The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission announced on Mar. 24 that it will hold three public hearings to gather input on proposed rules for monitoring and minimizing the discharge of 1,4-dioxane into the state’s surface waters from certain facilities. The public comment period began on March 16.
The issue is important because 1,4-dioxane is considered likely to cause cancer, and its presence in wastewater could impact environmental and public health. The proposed rules aim to address concerns about contamination by setting requirements for monitoring and reducing this chemical in discharges.
The first hearing will take place at the Catawba County St. Stephens Branch Library in Hickory at 6 p.m. on April 9, with sign-in beginning at 5 p.m. Additional hearings are scheduled for April 14 at Fayetteville Technology Community College and May 12 at Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown, both starting at the same time with early registration available an hour before each event. Organizers note that these programs are not sponsored or endorsed by local library or county governments where they are held.
According to the announcement, written comments can be submitted via email to publiccomments@deq.nc.gov with “1,4-dioxane minimization” as the subject through June 15 or mailed to Bridget Shelton at DEQ-DWR Planning Section in Raleigh. The commission is considering new rules—specifically identified as rules 15A NCAC 02B .0513 and 15A NCAC 02H .0924—which would require certain industrial dischargers with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits and publicly owned treatment plants accepting waste from significant industrial users associated with specific industry types to monitor for the chemical’s presence.
If detected, affected facilities would need to develop plans aimed at reducing their direct or indirect discharges of the substance into surface water bodies. Public comments are also sought regarding whether a screening threshold higher than one microgram per liter should trigger ongoing monitoring requirements and whether rule applicability should expand beyond currently specified industry classifications.
Those wishing to attend may provide verbal or written remarks during hearings; speaking time may be limited based on attendance but prepared statements will be accepted as well. Details about the draft regulations can be found online under EMC proposed rules. Individuals needing translation services should contact Laura Oleniacz by March 31.
