John Nicholson Chief Deputy Secretary | North Carolina Department Of Environmental Quality
John Nicholson Chief Deputy Secretary | North Carolina Department Of Environmental Quality
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources is set to hold a public hearing on April 22. The hearing will discuss proposed changes to the state’s surface water quality standards. A planned update will introduce a standard for E. coli to detect pathogens in recreational waters.
These changes are part of a triennial update required by both federal and state law. The process reviews current standards in light of existing regulations, EPA water quality criteria, and new ecological, health, and toxicological insights.
The surface water standards aim to protect various water uses, such as recreation and water supply. Compliance with the federal Clean Water Act mandates states to adopt standards safeguarding surface waters from pollution.
The public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Raleigh at the Ground Floor Hearing Room, Archdale Building. Registration for speakers will open at 5 p.m.
A key proposal will replace the fecal coliform standard with one for E. coli, specifically in Class B waterways designated for primary recreation. The proposed criteria involve a standard based on samples measuring 126 colony forming units per 100 milliliters, derived from at least five samples in 30 days. The rule stipulates no more than 20% of samples should exceed 274 colony forming units per 100 milliliters.
In addition to the primary changes, the revisions will clarify requirements for obtaining variances to water quality standards. The department is also open to comments on existing standards and other topics outside the current rulemaking scope.
Additional information, including the exact language of the proposals, is accessible online. Comments are welcome via email or postal mail until May 2.
For those attending the hearing, parking is available across the street from the Archdale Building after 5 p.m. Details for parking can be found on the Interactive State Parking Map. Additionally, the department has provided contact information for language assistance services.
The public hearing will conclude by 9 p.m. unless all registered speakers have been heard before that time.
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