S.C. Code Regs. § § 30-3
Section 48-39-140(C) directs the Department to hold public hearings on permit applications if it is deemed necessary. Section 48-39-150(B) requires the Department to convene a public hearing before acting on an application if twenty or more citizens or residents of the affected county or counties request such a hearing. Each request must be in writing and on a separate sheet of paper and be received within thirty days after publication of a Public Notice of the permit application (15 days for a minor activity). In all cases, the public hearing shall be held in the county where the land is located, and if in more than one county, the Department shall determine in which county to hold the hearing or may hold hearings in more than one county. When applicable and practical, joint public hearings will be held with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and/or other agencies.
S.C. Code Regs. § 30-3