A bill

to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 5-31-1525 so as to PROHIBIT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FROM DENYING THE REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, OR CONSTRUCTION OF WELLS AND SEPTIC TANKS ON CERTAIN RURAL LANDS REGARDLESS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF MUNICIPAL WATER AND SEWER SERVICE.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.   Article 15, Chapter 31, Title 5 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

   Section 5-31-1525.   (A) The Department of Health and Environmental Control shall not deny a property owner of rural land of no more than five acres the right to repair and replace any well or septic tank existing on the effective date of this act because of available municipal water and sewer service.

   (B) The Department of Health and Environmental Control shall not deny a property owner of family farmland of no more than five acres on the effective date of this act the right to construct new wells and septic tanks on the property because of available municipal water and sewer service.

SECTION 2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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