CHEMIGATION LAW



Section 46-1-140

of the South Carolina Code of Laws, 1976, as amended


An Act to amend the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, By adding Section 46-1-140 so as to require the use of anti-syphon devices on irrigation systems, to provide civil penalties, and provide for the promulgation of regulations and for enforcement of the provisions of this Act.



Section 46- 1-140

(1) Anti-syphon devices required

Any irrigation system which is designed or used for the applications of fertilizer, pesticide, or chemicals must be equipped with an anti-syphon device adequate to protect against contamination of the water supply. The minimum acceptable anti-syphon device shall include a check valve, vacuum breaker, and low pressure drain on the irrigation supply line between the irrigation pump and the point of injection of fertilizer, pesticide, or chemicals. The vacuum breaker must be upstream from the check valve. The low pressure drain must be upstream from the vacuum breaker. The injection pump must be tied to the irrigation pump either mechanically or electrically so that the injection pump shall stop operating if the irrigation pump fails to function.

Any person who uses an irrigation system far the application of fertilizer, pesticide, or chemicals which is not equipped with an anti-syphon device as required by this section is subject to a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars. Each day's violation is subject to an additional fine.

The Division of Regulatory and Public Service Programs at Clemson University shall promulgate regulations with the advice of the Department of Health and Environmental Control as it considers necessary to implement this section. The provisions of this section do not apply to residential yard use.

(2) Compliance with provisions.

Any person using an irrigation system on the effective date of this Act shall bring it into compliance with the provisions of Section 46-1-140 of the 1976 Code within two years of the effective date of this act.

Approved by Richard W. Riley,

Governor June 6, 1986


Clemson University, Regulatory & Public Service Programs