Based on current guidance to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, the NC Department of Environmental Quality is providing notice of the change of procedure for the public hearing on the proposed changes to rules for the NC Coastal Reserve at 15A NCAC 07O. The public hearing will still be conducted at the same date and time, but instead of an in-person meeting, it will be held virtually. In accordance with G.S. 150B-21.2 and G.S. 150B-21.3A(c)(2)g. the Department of Environmental Quality intends to adopt the rule cited as 15A NCAC 07O .0203, amend the rules cited as 15A NCAC 07O .0102, .0105, and readopt with substantive changes the rules cited as 15A NCAC 07O .0101, .0103, .0104, .0201, and .0202.
Link to agency website pursuant to G.S. 150B-19.1(c): https://deq.nc.gov/permits-regulations/rules-regulations/proposed-main
Proposed Effective Date: November 1, 2021
PUBLIC HEARING
If you wish to speak at the public hearing, sign up using the SPEAKER SIGN-UP FORM here by August 25, 2021 at 5 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
For those who are unable to attend the public hearing or who experience technical difficulties, comments can also be submitted to:
Comment period ends: September 13, 2021
Documents can be found here: https://deq.nc.gov/documents/15a-ncac-07o-–-coastal-reserve
15A NCAC 07O has remained largely unchanged since it was first adopted in 1986. The Department of Environmental Quality is proposing rule amendments for the North Carolina Coastal Reserve. These amendments will satisfy the Legislative Periodic Review and Expiration of Existing Rules process requirements (G.S. 150B-21.3A), and address priority updates to enhance clarity of existing rules and address issues and gaps to ensure effective management of the North Carolina Coastal Reserve in accordance with G.S. 113A-129.1-3 (Coastal Area Management Act).