The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources has scheduled a public hearing on June 26 to discuss a revised definition of “wetlands” in state regulations. The hearing is open to public participation, either in-person or remotely via computer or phone.
This revision aims to align the state definition of wetlands with those under federal jurisdiction, following the directives of the 2023 NC Farm Act, SL 2023-63, known as “An Act to Make Various Changes to the Agricultural and Wastewater Laws of this State.” This legislation, effective June 27, 2023, necessitated the rule change. The Environmental Management Commission has advanced the proposed rule, and the Regulatory Impact Analysis was sanctioned by the N.C. Office of State Budget and Management on December 31, 2024.
The public hearing is intended to gather verbal comments on the proposed amendment to rule 15A NCAC 02B .0202.
Details for the public hearing are as follows:
– Date and Time: June 26, 2025, at 6 p.m.
– Venue: Ground Floor Hearing Room, Archdale Building, 512 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC
– Online Access: [Meeting Link](https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/j.php?MTID=mc924957b9d3395883ef8e61c5eda6d54)
– Meeting Number: 2425 792 4510
– Password: NCDEQ
– Phone Access: 1-415-655-0003, Access Code: 2425 792 4510
Potential speakers are encouraged to register for the in-person session starting at 5:30 p.m. To participate virtually, registration is necessary by noon on June 26 via [registration link](https://forms.office.com/g/ApH3aQwDQg). Attendees should log into Webex with their full names for identification during the comment session. Further instructions on joining the meeting are available on the NCDEQ website.
The hearing will conclude at 9 p.m. or earlier if all registered speakers have voiced their comments. The hearing officer may limit speaking times to accommodate all participants. Written comments and remarks are also welcome.
In addition to the hearing, written public comments can be submitted by mail or email from May 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. Emails should be sent to Sue.Homewood@deq.nc.gov, with “Wetland Definition Amendment” in the subject line. Written submissions can be mailed to Sue Homewood, Division of Water Resources, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617.
Proposed permanent rules and additional documents are accessible online.
