Groundwater Triennial Review and Rulemaking
Recent Rule Revisions:
On March 10, 2022 the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) approved revisions to the 15A NCAC 02L .0202 Groundwater Quality Standards rule. The revised rules were reviewed and approved by the Office of Administrative Hearings, Rules Review Commission (RRC) on March 17, 2022. They became effective on April 1, 2022.
Additional information:
- 15A NCAC 02L .0202 Groundwater Quality Standards Rule (effective April 1, 2022)
- OSBM Approved Regulatory Impact Analysis
- Rulemaking Supporting Information
- Written Comments Received by DEQ
- Recording of the Groundwater Standards Public Hearing
- Report of Proceedings for Proposed Revisions to the 15A NCAC 02L .0202 Groundwater Quality Standards Rules (Hearing Officer's Report)
Past Rule Revisions:
On January 10, 2013, the EMC approved revisions to the 15A NCAC 02L groundwater rules to ensure that groundwater standards are protective of water supplies and are established using the most recent U.S. EPA health effects information. Subsequently, the revised rules were reviewed and approved, with minor technical changes, by the RRC on March 21, 2013. They became effective April 1, 2013.
Background information is contained in EMC Hearing Officer's report, Office of State Budget Management (OSBM) certified economic analysis, are provided below:
Rule Review History:
On March 6, 2018, the 15A NCAC 02L .0202 Groundwater Quality Standards rule was categorized as necessary without substantive public interest, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §150B-21.3A. Adopted in 2013, N.C. Gen. Stat. §150B-21.3A requires state agencies to review existing rules every 10 years. The initial review of the groundwater standards rules was completed during the first five years following 2013. In addition to the initial rule review, the DWR held stakeholder meetings in 2014-2016 on the subject of all of its water quality program rules, including the groundwater standards rules. The EMC determined that the 15A NCAC 02L .0200 and .0300 rules were necessary without substantive public interest and upheld that determination following public comment. At the February 1, 2018 meeting, the RRC determined that the 15A NCAC 02L .0200 and .0300 rules were necessary without substantive public interest effective March 6, 2018.