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Overview 

The purpose of a general construction permit is to grant permission to construct facilities that have similar proposed operations. The purpose of a general operating permit is to cover facilities that have similar operations after they have constructed under the general construction permit and begin operating.  

For these permits, activities covered under the general construction and operating permits apply to the following types of plants:  

  • Concrete batch plants
  • Concrete block/brick production facilities
  • Concrete products (except block/brick)
  • Pug mills 

Covered Activities and Equipment 

Facilities may include one or more of the following activities and/or associated equipment: 

  • Sand and aggregate storage
  • Sand and aggregate transfer to elevated bins
  • Cement and/or cement supplement loading
  • Weigh hopper loading
  • Truck loading
  • Central mixer loading
  • Pug mixer loading
  • Loading, transfer, or storage associated with emission control systems
  • Other sources as approved by the Department 

What is a Concrete Batch Plant? 

A concrete batch plant’s primary purpose is to produce concrete through the mixture of cement, aggregate, water, and other additives. The concrete can then be used in the general vicinity of the plant’s operation. Common uses include (but are not limited to) road and bridge construction and foundations for residential and commercial buildings. 

The general construction and operating permits do not cover cement kilns. A cement kiln is used to manufacture cement from raw materials at high temperatures. Concrete batch plants receive cement that is previously manufactured at cement kilns. 

Permit Coverage and Facility List 

If a general construction and operating permit is issued, any eligible facility may request coverage under that permit. SCDES will maintain a list of facilities that receive authorization to construct and operate under a general permit. 

Facilities granted coverage under the general operating permit can be found in our online database.  

A list of facilities granted coverage under the general construction permit and/or general operating permit will also be issued as a Notice of General Public Interest after the general operating permit is issued. 

Concrete plants may obtain a general construction permit and/or a general operating permit from BAQ with no additional public comment period. However, the Department may elect to have additional public participation as needed. 

Changes included in this General Permit Renewal 

The following updates apply to the renewed General Construction and Operating Permits: 

  • Fugitive Dust Control Plan (New Requirement) - A Fugitive Dust Control Plan has been added as part of this renewal in response to recurring public complaints regarding dust emissions from concrete facilities. All concrete plants must minimize and control dust emissions at all times. Facilities are now required to develop a site-specific Dust Control Plan for review and approval by the Department. At a minimum, the Dust Control Plan must address the following:
    • Water truck operations
    • Sprinkler system operations
    • Material stockpiling procedures
    • Containment of material spills from process equipment and trucks
    • Access road speed limits
    • Alternative dust control methods, if applicable
  • Removal of Temporary Crushing and Screening Operations (TCSO) - To eliminate regulatory confusion, Temporary Crushing and Screening Operations are no longer covered under this General Permit. All TCSO activities must now be permitted under the Registration Permit for Temporary Crushing and Screening Operations, regardless of equipment ownership or operator.
  • Removal of Fuel Usage and Fuel Burning Provisions - Fuel usage and fuel burning requirements have been removed from the General Permit and will now be addressed on a case-by-case basis through facility-specific permit attachments. 

Additional Information 

Additional information about concrete batch plants and the general operating permit can be found in out South Carolina Concrete Batch Facilities Fact Sheet.

Community Engagement 

Virtual Public Meeting and Public Hearing - Proposed Concrete Operating General Permit and Concrete Construction General Permit Renewals 

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services – Bureau of Air Quality (BAQ) will hold a virtual public meeting and formal public hearing regarding the proposed Concrete Operating General Permit and the Concrete Construction General Permit Renewal on: 

  • Thursday, February 26, 2026
  • Public Meeting: 6:00 PM
  • Public Hearing: 7:00 PM
  • Location: Virtual (online) 
Meeting & Hearing Overview 

The virtual public meeting will begin at 6:00 PM and is intended to: 

  • Provide an overview of the proposed Concrete General Construction Permit and the General Concrete Operating Permit renewals
  • Explain the Department’s regulatory authority
  • Answer general questions from the public 

A formal public hearing will follow at 7:00 PM and will be conducted by a designated hearing officer. The purpose of the hearing is to receive formal public comments on the proposed permit renewals. Both oral and written comments will be accepted. 

To ensure all individuals have an opportunity to provide oral comments during the public hearing: 

  • Oral comments may be limited to a reasonable, fixed amount of time.
  • The number of representatives permitted to speak on behalf of any individual or organized group may also be limited.
  • Individuals with extended comments are encouraged to submit them in writing. Written comments will be entered into the official record and given the same consideration as oral comments.
  • Direct questioning during the public comment portion of the hearing will not be permitted. 
Public Participation & Accessibility 

Individuals with disabilities or special needs who wish to participate in the virtual meeting or hearing, or who would like to review Department files related to this permit, should contact Monica Taylor at (803) 898-7678 or Monica.Taylor@des.sc.gov no later than two (2) weeks before the hearing date to arrange any necessary accommodations or services. 

Public Comment Period 

The public comment period for the proposed Concrete General Permit Renewals will remain open until the close of business on March 03, 2026. 

Following the close of the comment period, BAQ will consider all comments received before making a final permitting decision. The final decision will be: 

  • Posted on this webpage, and
  • Provided by email or mail to individuals who:
  • Requested notification,
  • Attended the public meeting or hearing and provided contact information, or
  • Submitted written comments during the public comment period 
Pre-Registration 

Please complete the public hearing registration form by February 26, 2026, if you plan to participate in the virtual public meeting and public hearing. (Optional) 

Links to Public Notice/Submit Written Comments 

Written comments on the proposed Concrete General Permit Renewal will be accepted until March 03, 2026. Comments can be submitted:

  • By postal mail to Bureau of Air Quality, Air Permitting Division Director, 2600 Bull Street, SC 29201
  • By email to AirPNComments@des.sc.gov 

Contact Information 

Technical questions regarding the proposed permits: 

Kaleb Snider 
Phone: (803) 898-0508 
Email: Kaleb.Snider@des.sc.gov