Stormwater Management Division
Division General Manager:
David Pitts, Jr.
Office Location:
400 Powell Rd.
Columbia, SC 29203
Telephone:
Please contact the Richland County Ombudsman to request Stormwater Management Services: (803) 929-6000.
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mission
The mission of the Stormwater Management Division is to promote stormwater drainage and water quality enhancement in order to improve public safety, enhance public health, and increase public awareness.
Tasks
- National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Phase I Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit Compliance
- Preparation of the Richland County Stormwater SCDHEC Annual Report
- Stormwater Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Planning & Drainage Improvement Projects
- Assist in Implementation of Force Account Drainage Improvement Projects
- Public Education and Outreach
- Watershed Planning for Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and Impaired Waters
- Stormwater Monitoring and Sampling
- Industrial Facility Inspections
- Pesticide Herbicide Fertilizers (PHF) Inspections
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Inspections
- Best Management Practices (BMP) (Water Quality Units, Trash Racks) Inspections
- Private, Commercial, and County Maintained Pond Inspections
- Storm Drainage Camera Field Inspections
Stormwater is any water that falls on the ground when it rains or snows. On natural surfaces that water infiltrates—or soaks—into the ground; but on paved surfaces, it becomes surface runoff. Surface runoff either flows to the nearest pond or stream, or it flows into an inlet such as a storm drain. Any pollution on the ground is carried away by the runoff, and because stormwater runoff and the water flowing into storm drains is not treated, the pollution ends up in our local waterways. That polluted water affects the aquatic life and our ability to use the water for recreational and industrial purposes.
The primary objective of the actions and programs carried out by the Stormwater Management Division are dictated by the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit issued by South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). The permit is a part of EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program designed to reduce the amount of non-point source pollution that negatively affects the health of surface water in our community. Our job is to prevent pollution and help keep stormwater clean. View the Stormwater Management Plan to learn more about how Richland County aims to fulfill its MS4 permit requirements and address surface water quality concerns.
Anything other than stormwater that goes down a storm drain is considered an illicit discharge and should be reported by calling 803-929-6000!
It's Storm Drain Marking season and we’re looking for volunteers to mark storm drains! Click here for more information.
Richland County Stormwater Management Plan
2023 - 2024 Annual Report