Sam Chan Director of Public Affairs | North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Sam Chan Director of Public Affairs | North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources (DWR) has scheduled a public hearing for April 22 to gather feedback on proposed updates to the state's surface water quality standards. These revisions include introducing a standard for E. coli as an indicator of pathogens in recreational waters.
The changes to 15A NCAC 02B .0200 are part of a routine triennial update mandated by federal and state laws. This process reviews existing standards in light of the Environmental Protection Agency's recommendations and updates in ecological, health, and toxicity data.
Surface water standards in North Carolina serve to protect water bodies based on their designated uses, including recreation and water supply. The federal Clean Water Act requires states to establish standards to shield surface waters from pollution.
Details of the public hearing are as follows: it will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Ground Floor Hearing Room, Archdale Building, Raleigh, NC. Registration for speakers opens at 5 p.m.
The proposals suggest using E. coli as a more specific indicator for disease-causing organisms in recreational waters, replacing the broader fecal coliform standard. This change applies to Class B waterways, with specifics such as 126 colony forming units per 100 milliliters based on at least five samples over 30 days, and limits on sample exceedances to no more than 20%.
These proposed changes align with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2012 Recreational Water Quality Criteria. Additionally, the changes aim to provide clarity on obtaining variances for water quality standards.
During the hearing, DEQ will also solicit feedback on the existing water quality standard variances and other related topics. Comments on the proposed changes can be submitted until May 2 by email to SWTriRevComments2025@deq.nc.gov or by mail to Christopher Ventaloro at NC DEQ-DWR Planning Section.
The public hearing will close by 9 p.m. unless all registered speakers have presented. Parking is available at Parking Deck 64 after 5 p.m., across from the Archdale Building.
For those needing information in different languages, contact details are provided for translations.
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