Public notice: The Environmental Management Commission (EMC) is intending to amend the rule, 15A NCAC 02L .0202 Groundwater Quality Standards, in order to establish groundwater standards for three per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): PFOA, PFOS, and GenX. Read the full notice published online in the November 1, 2024 edition of the North Carolina Register.
Groundwater quality standards are the maximum allowable concentrations resulting from any discharge of contaminants to the land or waters of the state, which may be tolerated without creating a threat to human health or which would otherwise render the groundwater unsuitable for use as an existing or potential source of drinking water supply for humans. PFAS are a group of chemicals of specific concern in North Carolina. To ensure the protection of the groundwaters of North Carolina, it is necessary to identify sources of PFAS contamination in groundwater, prevent further contamination, and take steps to remediate any existing contamination.
The associated Regulatory Impact Analysis was approved by OSBM on August 14, 2024.
Comments: Public comments will be accepted between November 1 and December 31, 2024. Comments may be submitted to: Bridget Shelton, NC DEQ Division of Water Resources, Planning Section, 1611 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1611, or by email to GWTriRevComments@deq.nc.gov
Public hearings: Public hearings have been scheduled at the locations, dates, and times below:
Date: November 21, 2024, 6:00p.m.
Location: Pine and Fraser Fir Rooms, Mecklenburg County Land Use & Environmental Services Building, 2145 Suttle Ave., Charlotte, NC 28208
Date: December 2, 2024, 6:00p.m.
Location: U-170, Union Station Building, Cape Fear Community College, 502 N. Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Date: December 3, 2024, 6:00p.m.
Location: Ground Floor Hearing Room, Archdale Building, 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27604
At each hearing, speaker registration and sign-in will begin at 5:00 p.m. Each hearing will conclude by 9:00 p.m., however the hearing officer may conclude the hearing earlier if all registered speakers have been heard. The Hearing Officer may limit the length of time for each speaker to allow everyone an opportunity to be heard. Written comments and copies of prepared remarks will be accepted at each hearing.
If you would like materials translated or require interpretation for an upcoming hearing, please contact Josh Kastrinsky at josh.kastrinsky@deq.nc.gov one week before the hearing date.
Procedure for Subjecting a Proposed Rule to Legislative Review: If an objection is not resolved prior to the adoption of the rule, a person may also submit written objections to the Rules Review Commission. If the Rules Review Commission receives written and signed objections in accordance with G.S. 150B-21.3(b2) from 10 or more persons clearly requesting review by the legislature and the Rules Review Commission approves the rule, the rule will become effective as provided in G.S. 150B-21.3(b1). The Commission will receive written objections until 5 p.m. on the day following the day the Commission approves the rule. The Commission will receive those objections by mail, delivery service, hand delivery, or facsimile transmission. If you have any further questions concerning the submission of objections to the Commission, please call a Commission staff attorney at 919-431-3000.