Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are broadly defined by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control as stormwater management and conservation practices that have been demonstrated to effectively control movement of pollutants, prevent degradation of soil and water resources, and that are compatible with the land use. Simply put, BMPs help us manage and lessen the adverse impacts typically associated with stormwater runoff. BMPs can be divided into two categories: structural and nonstructural.
Structural BMPs can be thought of as engineering solutions to stormwater management. Structural BMPs are used to treat stormwater at the point of generation, the point of discharge, or at any point along the stormwater "treatment train." Structural BMPs can serve many different functions based on their design. Some structural BMPs are designed particularly for urban areas, whereas others may be designed for agriculture, forestry, or mining areas. Common examples of structural BMPs usually found within urban areas include stormwater ponds and open channels (swales).
Nonstructural BMPs are just that - nonstructural. There are no physical structures associated with these types of BMPs. Nonstructural BMPs are designed to limit the amount of pollutants available in the environment that would potentially end up in stormwater runoff. Nonstructural BMPs typically lessen the need for the more costly structural BMPs. Nonstructural BMPs can be achieved through such things as education, management and development practices. Some examples include ordinances and practices associated with land use and comprehensive site planning.
From more information on BMPs, please visit the the South Carolina Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (SC NEMO) website.
Environmental Facilities Information System (EFIS)
The Environmental Facilities Information System (E.F.I.S.) is integral to the tracking of BMP implementation for the Coastal Nonpoint Program, as well as the Coastal Zone Management Program within South Carolina. The Planning Department has, via CNP grant funds, supported the development and modification of E.F.I.S. to ensure that the database functions to its fullest capacity.