1. A. Definitions

   1. 1. Hazardous Conditions (or hazardous levels)—Conditions created by the release or discharge into the ambient air of one (1) or more air contaminants which because of the characteristics and/or quantity of material involved may pose an imminent threat to the health of anyone who might come in contact with the material through this release as well as involving substantial risk of injury, to include injury to property or plant and animal life. This includes the indirect threat to human life and property by the creation of traffic hazards.
   2. 2. Traffic Hazards—Impairment of visibility whenever the concentration of dust, fumes, condensed vapor, or any other substance is such that the horizontal visibility at or near ground level is reduced to 2400 feet or less.

   The following words and phrases when used in this regulation shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them:

2. B. General

   The owner or operator of any source, in addition to complying with all applicable regulations and standards, shall take all steps necessary to protect human health and welfare and otherwise minimize the effects of unintended, short-term or other releases of air contaminants and other substances which produce unintended hazardous conditions.

3. C. Traffic Hazards

   The emission of smoke, dust, fumes, condensed vapor, or any other substance which creates a traffic hazard on public roads by impairment of visibility, or intensifies an existing condition to the extent that a traffic hazard is created is prohibited.

4. D. EMERGENCY ACTIONS

   In the event that releases of dust, fumes, smoke, gases, mists, vapors, or other substances occur in such quantity as to create imminently hazardous levels, the owner or operator of the source shall take all necessary emergency acts to cause the release to cease, to notify nearby residents and occupants, to assist in evacuation if deemed necessary, to notify the Department immediately, and to take such other action as responsible officials deem advisable.

5. E. Cleanup

   If releases to the atmosphere of air contaminants result from spillage and cause such concentrations as to produce an imminently hazardous level, clean up activities shall begin as soon as possible and shall be completed to the satisfaction of the Department.

6. F. NOTIFICATION

   The affected public, the Department, the South Carolina Disaster Preparedness Agency, and all law enforcement officials having jurisdiction shall be notified promptly by the owner or operator of the source in the event of releases of material which may cause imminently hazardous levels. If traffic hazards are created, notification shall be made to appropriate state or local agencies of the possible existence of such a condition and of the corresponding need for posting of appropriate signs, warning devices, or flagmen. When the concentrations of materials are reduced sufficiently as to no longer present an imminent hazard, public announcement will be made, and normal operations may resume.

HISTORY: Amended by State Register Volume 36, Issue No. 2, eff February 24, 2012 (errata); State Register Volume 36, Issue No. 9, eff September 28, 2012 (errata); SCSR 49-5 Doc. No. 5325, eff May 23, 2025.