Current Rate Schedules
New Buffer and Nutrient ILF Applications in Jordan Lake Upper New Hope and Lower New Hope Areas are Temporarily Suspended.
Current Rates
Request Mitigation | Stream, Wetland & Buffer Process | Nutrient Offset Process
Statewide Stream, Wetland and Riparian Buffer Rates
The payment amount for DMS to fulfill compensatory mitigation requirements is calculated using the current rate schedule. DMS rates reflect actual program costs for procurement of mitigation credits and program administration. Rates are posted below for standard rate areas as well as for premium rate areas where program costs are significantly higher. Payment amounts are based on the quantity and type of compensatory mitigation specified in the certifications, authorizations or permits issued by municipalities, the N.C. Division of Water Resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and/or the N.C. Division of Coastal Management, as applicable. For detailed information about requesting stream, wetland or buffer credits and invoicing follow this link.
Statewide Stream & Wetland ILF Program Rates for Standard Service Areas
| Service Area | Mitigation Type | DMS Rate Per Credit (through 6/30/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide Standard | Stream | $791.19 |
| Statewide Standard | Freshwater Wetland (Riparian & Non-Riparian) | $90,968.95 |
| Statewide Standard | Coastal Wetland | $770,924.04 |
Statewide Stream & Wetland ILF Program Rates for Premium Rate Areas (per 15A NCAC 02R .0402 (e))
| Service Area | Mitigation Type | DMS Rate Per Credit (through 6/30/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| French Broad 06010106 | Freshwater Wetlands (Riparian & Non-Riparian) | $132,556.92 |
| Little Tennessee 06010203 (also requests accepted in Little Tennessee Basin) | Freshwater Wetlands (Riparian & Non-Riparian) | $135,849.56 |
| Neuse 03020201 | Freshwater Wetlands (Riparian & Non-Riparian) | $136,034.98 |
| Yadkin 03040201 | Freshwater Wetlands (Riparian & Non-Riparian) | $159,935.20 |
Riparian Buffer ILF Rates for Standard Service Areas
| Service Area | Mitigation Type | DMS Rate per Credit (through 9/30/2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate Areas | Riparian Buffer (sq. ft.) | $1.28 |
Riparian Buffer ILF Rates for Premium Service Areas (per 15A NCAC 02R .0601 (c))
| Service Area | Mitigation Type | DMS Rate per Credit (through 9/30/2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Fear Randleman | Riparian Buffer | $6.03 |
Cape Fear Jordan Lake Upper & Lower New Hope | Riparian Buffer | Temporarily suspended |
Neuse Upper or Lower Falls Lake | Riparian Buffer | $3.60 |
| Goose Creek | Riparian Buffer | $1.79 |
Rate Adjustments
Upcoming rate adjustments are posted two weeks in advance of the effective date of the update.
Pursuant to 15A NCAC 02R .0402(f) the rate schedule for the DMS Statewide Stream and Wetland In-Lieu Fee Program shall be evaluated and adjusted annually based on actual program costs.
Pursuant to 15A NCAC 02R .0601, the rate schedule for the DMS Riparian Buffer Mitigation ILF Program shall be evaluated quarterly and updated if needed and also adjusted annually to reflect actual program costs.
Nutrient Offset Rates
DMS also calculates the rates for nutrient offset credits using an actual cost method. All costs associated with achieving nutrient reductions inclusive of contracts with private entities to design and build offset projects, expenditures for land acquisition and program administrative costs are included. The method ensures that revenues and expenditures are in balance. A customer's total payment is based on the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus specified in the verification letter issued by local governments reviewing and approving the development project. Pursuant to 15A NCAC 02R .0602, the rate schedule for the DMS Nutrient Offset In-Lieu Fee Program shall be adjusted annually and evaluated quarterly. Upcoming rate adjustments are posted two weeks in advance of the effective date of the update.
Nutrient Offset Rates Per Credit (note: these are "term" credit rates*)
| Service Area | Nutrient | DMS Rate (per pound) (through 9/30/2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Lake Watershed- Haw | Nitrogen | $158.76 |
| Jordan Lake Watershed- Haw | Phosphorus | $971.99 |
| Jordan Lake Watershed- Upper & Lower New Hope | N/A | Temporarily suspended |
| Neuse Program (03020202, 03020203, 03020204) | Nitrogen | $18.70 |
| Neuse 03020201 Outside the Falls Lake Watershed | Nitrogen | $28.22 |
| Neuse- Falls Lake Watershed | Nitrogen | $7.48 |
| Neuse- Falls Lake Watershed | Phosphorus | $530.07 |
| Tar-Pamlico Basin | Nitrogen | $12.75 |
| Tar-Pamlico Basin | Phosphorus | $188.55 |
*Guidance and rates for permanent nutrient offset credits are under development.