March 30, 2031”. [FS p.1]

This site uses the date printed on the permit itself, March 29, 2031. The fact sheet still reads as the draft-stage version; it says “SCDES's preliminary determination to re-authorize the applicants to discharge under the draft permit is open for public comment.” [FS p.3]

The list below follows the fact sheet's “Specific updates contained in the permit to highlight” [FS pp.2-3], with the matching permit text where we found it.

1. Electronic submission through ePermitting

The fact sheet lists “Updated physical copy submission to electronic submission via the online permitting portal, ePermitting.” [FS p.2] The permit says NOI submittals “will be made electronically through the Department's new software called ePermitting” [CGP 2.3, p.14], and NOTs are submitted via ePermitting too. [CGP 5.2.A, p.59; 5.3, p.59] SCDES's web page says: “As of May 5th, SCDES will no longer be accepting any paper applications for Construction Stormwater by mail or in-person.” [CA] SCDES's Construction Stormwater FAQ gives the year: “Beginning April 7, 2025, the ePermitting system will officially accept applications for construction stormwater. Recognizing the need for a smooth transition to the online platform, SCDES will allow a transitional period until May 5, 2025. After this date, all permit applications must be submitted exclusively through ePermitting.” [FAQ]

2. Certifier Agreement and identity verification

The fact sheet describes “the requirement for Primary Permittees to sign and submit a wet-ink Certifier Agreement prior to the submission of applications, or to complete the identity verification process online through ePermitting”. [FS p.2] The permit says “Applicants must verify their identity and certify their signatory authority prior to submitting applications through ePermitting” [CGP 2.3, p.14], and Section 2.5 says “Permittees must sign and mail a wet-ink copy of the Certifier Agreement” to: Certifier Agreement Administrator, South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, 2600 Bull St., Columbia, SC 29201. [CGP 2.5, p.20]

Unconfirmed, verify with SCDES: whether online identity verification replaces the wet-ink Certifier Agreement. The fact sheet says 'or'; permit Section 2.5 says permittees 'must sign and mail' the wet-ink copy.

3. Utility Blanket NOI replaces the Annual Blanket NOI

The fact sheet says the “Annual Blanket Notice of Intent (AB-NOI) has been changed to Utility Blanket Notice of Intent (UB-NOI) (Section 2.2.3.A) to allow for utilities to obtain coverage for the duration of this permit”. [FS p.2] The permit says the UB-NOI's coverage “will expire with the expiration of this permit” and “Renewal of each Utility Blanket NOI must be submitted prior to the expiration of this permit if coverage is still desired”. [CGP 2.2.3.A, p.13]

4. Other changes the fact sheet highlights

Larger Common Plan: “Clarification to Larger Common Plan definition to include requirements under Regulations 72-300 through 72-316.” [FS p.2] [CGP App. A, p.73]
Pre-1992 subdivision lots: the fact sheet lists “Clarification to automatic coverage under this permit for lots created in a subdivision prior to 1992. Removal of language detailing 5 contiguous lots as a threshold for automatic coverage.” [FS p.2] The permit's automatic coverage for individual residential lots within an LCP applies only when all of its listed conditions are met, including: the lots were platted and approved before the 1992 regulations; it is single-family construction for a single lot/home that disturbs less than one acre and is not part of a new phase; “LCP or subdivision has no more than 5 acres of potential construction activities remain within the development”; appropriate BMPs are installed and maintained; and, in the Coastal Zone, a CZC determination is made. [CGP 1.3.1.C, pp.6-7]
Secondary (individual lot) coverage: “Secondary Permittees may obtain coverage whether the primary permit is active or terminated.” If the primary coverage is terminated, “the infrastructure must be completed as per the requirements of the Notice of Termination”. [CGP 2.2.2, p.11] [FS p.2]
Permit extensions: the fact sheet says “Clarification was added to Section 2.4.2 to allow for permit extension requests beyond the initial 5-year permit term.” [FS p.2] The 2.4.2 text we read says coverages “are effective for five (5) years from the issuance of the individual coverage” [CGP 2.4.2.A, p.17], but it doesn't describe how to request an extension. Unconfirmed, verify with SCDES: how to request an extension, and whether SCDES's separate 'Extensions - NPDES Construction Stormwater Permitting' web page applies.
Electronic On-Site SWPPP: the fact sheet says electronic copies may be kept “so long as they are reflective of site conditions and made available within 30 minutes upon request”. [FS p.2] The permit's wording: “If it is not possible to maintain a copy of the OS-SWPPP on the construction site, notice of the plan's location, along with any updated contact information, must be posted near the main entrance at the construction site. Copies of the plans, either printed or easily readable digital, must be updated to reflect current site conditions and available within thirty (30) minutes upon request.” [CGP 3.1.6.B, p.26]
Buffer Zone Management Plan: updated “to reflect the Methods available for a buffer zone implementation plan rather than Options. This was done to clarify that only one method may be used at a time and that this is not an optional process.” [FS p.2]
Dewatering: “Section 3.2.10.C. was updated to include examples of dewatering methods and BMPs.” [FS p.2] [CGP 3.2.10.C, p.48]
Pre-construction conferences: “Pre-construction conferences for all projects may occur virtually, in-person, or at an off-site location designated by the permittee unless the respective MS4 requires otherwise.” Records of the meeting location and supporting documentation must be kept with the SWPPP. [CGP 4.1.C, p.52] [FS p.3] Unconfirmed, verify with SCDES: Section 4.1.A still says each contractor 'must attend this conference in person', while 4.1.C allows virtual meetings. Ask SCDES or your MS4 how they read this.
BMP maintenance: “Section 4.3.A-B now includes reference to R.72-308 for the effective operating condition of all BMPs and other protective measures.” [FS p.3] [CGP 4.3.A-B, pp.55-56]
Transfer of ownership: “Section 2.4.3 has been updated to clarify the Transfer of Ownership process for project modifications and projects with previously approved C-SWPPP.” [FS p.3] [CGP 2.4.3, pp.17-19]

Covered under the previous permit?

The permit says: “If you previously received authorization to discharge for the current phase of your Project under the 2021 CGP, you shall be granted a continuation of coverage under this general permit. There will be no additional fees associated with a continuation of coverage”. [CGP 2.4.2.A, p.17] Ongoing projects stay covered “provided that the SWPPP was updated in accordance with provisions of the 2026 CGP and the original operator of the construction activities remains in control of implementation of the SWPPP”. [CGP 2.4.2.B, p.17] SCDES may ask a permittee to confirm their intent to be covered; if confirmation is requested and “not provided within 30 calendar days from the date of the written request, coverage under the new general permit will be terminated”. [CGP 2.4.2.A, p.17]

What is the "2021 CGP"? It is the previous issue of the same permit, SCR100000. Its cover page shows “Issued: January 29, 2021”, “Effective: March 1, 2021” and “Expires: February 28, 2026”. [CGP21 cover, p.1] SCDES still posts it as the “2021 Construction General Permit (CGP)”. [DA] In its Response to Comments, SCDES says the Section 2.4.2 language “has been updated to reference the previous iteration of the CGP (2021) as well as the most recent iteration, dated 2026.” [RTC 2.4.2.A, p.24] (Section 1.1 of the 2026 permit still says it replaces the permit “issued September 1, 2006 and October 15, 2012” [CGP 1.1, p.5]; the 2021 permit's Section 1.1 contains the same sentence. [CGP21 1.1] SCDES's All Forms page also still describes several forms as for “the new 2012 Stormwater NPDES General Permit”. [ALL])

Sources for this page

Citations like “CGP 4.2.B, p.53” mean section 4.2.B of the permit, on page 53 of the PDF. Last checked October 20, 2026. Where we quote, the quote is copied from the source; where we summarize, read the quoted section before relying on it.