The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources is set to conduct a public hearing on June 26. The hearing will focus on the revised definition of “wetlands” within state regulations. Attendees can join either in person or virtually.
This revision confines wetlands protected under state water quality rules to those under federal jurisdiction. The change to rule 15A NCAC 02B .0202 follows the directives of the 2023 NC Farm Act, SL 2023-63, titled “An Act to Make Various Changes to the Agricultural and Wastewater Laws of this State.”
The session law, effective from June 27, 2023, required immediate implementation of the new definition and tasked the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) with adopting a rule that aligns with it. The EMC approved moving forward with the proposed rule, and the associated Regulatory Impact Analysis received approval from the N.C. Office of State Budget and Management on December 31, 2024.
The public hearing aims to gather verbal comments from interested parties regarding the amendment to rule 15A NCAC 02B .0202.
Details for attending are as follows:
– Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025
– Time: 6 p.m.
– Location: Ground Floor Hearing Room, Archdale Building, Raleigh, NC
– Online Access: Meeting link available via Webex
For those wishing to speak at the hearing, registration begins at 5:30 p.m. for in-person attendees. Virtual participants must register by noon on June 26 through a provided link.
Participants are encouraged to log into Webex using their full names for identification during comment periods. Instructions for joining are available online.
The hearing will conclude by 9 p.m., but may end earlier if all speakers have been heard. The officer in charge may limit speaking time to ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute. Written comments will also be accepted until June 30 via email or mail.
Comments should be sent via email with “Wetland Definition Amendment” in the subject line or mailed directly to Sue Homewood at the Division of Water Resources.
Supporting documents and proposed rules are accessible online for review.
