Nutrient Trading in South Carolina: A Roadmap for Implementation

Nutrient pollution is a pervasive problem in South Carolina lakes, resulting in costly mandates for infrastructure improvement via traditional reductions at the point source. Allowing the introduction of mechanisms to allow for “markets” of pollution abatement beyond the point source can prove cost effective. This project undertook a review of the drivers which brought about nutrient trading schemes in Virginia and North Carolina, and the resultant statutory and regulatory framework established by the states to implement. The findings have culminated in a potential logistical and regulatory framework for facilitating nutrient trading in South Carolina. The resultant project will serve as a resource guide for staff of the state’s Department of Health & Environmental Control to utilize in future rulemaking.