The department, with advice and assistance from the council, shall develop an Aquatic Plant Management Plan for the State of South Carolina. The plan shall describe the procedures for problem site identification and analysis, selection of control methods, operational program development, and implementation of operational strategies. The plan shall also identify problem areas, prescribe management practices, and set management priorities. The plan shall be updated and amended at appropriate intervals as necessary; provided, however, problem site identification and allocation of funding shall be conducted annually. In addition, the department shall establish procedures for public input into the plan and its amendments and priorities. The public review procedures shall be an integral part of the plan development process. When deemed appropriate, the department may seek the advice and counsel of persons and organizations from the private, public, or academic sectors.
The council shall review and approve all plans and amendments. Approval shall consist of a two-thirds vote of the members present. The department shall have final approval authority over those sections which do not receive two-thirds approval of the council.
HISTORY: 1990 Act No. 498, Section 1; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1247.