Groundwater Resources News

News and Noteworthy Information

  • The 15A NCAC 02L.0100 Rules have been readopted and became effective June 1, 2022.
  • Here is a Brief Summary of Changes to the 15A NCAC 02L.0100 Rules.
  • Clarification to 15A NCAC 02C .0107(a)(2)(A) and (B); This memo clarifies the setback requirements between a water supply well and a septic system serving a single family dwelling.
  • Public Comments on revisions to N.C. Administrative Code's Groundwater Classifications and Standards Rule are being accepted through December 16, 2020. A summary of the changes can be found here. 
  • New: Well construction forms required by Division Of Water Resources maybe now be submitted online. Details can be found here and the link for online submission is https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/Forms/GW-1_Well_Construction_Form
  • Due to the current restrictions associated with Corona virus, please submit a copy of applications for all UIC permits to Michael Rogers at michael.rogers@ncdenr.gov if possible. If you do not have access to email, you may send hard copies to the mailing address shown in the application, although response times may be delayed until normal working conditions resume. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
  • The Rules Review Commission approved the readoption of 15A NCAC Subchapter 02C Well Construction Standards (02C .0100- Water Supply Wells, 02C .0200- Injection Wells, and 02C .0300- Private Drinking Water Wells). The 02C .0300 rules became effective on July 1, 2019.  The 02C .0100 and .0200 rules became effective September 1, 2019, with the exception of the .0107 and .0117 rules. These two rules had to go before legislation for final approval as required by Session Law (SL) 2018-65.  These final two rules were posted and became effective June 15, 2020.  

  • Guidelines for Monitored Natural Attenuation - February 15, 2018. Under 15A NCAC 02L .0106(k) and (l), Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) may be proposed as a corrective action remedy for groundwater contamination. However, in order to approve the use of MNA, extensive knowledge of the geological, hydrogeological, and geochemical properties of a site must be demonstrated in order to predict the time and direction of travel of a contaminant plume. Therefore, the purpose of this document is to outline the Division of Water Resource’s expectations for an approvable MNA Corrective Action Plan for inorganic contaminants. This guidance is NOT intended to address risk-based remediation.

  • Guidance for 2L/2B characterization: Surface water monitoring and characterization are important steps in determining compliance with the 15A NCAC 02B Rules and remedial strategies allowed under the 15A NCAC 02L .0106 Rules. Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) is not an allowable remedial alternative if contaminated groundwater discharging to surface water causes violations of the 15A NCAC 02B Surface Water Standards. This document is internal guidance for Division of Water Resources staff to aid in developing a strategy to collect data for the characterization of contaminated groundwater discharge to surface waters. Responsible parties and their consultants can use this guidance to understand the expectations that staff have when reviewing a proposed surface water characterization plan.

  • Guidelines for The Investigation and Remediation of Soil and Groundwater Contamination- July 17, 2020. The Soil and Groundwater Remediation guidance document provides instructions for those involved in the investigation and remediation of discharges or releases regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources, resulting in soil and groundwater contamination. This document provides information on the (1) statutes and rules governing groundwater investigations, (2) links to other appropriate policy and guidance documents, and (3) recommended process to comply with regulatory requirements. For site assessments and corrective purposes, this document in intended to provide guidance for those seeking Corrective Action PLan approval under 15A NCAC 02L.0106. For those seeking approval for site assessments and corrective action under Session Law 2015-286 through risk-based alternatives, please visit or Risk-Based Remediation webpage.

  • Lists of Approved Well Disinfection and Rehabilitation Chemicals and Specialty Grouts - View this file to see which substances have met regulatory requirements for use in addition to those substances specified in the 15A NCAC 02C .0100 well construction standards. Want to use a product that is not on the list? Refer to the Approval Procedure for Specialty Grout, Well Disinfection Methods and Materials, and Well Rehabilitation Methods and Materials for guidance on having a product evaluated for use.
     
  • List of Approved Injectants - View this file to see which substances have met regulatory requirements for use with injection wells. This list is updated as new injectants are approved for use. Submit the appropriate risk assessment form (microbial or non-microbial) with a permit application or notification form and the product will be evaluated for use.
     
  • Effective January 4, 2014, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act will implement changes to Section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regarding the sale and use of lead pipes, plumbing fittings or fixtures, solder, and flux. Details about the new "lead-free law" are available online at http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/ and
     http://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_report.cfm?dirEntryId=259890  
     
  • May 15, 2013 - Permit applications and permitted facilities can now be tracked using DEQ's interactive online maps. These tools are available on the Permit Process webpage under the Application & Permit Tracking heading.
     
  • BMP Guide for Managing Water Produced During Well Drilling