Article 9.
Solid Waste Management.
Part 1. Definitions.
§ 130A‑290.  Definitions.
(a)	Unless a different meaning is required by the context, the following definitions shall apply throughout this Article:
(1)	"Affiliate" has the same meaning as in 17 Code of Federal Regulations § 240.12b‑2 (1 April 1996 Edition).
(1a)	"Business entity" has the same meaning as in G.S. 55‑1‑40(2a).
(1b)	"CERCLA/SARA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, Pub. L. No. 96‑510, 94 Stat. 2767, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq., as amended, and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99‑499, 100 Stat. 1613, as amended.
(1c)	"Chemical or portable toilet" means a self‑contained mobile toilet facility and holding tank and includes toilet facilities in recreational vehicles.
(1d)	"Chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant" means any of the following when used as a liquid heat transfer agent in a mechanical refrigeration system: carbon tetrachloride, chlorofluorocarbons, halons, or methyl chloroform.
(2)	"Closure" means the cessation of operation of a solid waste management facility and the act of securing the facility so that it will pose no significant threat to human health or the environment.
(2a)	Recodified as subdivision (a)(2d) at the direction of the Revisor of Statutes. See note.
(2b)	"Coal combustion residuals" means residuals, including fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, mill rejects, and flue gas desulfurization residue produced by a coal‑fired generating unit destined for disposal. The term does not include coal combustion products as defined in G.S. 130A‑309.201(4).
(2c)	"Coal combustion residuals landfill" means a facility or unit for the disposal of combustion products, where the landfill is located at the same facility with the coal‑fired generating unit or units producing the combustion products, and where the landfill is located wholly or partly on top of a facility that is, or was, being used for the disposal or storage of such combustion products, including, but not limited to, landfills, wet and dry ash ponds, and structural fill facilities.
(2d)	"Coal‑fired generating unit" means a coal‑fired generating unit, as defined by 40 Code of Federal Regulations § 96.2 (1 July 2001 Edition), that is located in this State and has the capacity to generate 25 or more megawatts of electricity.
(3)	"Commercial" when applied to a hazardous waste facility, means a hazardous waste facility that accepts hazardous waste from the general public or from another person for a fee.
(3a)	"Commission" means the Environmental Management Commission.
(4)	"Construction" or "demolition" when used in connection with "waste" or "debris" means solid waste resulting solely from construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition operations on pavement, buildings, or other structures, but does not include inert debris, land‑clearing debris or yard debris.
(4a)	"Department" means the Department of Environmental Quality.
(5)	Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 594, s. 1.
(6)	"Disposal" means the discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking or placing of any solid waste into or on any land or water so that the solid waste or any constituent part of the solid waste may enter the environment or be emitted into the air or discharged into any waters, including groundwaters.
(7)	"Garbage" means all putrescible wastes, including animal offal and carcasses, and recognizable industrial by‑products, but excluding sewage and human waste.
(8)	"Hazardous waste" means a solid waste, or combination of solid wastes, which because of its quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may:
a.	Cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness; or
b.	Pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of or otherwise managed.
(8a)	"Hazardous waste constituent" has the same meaning as in 40 Code of Federal Regulations § 260.10 (1 July 2006).
(9)	"Hazardous waste facility" means a facility for the collection, storage, processing, treatment, recycling, recovery, or disposal of hazardous waste. Hazardous waste facility does not include a hazardous waste transfer facility that meets the requirements of 40 Code of Federal Regulations § 263.12 (1 July 2006).
(10)	"Hazardous waste generation" means the act or process of producing hazardous waste.
(11)	"Hazardous waste disposal facility" means any facility or any portion of a facility for disposal of hazardous waste on or in land in accordance with rules adopted under this Article.
(12)	"Hazardous waste management" means the systematic control of the collection, source separation, storage, transportation, processing, treatment, recovery and disposal of hazardous wastes.
(13)	"Hazardous waste management program" means the program and activities within the Department pursuant to Part 2 of this Article, for hazardous waste management.
(13a)	"Hazardous waste transfer facility" means a facility or location where a hazardous waste transporter stores hazardous waste for a period of more than 24 hours but less than 10 days.
(13b)	"Industrial solid waste" means solid waste generated by manufacturing or industrial processes that is not hazardous waste.
(14)	"Inert debris" means solid waste which consists solely of material that is virtually inert and that is likely to retain its physical and chemical structure under expected conditions of disposal.
(15)	"Land‑clearing debris" means solid waste which is generated solely from land‑clearing activities.
(16)	"Landfill" means a disposal facility or part of a disposal facility where waste is placed in or on land and which is not a land treatment facility, a surface impoundment, an injection well, a hazardous waste long‑term storage facility or a surface storage facility.
(16a)	"Leachate" means a liquid that has passed through or emerged from solid waste and contains soluble, suspended, or miscible materials removed from such waste. The term "leachate" does not include liquid adhering to tires of vehicles leaving a sanitary landfill and transfer stations.
(17)	"Manifest" means the form used for identifying the quantity, composition and the origin, routing and destination of hazardous waste during its transportation from the point of generation to the point of disposal, treatment or storage.
(17a)	"Medical waste" means any solid waste which is generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals, in research pertaining thereto, or in the production or testing of biologicals, but does not include any hazardous waste identified or listed pursuant to this Article, radioactive waste, household waste as defined in 40 Code of Federal Regulations § 261.4(b)(1) in effect on 1 July 1989, or those substances excluded from the definition of "solid waste" in this section.
(18)	"Motor vehicle oil filter" means a filter that removes impurities from the oil used to lubricate an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle.
(18a)	"Municipal solid waste" means any solid waste resulting from the operation of residential, commercial, industrial, governmental, or institutional establishments that would normally be collected, processed, and disposed of through a public or private solid waste management service. Municipal solid waste does not include hazardous waste, sludge, industrial waste managed in a solid waste management facility owned and operated by the generator of the industrial waste for management of that waste, or solid waste from mining or agricultural operations.
(18b)	"Municipal solid waste management facility" means any publicly or privately owned solid waste management facility permitted by the Department that receives municipal solid waste for processing, treatment, or disposal.
(19)	"Natural resources" means all materials which have useful physical or chemical properties which exist, unused, in nature.
(20)	"Open dump" means any facility or site where solid waste is disposed of that is not a sanitary landfill and that is not a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment or a facility for the disposal of hazardous waste.
(21)	"Operator" means any person, including the owner, who is principally engaged in, and is in charge of, the actual operation, supervision, and maintenance of a solid waste management facility and includes the person in charge of a shift or periods of operation during any part of the day.
(21a)	"Parent" has the same meaning as in 17 Code of Federal Regulations § 240.12b‑2 (1 April 1996 Edition).
(22)	"Person" means an individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, unit of local government, State agency, federal agency or other legal entity.
(22a)	"Pre‑1983 landfill" means any land area, whether publicly or privately owned, on which municipal solid waste disposal occurred prior to 1 January 1983 but not thereafter, but does not include any landfill used primarily for the disposal of industrial solid waste.
(23)	"Processing" means any technique designed to change the physical, chemical, or biological character or composition of any solid waste so as to render it safe for transport; amenable to recovery, storage or recycling; safe for disposal; or reduced in volume or concentration.
(24)	"Recovered material" means a material that has known recycling potential, can be feasibly recycled, and has been diverted or removed from the solid waste stream for sale, use, or reuse. In order to qualify as a recovered material, a material must meet the requirements of G.S. 130A‑309.05(c).
(25)	"RCRA" means the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, Pub. L. 94‑580, 90 Stat. 2795, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq., as amended.
(26)	"Recyclable material" means those materials which are capable of being recycled and which would otherwise be processed or disposed of as solid waste.
(27)	"Recycling" means any process by which solid waste, or materials which would otherwise become solid waste, are collected, separated, or processed, and reused or returned to use in the form of raw materials or products.
(28)	"Refuse" means all nonputrescible waste.
(28a)	"Refuse‑derived fuel" means fuel that consists of municipal solid waste from which recyclable and noncombustible materials are removed so that the remaining material is used for energy production.
(29)	"Resource recovery" means the process of obtaining material or energy resources from discarded solid waste which no longer has any useful life in its present form and preparing the solid waste for recycling.
(30)	"Reuse" means a process by which resources are reused or rendered usable.
(31)	"Sanitary landfill" means a facility for disposal of solid waste on land in a sanitary manner in accordance with the rules concerning sanitary landfills adopted under this Article.
(31a)	"Secretary" means the Secretary of Environmental Quality.
(32)	"Septage" means solid waste that is a fluid mixture of untreated and partially treated sewage solids, liquids, and sludge of human or domestic origin which is removed from a wastewater system. The term septage includes the following:
a.	Domestic septage, which is either liquid or solid material removed from a septic tank, cesspool, portable toilet, Type III marine sanitation device, or similar treatment works receiving only domestic sewage. Domestic septage does not include liquid or solid material removed from a septic tank, cesspool, or similar treatment works receiving either commercial wastewater or industrial wastewater and does not include grease removed from a grease trap at a restaurant.
b.	Domestic treatment plant septage, which is solid, semisolid, or liquid residue generated during the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment works where the designed disposal is subsurface. Domestic treatment plant septage includes, but is not limited to, scum or solids removed in primary, secondary, or advanced wastewater treatment processes and a material derived from domestic treatment plant septage. Domestic treatment plant septage does not include ash generated during the firing of domestic treatment plant septage in an incinerator or grit and screenings generated during preliminary treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment works.
c.	Grease septage, which is material pumped from grease interceptors, separators, traps, or other appurtenances used for the purpose of removing cooking oils, fats, grease, and food debris from the waste flow generated from food handling, preparation, and cleanup.
d.	Industrial or commercial septage, which is material pumped from septic tanks or other devices used in the collection, pretreatment, or treatment of any water‑carried waste resulting from any process of industry, manufacture, trade, or business where the design disposal of the wastewater is subsurface. Domestic septage mixed with any industrial or commercial septage is considered industrial or commercial septage.
e.	Industrial or commercial treatment plant septage, which is solid, semisolid, or liquid residue generated during the treatment of sewage that contains any waste resulting from any process of industry, manufacture, trade, or business in a treatment works where the designed disposal is subsurface. Industrial or commercial treatment plant septage includes, but is not limited to, scum or solids removed in primary, secondary, or advanced wastewater treatment processes and a material derived from domestic treatment plant septage. Industrial or commercial treatment plant septage does not include ash generated during the firing of industrial or commercial treatment plant septage in an incinerator or grit and screenings generated during preliminary treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment works.
(33)	"Septage management firm" means a person engaged in the business of pumping, transporting, storing, treating or disposing septage. The term does not include public or community wastewater systems that treat or dispose septage.
(34)	"Sludge" means any solid, semisolid or liquid waste generated from a municipal, commercial, institutional or industrial wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment plant or air pollution control facility, or any other waste having similar characteristics and effects.
(35)	"Solid waste" means any hazardous or nonhazardous garbage, refuse or sludge from a waste treatment plant, water supply treatment plant or air pollution control facility, domestic sewage and sludges generated by the treatment thereof in sanitary sewage collection, treatment and disposal systems, and other material that is either discarded or is being accumulated, stored or treated prior to being discarded, or has served its original intended use and is generally discarded, including solid, liquid, semisolid or contained gaseous material resulting from industrial, institutional, commercial and agricultural operations, and from community activities. Notwithstanding sub‑sub‑subdivision b.3. of this subdivision, the term includes coal combustion residuals. The term does not include:
a.	Fecal waste from fowls and animals other than humans.
b.	Solid or dissolved material in:
1.	Domestic sewage and sludges generated by treatment thereof in sanitary sewage collection, treatment and disposal systems which are designed to discharge effluents to the surface waters.
2.	Irrigation return flows.
3.	Wastewater discharges and the sludges incidental to and generated by treatment which are point sources subject to permits granted under Section 402 of the Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (P.L. 92‑500), and permits granted under G.S. 143‑215.1 by the Commission, including coal combustion products. However, any sludges that meet the criteria for hazardous waste under RCRA shall also be a solid waste for the purposes of this Article.
c.	Oils and other liquid hydrocarbons controlled under Article 21A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes. However, any oils or other liquid hydrocarbons that meet the criteria for hazardous waste under RCRA shall also be a solid waste for the purposes of this Article.
d.	Any source, special nuclear or byproduct material as defined by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 2011).
e.	Mining refuse covered by the North Carolina Mining Act, G.S. 74‑46 through 74‑68 and regulated by the North Carolina Mining Commission (as defined under G.S. 143B‑293.1). However, any specific mining waste that meets the criteria for hazardous waste under RCRA shall also be a solid waste for the purposes of this Article.
f.	Recovered material.
g.	Steel slag that is a product of the electric arc furnace steelmaking process; provided, that such steel slag is sold and distributed in the stream of commerce for consumption, use, or further processing into another desired commodity and is managed as an item of commercial value in a controlled manner and not as a discarded material or in a manner constituting disposal.
(36)	"Solid waste disposal site" means any place at which solid wastes are disposed of by incineration, sanitary landfill or any other method.
(37)	"Solid waste generation" means the act or process of producing solid waste.
(38)	"Solid waste management" means purposeful, systematic control of the generation, storage, collection, transport, separation, treatment, processing, recycling, recovery and disposal of solid waste.
(39)	"Solid waste management facility" means land, personnel and equipment used in the management of solid waste.
(40)	"Special wastes" means solid wastes that can require special handling and management, including white goods, whole tires, used oil, lead‑acid batteries, and medical wastes.
(41)	"Storage" means the containment of solid waste, either on a temporary basis or for a period of years, in a manner which does not constitute disposal.
(41a)	"Subsidiary" has the same meaning as in 17 Code of Federal Regulations § 240.12b‑2 (1 April 1996 Edition).
(41b)	"Tire‑derived fuel" means a form of fuel derived from scrap tires.
(42)	"Treatment" means any method, technique or process, including neutralization, designed to change the physical, chemical or biological character or composition of any hazardous waste so as to neutralize such waste or so as to render such waste nonhazardous, safer for transport, amenable for recovery, amenable for storage or reduced in volume. "Treatment" includes any activity or processing designed to change the physical form or chemical composition of hazardous waste so as to render it nonhazardous.
(43)	"Unit of local government" means a county, city, town or incorporated village.
(44)	"White goods" includes refrigerators, ranges, water heaters, freezers, unit air conditioners, washing machines, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and other similar domestic and commercial large appliances.
(44a)	"Wooden pallet" means a wooden object consisting of a flat or horizontal deck or platform supported by structural components that is used as a base for assembling, stacking, handling, and transporting goods.
(45)	"Yard trash" means solid waste consisting solely of vegetative matter resulting from landscaping maintenance.
(b)	Unless a different meaning is required by the context, the following definitions shall apply throughout G.S. 130A‑309.15 through G.S. 130A‑309.24:
(1)	"Public used oil collection center" means:
a.	Automotive service facilities or governmentally sponsored collection facilities, which in the course of business accept for disposal small quantities of used oil from households; and
b.	Facilities which store used oil in aboveground tanks, which are approved by the Department, and which in the course of business accept for disposal small quantities of used oil from households.
(2)	"Reclaiming" means the use of methods, other than those used in rerefining, to purify used oil primarily to remove insoluble contaminants, making the oil suitable for further use; the methods may include settling, heating, dehydration, filtration, or centrifuging.
(3)	"Recycling" means to prepare used oil for reuse as a petroleum product by rerefining, reclaiming, reprocessing, or other means or to use used oil in a manner that substitutes for a petroleum product made from new oil.
(4)	"Rerefining" means the use of refining processes on used oil to produce high‑quality base stocks for lubricants or other petroleum products. Rerefining may include distillation, hydrotreating, or treatments employing acid, caustic, solvent, clay, or other chemicals, or other physical treatments other than those used in reclaiming.
(5)	"Used oil" means any oil which has been refined from crude oil or synthetic oil and, as a result of use, storage, or handling, has become unsuitable for its original purpose due to the presence of impurities or loss of original properties, but which may be suitable for further use and is economically recyclable.
(6)	"Used oil recycling facility" means any facility that recycles more than 10,000 gallons of used oil annually.  (1969, c. 899; 1975, c. 311, s. 2; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1216; 1979, c. 464, s. 1; 1981, c. 704, s. 4; 1983, c. 795, ss. 1, 8.1; c. 891, s. 2; 1983 (Reg. Sess., 1984), c. 973, s. 2; 1985, c. 738, s. 1; 1987, c. 574, s. 1; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1020, s. 1; c. 1058, s. 1; 1989, c. 168, s. 11; c. 742, s. 5; c. 784, s. 1; 1991, c. 342, s. 7; c. 621, s. 1; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1013, s. 7; 1993, c. 173, ss. 1‑3; c. 471, ss. 1, 2; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, ss. 1‑5; 1997‑27, s. 1; 1997‑330, s. 3; 1997‑443, s. 11A.81; 2005‑362, s. 1; 2007‑107, ss. 1.1(c), 1.8(a), (b); 2007‑550, ss. 7(a), 12(a), (b); 2012‑143, s. 1(d); 2013‑413, s. 59.3; 2014‑4, s. 5(c); 2014‑115, s. 17; 2014‑122, s. 3(d); 2015‑1, s. 2(a); 2015‑241, ss. 14.30(u), (v).)

Part 2. Solid and Hazardous Waste Management.
§ 130A‑291.  Division of Waste Management.
(a)	For the purpose of promoting and preserving an environment that is conducive to public health and welfare, and preventing the creation of nuisances and the depletion of our natural resources, the Department shall maintain a Division of Waste Management to promote sanitary processing, treatment, disposal, and statewide management of solid waste and the greatest possible recycling and recovery of resources, and the Department shall employ and retain qualified personnel as may be necessary to effect such purposes. It is the purpose and intent of the State to be and remain cognizant not only of its responsibility to authorize and establish a statewide solid waste management program, but also of its responsibility to monitor and supervise, through the Department, the activities and operations of units of local government implementing a permitted solid waste management facility serving a specified geographic area in accordance with a solid waste management plan.
(b)	In furtherance of this purpose and intent, it is hereby determined and declared that it is necessary for the health and welfare of the inhabitants of the State that solid waste management facilities permitted hereunder and serving a specified geographic area shall be used by public or private owners or occupants of all lands, buildings, and premises within the geographic area. Actions taken pursuant to this Article shall be deemed to be acts of the sovereign power of the State of North Carolina, and to the extent reasonably necessary to achieve the purposes of this section, a unit of local government may displace competition with public service for solid waste management and disposal. It is further determined and declared that no person, firm, corporation, association or entity within the geographic area shall engage in any activities which would be competitive with this purpose or with ordinances, rules adopted pursuant to the authority granted herein.
(c)	Except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this section, a unit of local government may, by ordinance, franchise, business license, contract, or otherwise, require that all solid waste generated within the geographic area and placed in the waste stream for disposal be delivered to the permitted solid waste management facility or facilities serving the geographic area only under one of the following conditions:
(1)	If the unit of local government has debt associated with solid waste management facilities and equipment outstanding on September 1, 2017, the unit of local government may adopt and enforce such an ordinance until the date that such debt has matured.
(2)	If the unit of local government incurs debt after September 1, 2017, and the issuance of the debt will be conditioned upon the unit of local government requiring that all waste collected within the county be disposed of within the landfill, for expansion of a landfill or construction of a new landfill after all necessary approvals for issuance of the debt have been obtained from the Local Government Commission in compliance with Chapter 159 of the General Statutes, including the demonstration of need and cost required by G.S. 159‑216, the unit of local government may adopt and enforce such an ordinance until the date the debt associated with expansion of the landfill, or construction of the new landfill, has matured.
(3)	If the unit of local government is a party to an exclusive franchise agreement with a private entity governing the management or disposal of waste within the jurisdiction in effect on September 1, 2017, the unit of local government may adopt and enforce such an ordinance until the date that such franchise has expired.
(4)	Expired June 30, 2019, pursuant to Session Laws 2018‑114, s. 20(b).
(d)	Notwithstanding any limitations set forth in subsection (c) of this section, and except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, a regional solid waste management authority established under Article 22 of Chapter 153A of the General Statutes, and a unit of local government that is a member of an authority, may, by ordinance, require that all solid waste generated within its jurisdiction and placed in the waste stream for disposal be delivered to the permitted solid waste management facility or facilities operated by the regional solid waste management authority.
(e)	Notwithstanding authority given to local governments to manage solid waste generated or disposed of within their jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (c) or (d) of this section, or otherwise, units of local government shall not, by ordinance or otherwise, prohibit the disposal of construction and demolition debris in any sanitary landfill permitted for the disposal of construction and demolition debris, which landfill has a valid and operative franchise agreement and is otherwise properly permitted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑294.  (1969, c. 899; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1975, c. 311, s. 3; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1216; 1983, c. 795, ss. 2, 8.1; c. 891, s. 2; 1987, c. 574, s. 1; 1989, c. 727, s. 144; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1004, ss. 7, 8; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 743, s. 4; 2017‑209, s. 17(a); 2018‑114, s. 20(a); 2020‑3, s. 4.30(i).)

§ 130A‑291.1.  Septage management program; permit fees.
(a)	The Department shall establish and administer a septage management program in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(b)	For the protection of the public health, the Commission shall adopt rules governing the management of septage. The rules shall include, but are not limited to, criteria for the sanitary management of septage, including standards for the transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal of septage; operator registration and training; the issuance, suspension, and revocation of permits; and procedures for the payment of annual fees.
(c)	No septage management firm shall commence or continue operation that does not have a permit issued by the Department. The permit shall be issued only when the septage management firm satisfies all of the requirements of the rules adopted by the Commission. Within 90 days of receiving a complete permit application, the Department shall grant or deny the permit in accordance with G.S. 130A‑294(a)(4). A septage management firm that commences operation without first having obtained a permit shall cease to operate until the firm obtains a permit under this section and shall pay an initial annual fee equal to twice the amount of the annual fee that would otherwise be applicable under subsection (e) of this section.
(d)	Septage shall be treated and disposed only at a wastewater system that has been approved by the Department under rules adopted by the Commission or at a site that is permitted by the Department under this section. A permit shall be issued only if the site satisfies all of the requirements of the rules adopted by the Commission.
(e)	A septage management firm that operates one pumper truck shall pay an annual fee of five hundred fifty dollars ($550.00) to the Department. A septage management firm that operates two or more pumper trucks shall pay an annual fee of eight hundred dollars ($800.00) to the Department.
(e1)	An individual who operates a septage treatment or disposal facility but who does not engage in the business of pumping, transporting, or disposing of septage shall pay an annual fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00).
(e2)	A properly completed application for a permit and the annual fee under this section are due by December 15 of each year. The Department shall mail a notice of the annual fees to each permitted septage management firm and each individual who operates a septage treatment or disposal facility prior to October 1 of each calendar year. A late fee in the amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the annual permit fee under this section shall be submitted when a properly completed application and annual permit fee are not submitted by January 1 following the October 1 notice. The clear proceeds of civil penalties collected pursuant to this subsection shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C‑457.2.
(e3)	The Septage Management Account is established as a nonreverting account within the Department. Fees collected under this section shall be placed in the Septage Management Account and shall be applied only to the costs of the septage management program.
(e4)	Permits for new septage management firm operators and permits for septage management firm operators that have not operated a septage management firm in the 24 months immediately preceding the submittal of an application shall be considered probationary for 12 months. The Department may revoke any probationary permit of a firm or an individual that violates any provision of this section, G.S. 130A‑291.2, G.S. 130A‑291.3, or any rule adopted under these sections. If the Department revokes a probationary permit issued to a firm or individual, the Department shall not issue another permit to that firm or individual, and the firm or individual may not engage in any septage management activity for a period of 12 months. In the event of a change in ownership or corporate structure, the permit shall be amended to reflect the change in ownership, corporate structure, and contact information upon Department approval of the application for permit amendment.
(e5)	The Department shall provide technical and regulatory assistance to permit applicants and permit holders. Assistance may include, but is not limited to, taking soil samples on proposed and permitted septage land application sites and providing required training to permit applicants and permit holders.
(f)	All wastewater systems designed to discharge effluent to the surface waters may accept, treat, and dispose septage from permitted septage management firms, unless acceptance of the septage would constitute a violation of the permit conditions of the wastewater system. The wastewater system may charge a reasonable fee for acceptance, treatment, and disposal of septage based on a fee schedule that takes into account septage composition and quantity and that is consistent with other charges for use of that system.
(g)	Production of a crop in accordance with an approved nutrient management plan on land that is permitted as a septage land application site is a bona fide farm purpose under G.S. 160D‑903.
(h)	The Department shall inspect each septage land application site at least twice a year and shall inspect the records associated with each septage land application site at least annually. The Department shall inspect each pumper truck used for septage management at least once every two years.
(h1)	The annual permit application shall identify the pumper trucks and vehicles to be used by the septage management firm. Pumper trucks and vehicles used in the transportation, containment, or consolidation of liquid septage shall be listed by the septage management firm on its permit and inspected and regulated as vehicles by the Department but shall not be regulated as septage detention facilities. Equipment used in the containment and consolidation of septage shall be regulated as septage detention or treatment sites and require a permit. All pumper trucks and vehicles used by a permitted septage management firm shall meet all federal and State highway laws or have a maximum capacity of no more than 21,000 gallons. A permitted septage management firm shall notify the Department within 10 days of placing a pumper truck or vehicle in service that was not previously included in a permit issued to the firm and shall make the pumper truck or vehicle available for inspection by the Department. A septage management firm is not prohibited from use of a pumper truck or vehicle that meets the requirements of the rules adopted by the Commission prior to inspection by the Department. All pumper trucks and vehicles that are listed on the approved septage management firm's permit may remain loaded or partially loaded for no more than seven days. All pumper trucks and vehicles used in the transportation, containment, or consolidation of septage that are listed on the approved septage management firm's permit shall be located on the premises of a septage management facility or on the property of another party by legal agreement of the septage management firm and the property owner.
(i)	The Department shall approve innovative or alternative septage treatment or storage methods that are demonstrated to protect the public health and the environment.
(j)	Septage generated by the operation of a wastewater system permitted under Article 11 of this Chapter may be managed as provided in this section and may be land applied at a septage land application site permitted under this section.  (1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1058, s. 2; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1039, s. 8; 1993, c. 173, s. 4; 2001‑505, s. 1.1; 2005‑276, s. 6.37(t); 2006‑255, s. 5.1(a); 2012‑200, s. 15; 2014‑122, s. 11(b); 2020‑78, s. 7.1; 2021‑83, s. 1; 2022‑55, s. 7(d); 2022‑62, s. 20(a), (b).)

§ 130A‑291.2.  Temporary domestic wastewater holding tanks.
When a permanent domestic wastewater collection and treatment system is not available at a construction site or a temporary special event, a temporary wastewater holding tank of adequate capacity to prevent overflow may be used under a mobile or modular office to accommodate domestic wastewater from a commode and sink. The wastewater shall be removed often enough to prevent the temporary domestic wastewater holding tank from overflowing. The owner or lessee of a temporary construction trailer shall contract with a registered septage management firm or registered portable toilet sanitation firm for the removal of domestic waste. The wastewater shall be removed from the temporary domestic wastewater holding tank by a septage management firm holding a current permit to operate a septage firm. (2001‑505, s. 1.2.)

§ 130A‑291.3.  Septage operator training required.
(a)	Each septage management firm operator shall attend a training course approved pursuant to subsection (d) of this section of no less than four hours of instruction per year. New septage management firm operators and those that have not operated a septage management firm in the 24 months preceding the submittal of an application shall complete the training before commencing operation.
(b)	Each septage land application site operator shall attend a training course approved pursuant to subsection (d) of this section of no less than three hours of instruction per year. New septage land application site operators and those that have not operated a septage land application site in the 24 months preceding the submittal of an application shall complete the training before commencing operation. The Department shall notify all septage management firm operators of changes to rules no later than 30 days after those changes have been adopted by the Commission and shall post all septage management program rules to its website.
(c)	Upon the completion of the permit requirements under G.S. 130A‑291.1 and the training requirements under this section, the Department shall issue the septage management firm a certificate to operate as a registered portable sanitation firm or a registered septage management firm, or both.
(d)	The Department shall develop and maintain a list of approved instruction courses that have a direct or indirect relevance to septage management firms, septage land application site operators, and septage detention or treatment facility operators. The instruction courses shall be technical in nature and address business management practices, professional ethics, quality assurance, codes, or similar topics which facilitate professional development and serve to safeguard health, safety, and welfare of citizens. The Department may approve additional training courses on a case‑by‑case basis.  (2001‑505, s. 1.2; 2021‑83, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑292.  Conveyance of land used for commercial hazardous waste disposal facility to the State.
(a)	No land may be used for a commercial hazardous waste disposal facility until fee simple title to the land has been conveyed to this State. In consideration for the conveyance, the State shall enter into a lease agreement with the grantor for a term equal to the estimated life of the facility in which the State will be the lessor and the grantor the lessee. The lease agreement shall specify that for an annual rent of fifty dollars ($50.00), the lessee shall be allowed to use the land for the development and operation of a hazardous waste disposal facility. The lease agreement shall provide that the lessor or any person authorized by the lessor shall at all times have the right to enter without a search warrant or permission of the lessee upon any and all parts of the premises for monitoring, inspection and all other purposes necessary to carry out the provisions of this Article. The lessee shall remain fully liable for all damages, losses, personal injury or property damage which may result or arise out of the lessee's operation of the facility, and for compliance with regulatory requirements concerning insurance, bonding for closure and post‑closure costs, monitoring and other financial or health and safety requirements as required by applicable law and rules. The State, as lessor, shall be immune from liability except as otherwise provided by statute. The lease shall be transferable with the written consent of the lessor and the consent will not be unreasonably withheld. In the case of a transfer of the lease, the transferee shall be subject to all terms and conditions that the State deems necessary to ensure compliance with applicable laws and rules. If the lessee or any successor in interest fails in any material respect to comply with any applicable law, rule or permit condition, or with any term or condition of the lease, the State may terminate the lease after giving the lessee written notice specifically describing the failure to comply and upon providing the lessee a reasonable time to comply. If the lessee does not effect compliance within the reasonable time allowed, the State may reenter and take possession of the premises.
(b)	Notwithstanding the termination of the lease by either the lessee or the lessor for any reason, the lessee shall remain liable for, and be obligated to perform, all acts necessary or required by law, rule, permit condition or the lease for the permanent closure of the site until the site has either been permanently closed or until a substituted operator has been secured and has assumed the obligations of the lessee.
(c)	In the event of changes in laws or rules applicable to the facility which make continued operation by the lessee impossible or economically infeasible, the lessee shall have the right to terminate the lease upon giving the State reasonable notice of not less than six months, in which case the lessor shall have the right to secure a substitute lessee and operator.
(d)	In the event of termination of the lease by the lessor as provided in subsection (a) of this section, or by the lessee as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the lessee shall be paid the fair market value of any improvements made to the leased premises less the costs to the lessor resulting from termination of the lease and securing a substitute lessee and operator. However, the lessor shall have no obligation to secure a substitute lessee or operator and may require the lessee to permanently close the facility.  (1981, c. 704, s. 5; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1989, c. 168, s. 12; 2017‑209, s. 17(e).)

§ 130A‑293.  Local ordinances prohibiting hazardous waste facilities invalid; petition to preempt local ordinance.
(a)	It is the intent of the General Assembly to maintain a uniform system for the management of hazardous waste and to place limitations upon the exercise by all units of local government in North Carolina of the power to regulate the management of hazardous waste by means of special, local, or private acts or resolutions, ordinances, property restrictions, zoning regulations, or otherwise. Notwithstanding any authority granted to counties, municipalities, or other local authorities to adopt local ordinances, including but not limited to those imposing taxes, fees, or charges or regulating health, environment, or land use, any local ordinance that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the establishment or operation of a hazardous waste facility that the Secretary has preempted pursuant to subsections (b) through (f) of this section, shall be invalid to the extent necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Chapter. To this end, all provisions of special, local, or private acts or resolutions are repealed that:
(1)	Prohibit the transportation, treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous waste within any county, city, or other political subdivision.
(2)	Prohibit the siting of a hazardous waste facility within any county, city, or other political subdivision.
(3)	Place any restriction or condition not placed by this Article upon the transportation, treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous waste, or upon the siting of a hazardous waste facility within any county, city, or other political subdivision.
(4)	In any manner are in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of this Article.
(a1)	No special, local, or private act or resolution enacted or taking effect hereafter may be construed to modify, amend, or repeal any portion of this Article unless it expressly provides for such by specific references to the appropriate section of this Article. Further to this end, all provisions of local ordinances, including those regulating land use, adopted by counties, municipalities, or other local authorities that prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the establishment or operation of a hazardous waste facility are invalidated to the extent preempted by the Secretary pursuant to this section.
(b)	When a hazardous waste facility would be prevented from construction or operation by a county, municipal, or other local ordinance, the operator of the proposed facility may petition the Secretary to review the matter. After receipt of a petition, the Secretary shall hold a hearing in accordance with the procedures in subsection (c) of this section and shall determine whether or to what extent to preempt the local ordinance to allow for the establishment and operation of the facility.
(c)	When a petition described in subsection (b) of this section has been filed with the Secretary, the Secretary shall hold a public hearing to consider the petition. The public hearing shall be held in the affected locality within 60 days after receipt of the petition by the Secretary. The Secretary shall give notice of the public hearing by:
(1)	Publication in a newspaper or newspapers having general circulation in the county or counties where the facility is or is to be located or operated, once a week for three consecutive weeks, the first notice appearing at least 30 days prior to the scheduled date of the hearing; and
(2)	First class mail to persons who have requested notice. The Secretary shall maintain a mailing list of persons who request notice in advance of the hearing pursuant to this section. Notice by mail shall be complete upon deposit of a copy of the notice in a post‑paid wrapper addressed to the person to be notified at the address that appears on the mailing list maintained by the Board, in a post office or official depository under the exclusive care and custody of the United States Postal Service.
(c1)	Any interested person may appear before the Secretary at the hearing to offer testimony. In addition to testimony before the Secretary, any interested person may submit written evidence to the Secretary for the Secretary's consideration. At least 20 days shall be allowed for receipt of written comment following the hearing.
(d)	A local zoning or land‑use ordinance is presumed to be valid and enforceable to the extent the zoning or land‑use ordinance imposes requirements, restrictions, or conditions that are generally applicable to development, including, but not limited to, setback, buffer, and stormwater requirements, unless the Secretary makes a finding of fact to the contrary. The Secretary shall determine whether or to what extent to preempt local ordinances so as to allow for the establishment and operation of the facility no later than 60 days after conclusion of the hearing. The Secretary shall preempt a local ordinance only if the Secretary makes all of the following findings:
(1)	That there is a local ordinance that would prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the establishment or operation of a hazardous waste facility.
(2)	That the proposed facility is needed in order to establish adequate capability to meet the current or projected hazardous waste management needs of this State or to comply with the terms of any interstate agreement for the management of hazardous waste to which the State is a party and therefore serves the interests of the citizens of the State as a whole.
(3)	That all legally required State and federal permits or approvals have been issued by the appropriate State and federal agencies or that all State and federal permit requirements have been satisfied and that the permits or approvals have been denied or withheld only because of the local ordinance.
(4)	That local citizens and elected officials have had adequate opportunity to participate in the siting process.
(5)	That the construction and operation of the facility will not pose an unreasonable health or environmental risk to the surrounding locality and that the facility operator has taken or consented to take reasonable measures to avoid or manage foreseeable risks and to comply to the maximum feasible extent with applicable local ordinances.
(d1)	If the Secretary does not make all of the findings under subsection (d) of this section, the Secretary shall not preempt the challenged local ordinance. The Secretary's decision shall be in writing and shall identify the evidence submitted to the Secretary plus any additional evidence used in arriving at the decision.
(e)	The decision of the Secretary shall be final unless a party to the action files a written appeal under Article 4 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, as modified by G.S. 7A‑29 and this section, within 30 days of the date of the decision. The record on appeal shall consist of all materials and information submitted to or considered by the Secretary, the Secretary's written decision, a complete transcript of the hearing, all written material presented to the Secretary regarding the location of the facility, the specific findings required by subsection (d) of this section, and any minority positions on the specific findings required by subsection (d) of this section. The scope of judicial review shall be that the court may affirm the decision of the Secretary, or may remand the matter for further proceedings, or may reverse or modify the decision if the substantial rights of the parties may have been prejudiced because the agency findings, inferences, conclusions, or decisions are:
(1)	In violation of constitutional provisions;
(2)	In excess of the statutory authority or jurisdiction of the agency;
(3)	Made upon unlawful procedure;
(4)	Affected by other error of law;
(5)	Unsupported by substantial evidence admissible under G.S. 150B‑29(a) or G.S. 150B‑30 in view of the entire record as submitted; or
(6)	Arbitrary or capricious.
(e1)	If the court reverses or modifies the decision of the agency, the judge shall set out in writing, which writing shall become part of the record, the reasons for the reversal or modification.
(f)	In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by this procedure, the provisions of Rule 6(a) of the Rules of Civil Procedure, G.S. 1A‑1, shall apply.
(g)	Repealed by Session Laws 1989, c. 168, s. 13. (1981, c. 704, s. 5; 1983, s. 891, s. 2; 1983 (Reg. Sess., 1984), c. 973, ss. 3‑5; 1987, c. 827, s. 249; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 993, s. 28; c. 1082, s. 13; 1989, c. 168, s. 13; 1993, c. 501, s. 13; 2001‑474, s. 17; 2007‑107, s. 1.10(a).)

§ 130A‑294.  Solid waste management program.
(a)	The Department is authorized and directed to engage in research, conduct investigations and surveys, make inspections and establish a statewide solid waste management program. In establishing a program, the Department shall have authority to:
(1)	Develop a comprehensive program for implementation of safe and sanitary practices for management of solid waste;
(2)	Advise, consult, cooperate and contract with other State agencies, units of local government, the federal government, industries and individuals in the formulation and carrying out of a solid waste management program;
(3)	Develop and adopt rules to establish standards for qualification as a "recycling, reduction or resource recovering facility" or as "recycling, reduction or resource recovering equipment" for the purpose of special tax classifications or treatment, and to certify as qualifying those applicants which meet the established standards. The standards shall be developed to qualify only those facilities and equipment exclusively used in the actual waste recycling, reduction or resource recovering process and shall exclude any incidental or supportive facilities and equipment;
(4)	a.	Develop a permit system governing the establishment and operation of solid waste management facilities. A landfill with a disposal area of 1/2 acre or less for the on‑site disposal of land clearing and inert debris is exempt from the permit requirement of this section and shall be governed by G.S. 130A‑301.1. Demolition debris from the decommissioning of manufacturing buildings, including electric generating stations, that is disposed of on the same site as the decommissioned buildings, is exempt from the permit requirement of this section and rules adopted pursuant to this section and shall be governed by G.S. 130A‑301.3. The Department shall not approve an application for a new permit for a sanitary landfill, excluding demolition landfills as defined in the rules of the Commission, except as provided in subdivisions (3) and (4) of subsection (b1) of this section. No permit shall be granted for a solid waste management facility having discharges that are point sources until the Department has referred the complete plans and specifications to the Commission and has received advice in writing that the plans and specifications are approved in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 143‑215.1. In any case where the Department denies a permit for a solid waste management facility, it shall state in writing the reason for denial and shall also state its estimate of the changes in the applicant's proposed activities or plans that will be required for the applicant to obtain a permit.
b.	Repealed by Session Laws 2007‑550, s. 1(a), effective August 1, 2007.
c.	The Department shall deny an application for a permit for a solid waste management facility if the Department finds that:
1.	Construction or operation of the proposed facility would be inconsistent with or violate rules adopted by the Commission.
2.	Construction or operation of the proposed facility would result in a violation of water quality standards adopted by the Commission pursuant to G.S. 143‑214.1 for waters, as defined in G.S. 143‑213.
3.	Construction or operation of the facility would result in significant damage to ecological systems, natural resources, cultural sites, recreation areas, or historic sites of more than local significance. These areas include, but are not limited to, national or State parks or forests; wilderness areas; historic sites; recreation areas; segments of the natural and scenic rivers system; wildlife refuges, preserves, and management areas; areas that provide habitat for threatened or endangered species; primary nursery areas and critical fisheries habitat designated by the Marine Fisheries Commission; and Outstanding Resource Waters designated by the Commission.
4.	Construction or operation of the proposed facility would substantially limit or threaten access to or use of public trust waters or public lands.
5.	The proposed facility would be located in a natural hazard area, including a floodplain, a landslide hazard area, or an area subject to storm surge or excessive seismic activity, such that the facility will present a risk to public health or safety.
6.	There is a practical alternative that would accomplish the purposes of the proposed facility with less adverse impact on public resources, considering engineering requirements and economic costs.
7.	The cumulative impacts of the proposed facility and other facilities in the area of the proposed facility would violate the criteria set forth in sub‑sub‑subdivisions 2. through 5. of this sub‑subdivision.
8.	Construction or operation of the proposed facility would be inconsistent with the State solid waste management policy and goals as set out in G.S. 130A‑309.04 and with the State solid waste management plan developed as provided in G.S. 130A‑309.07.
9.	The cumulative impact of the proposed facility, when considered in relation to other similar impacts of facilities located or proposed in the community, would have a disproportionate adverse impact on a minority or low‑income community protected by Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. This subdivision shall apply only to the extent required by federal law.
d.	Management of land clearing debris burned in accordance with 15A NCAC 02D.1903 shall not require a permit pursuant to this section.
(4a)	Repealed by Session Laws 2007‑550, s. 1(a), effective August 1, 2007.
(5)	Repealed by Session Laws 1983, c. 795, s. 3.
(5a)	Designate a geographic area within which the collection, transportation, storage and disposal of all solid waste generated within said area shall be accomplished in accordance with a solid waste management plan. Such designation may be made only after the Department has received a request from the unit or units of local government having jurisdiction within said geographic area that such designation be made and after receipt by the Department of a solid waste management plan which shall include:
a.	The existing and projected population for such area;
b.	The quantities of solid waste generated and estimated to be generated in such area;
c.	The availability of sanitary landfill sites and the environmental impact of continued landfill of solid waste on surface and subsurface waters;
d.	The method of solid waste disposal to be utilized and the energy or material which shall be recovered from the waste; and
e.	Such other data that the Department may reasonably require.
(5b)	Subject to the limitations of G.S. 130A‑291, authorize units of local government to require by ordinance, that all solid waste generated within the designated geographic area that is placed in the waste stream for disposal be collected, transported, stored and disposed of at a permitted solid waste management facility or facilities serving such area. The provisions of such ordinance shall not be construed to prohibit the source separation of materials from solid waste prior to collection of such solid waste for disposal, or prohibit collectors of solid waste from recycling materials or limit access to such materials as an incident to collection of such solid waste; provided such prohibitions do not authorize the construction and operation of a resource recovery facility unless specifically permitted pursuant to an approved solid waste management plan. If a private solid waste landfill shall be substantially affected by such ordinance then the unit of local government adopting the ordinance shall be required to give the operator of the affected landfill at least two years written notice prior to the effective date of the proposed ordinance.
(5c)	Except for the authority to designate a geographic area to be serviced by a solid waste management facility, delegate authority and responsibility to units of local government to perform all or a portion of a solid waste management program within the jurisdictional area of the unit of local government; provided that no authority over or control of the operations or properties of one local government shall be delegated to any other local government.
(5d)	Require that an annual report of the implementation of the solid waste management plan within the designated geographic area be filed with the Department.
(6)	Charge and collect fees from operators of hazardous waste disposal facilities. The fees shall be used to establish a fund sufficient for each individual facility to defray the anticipated costs to the State for monitoring and care of the facility after the termination of the period during which the facility operator is required by applicable State and federal statutes, regulations or rules to remain responsible for post‑closure monitoring and care. In establishing the fees, consideration shall be given to the size of the facility, the nature of the hazardous waste and the projected life of the facility.
(7)	Establish and collect annual fees from generators and transporters of hazardous waste, and from storage, treatment, and disposal facilities regulated under this Article as provided in G.S. 130A‑294.1.
(a1)	A permit for a solid waste management facility may be transferred only with the approval of the Department.
(a2)	Permits for sanitary landfills and transfer stations shall be issued for the life‑of‑site of the facility unless revoked. For purposes of this section, "life‑of‑site" means the period from the initial receipt of solid waste at the facility until the facility reaches its final permitted elevations, which period shall not exceed 60 years. Permits issued pursuant to this subsection shall take into account the duration of any permits previously issued for the facility and the remaining capacity at the facility.
(a3)	As used in this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)	"New permit" means any of the following:
a.	An application for a permit for a solid waste management facility that has not been previously permitted by the Department. The term includes one site suitability review, the initial permit to construct, and one permit to operate.
b.	An application that proposes to expand the permitted activity of the waste management facility through an increase of ten percent (10%) or more in (i) the population of the geographic area to be served by the sanitary landfill; (ii) the quantity of solid waste to be disposed of in the sanitary landfill; or (iii) the geographic area to be served by the sanitary landfill.
c.	An application that includes a proposed expansion to the boundary of a waste disposal unit within a permitted solid waste management facility.
d.	An application that includes a proposed change in the categories of solid waste to be disposed of in the sanitary landfill.
e.	An application for a permit to be issued pursuant to G.S. 130A‑294(a2), which is issued for a duration of less than a facility's life‑of‑site based upon permits previously issued to a facility.
(2)	"Permit amendment" means any of the following:
a.	An application for the five‑year renewal of a permit for a permitted solid waste management facility or for a permit review of a permitted solid waste management facility. This sub‑subdivision shall not apply to sanitary landfills or transfer stations.
b.	Any application that proposes a change in ownership or corporate structure of a permitted solid waste management facility.
(3)	"Permit modification" means any of the following:
a.	An application for any change to the plans approved in a permit for a solid waste management facility that does not constitute a "permit amendment" or a "new permit."
b.	An application for a five‑year limited review of a 10‑year permit, including review of the operations plan, closure plan, post‑closure plan, financial assurance cost estimates, environmental monitoring plans, and any other applicable plans for the facility.
(a4)	In order to preserve long‑term disposal capacity, a life‑of‑site permit issued for a sanitary landfill shall survive the expiration of a local government approval or franchise, and the local government shall allow the sanitary landfill to continue to operate until the term of the landfill's life‑of‑site permit expires provided that the owner or operator has complied with the terms of the local government approval or franchise agreement, and remains in compliance with those terms after expiration of the approval or agreement until the life‑of‑site permit has expired. In order to preserve any economic benefits included in the franchise, the County may extend the franchise under the same terms and conditions for the term of the life‑of‑site permit. The extension of the franchise hereby shall not trigger the requirements for a new permit, a major permit modification, or a substantial amendment to the permit. This subsection only applies to valid and operative franchise agreements in effect on October 1, 2015.
(b)	The Commission shall adopt and the Department shall enforce rules to implement a comprehensive statewide solid waste management program. The rules shall be consistent with applicable State and federal law; and shall be designed to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; preserve the environment; and provide for the greatest possible conservation of cultural and natural resources. Rules for the establishment, location, operation, maintenance, use, discontinuance, recordation, post‑closure care of solid waste management facilities also shall be based upon recognized public health practices and procedures, including applicable epidemiological research and studies; hydrogeological research and studies; sanitary engineering research and studies; and current technological development in equipment and methods. The rules shall not apply to the management of solid waste that is generated by an individual or individual family or household unit on the individual's property and is disposed of on the individual's property.
(b1)	(1)	For purposes of this subsection and subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of this section, a "substantial amendment" means either:
a.	An increase of ten percent (10%) or more in:
1.	The population of the geographic area to be served by the sanitary landfill;
2.	The quantity of solid waste to be disposed of in the sanitary landfill; or
3.	The geographic area to be served by the sanitary landfill.
b.	A change in the categories of solid waste to be disposed of in the sanitary landfill or any other change to the application for a permit or to the permit for a sanitary landfill that the Commission or the Department determines to be substantial.
(2)	A person who intends to apply for a new permit for a sanitary landfill shall obtain, prior to applying for a permit, a franchise for the operation of the sanitary landfill from each local government having jurisdiction over any part of the land on which the sanitary landfill and its appurtenances are located or to be located. A local government may adopt a franchise ordinance under G.S. 153A‑136 or G.S. 160A‑319. A franchise granted for a sanitary landfill shall (i) be granted for the life‑of‑site of the landfill, but for a period not to exceed 60 years, and (ii) include all of the following:
a.	A statement of the population to be served, including a description of the geographic area.
b.	A description of the volume and characteristics of the waste stream.
c.	A projection of the useful life of the sanitary landfill.
d.	Repealed by Session Laws 2013‑409, s. 8, effective August 23, 2013.
e.	The procedures to be followed for governmental oversight and regulation of the fees and rates to be charged by facilities subject to the franchise for waste generated in the jurisdiction of the franchising entity.
f.	A facility plan for the sanitary landfill that shall include the boundaries of the proposed facility, proposed development of the facility site, the boundaries of all waste disposal units, final elevations and capacity of all waste disposal units, the amount of waste to be received per day in tons, the total waste disposal capacity of the sanitary landfill in tons, a description of environmental controls, and a description of any other waste management activities to be conducted at the facility. In addition, the facility plan shall show the proposed location of soil borrow areas, leachate facilities, and all other facilities and infrastructure, including ingress and egress to the facility.
(2a)	A local government may elect to award a preliminary franchise. If a local government elects to award a preliminary franchise, the preliminary franchise shall contain, at a minimum, all of the information described in sub‑subdivisions a. through e. of subdivision (2) of this subsection plus a general description of the proposed sanitary landfill, including the approximate number of acres required for the proposed sanitary landfill and its appurtenances and a description of any other solid waste management activities that are to be conducted at the site.
(2b)	A local government may elect to include as part of a franchise agreement a surcharge on waste disposed of in its jurisdiction by other local governments located within the State. Funds collected by a local government pursuant to such a surcharge may be used to support any services supported by the local government's general fund.
(3)	Prior to the award of a franchise for the construction or operation of a sanitary landfill, the board of commissioners of the county or counties in which the sanitary landfill is proposed to be located or is located or, if the sanitary landfill is proposed to be located or is located in a city, the governing board of the city shall conduct a public hearing. The board of commissioners of the county or counties in which the sanitary landfill is proposed to be located or is located or, if the sanitary landfill is proposed to be located or is located in a city, the governing board of the city shall provide at least 30 days' notice to the public of the public hearing. The notice shall include a summary of all the information required to be included in the franchise, and shall specify the procedure to be followed at the public hearing. The applicant for the franchise shall provide a copy of the application for the franchise that includes all of the information required to be included in the franchise, to the public library closest to the proposed sanitary landfill site to be made available for inspection and copying by the public. The requirements of this subdivision shall not apply to franchises extended pursuant to subsection (a3) of this section.
(4)	An applicant for a new permit for a sanitary landfill shall request each local government having jurisdiction over any part of the land on which the sanitary landfill and its appurtenances are located or to be located to issue a determination as to whether the local government has in effect a franchise, zoning, subdivision, or land‑use planning ordinance applicable to the sanitary landfill and whether the proposed sanitary landfill, or the existing sanitary landfill as it would be operated under the permit, would be consistent with the applicable ordinances. The request to the local government shall be accompanied by a copy of the permit application and shall be delivered to the clerk of the local government personally or by certified mail. In order to serve as a basis for a determination that an application for a new permit for a sanitary landfill is consistent with a zoning, subdivision, or land‑use planning ordinance, an ordinance or zoning classification applicable to the real property designated in the permit application shall have been in effect not less than 90 days prior to the date the request for a determination of consistency is delivered to the clerk of the local government. The determination shall be verified or supported by affidavit signed by the chief administrative officer, the chief administrative officer's designee, clerk, or other official designated by the local government to make the determination and, if the local government states that the sanitary landfill as it would be operated under the new permit is inconsistent with a franchise, zoning, subdivision, or land‑use planning ordinance, shall include a copy of the ordinance and the specific reasons for the determination of inconsistency. A copy of the determination shall be provided to the applicant when the determination is submitted to the Department. The Department shall not act upon an application for a permit under this section until it has received a determination from each local government requested to make a determination by the applicant; provided that if a local government fails to submit a determination to the Department as provided by this subsection within 15 days after receipt of the request, the Department shall proceed to consider the permit application without regard to a franchise, local zoning, subdivision, and land‑use planning ordinances. Unless the local government makes a subsequent determination of consistency with all ordinances cited in the determination or the sanitary landfill as it would be operated under the new permit is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be consistent with the cited ordinances, the Department shall attach as a condition of the permit a requirement that the applicant, prior to construction or operation of the sanitary landfill under the permit, comply with all lawfully adopted local ordinances cited in the determination that apply to the sanitary landfill. This subsection shall not be construed to affect the validity of any lawfully adopted franchise, local zoning, subdivision, or land‑use planning ordinance or to affect the responsibility of any person to comply with any lawfully adopted franchise, local zoning, subdivision, or land‑use planning ordinance. This subsection shall not be construed to limit any opportunity a local government may have to comment on a permit application under any other law or rule. This subsection shall not apply to any facility with respect to which local ordinances are subject to review under either G.S. 104E‑6.2 or G.S. 130A‑293.
(5)	As used in this subdivision, "coal‑fired generating unit" and "investor‑owned public utility" have the same meaning as in G.S. 143‑215.107D(a). Notwithstanding subdivisions (a)(4), (b1)(3), or (b1)(4) of this section, no franchise shall be required for a sanitary landfill used only to dispose of waste generated by a coal‑fired generating unit that is owned or operated by an investor‑owned utility subject to the requirements of G.S. 143‑215.107D.
(b2)	The Department shall require an applicant for a permit or a permit holder under this Article to satisfy the Department that the applicant or permit holder, and any parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the applicant, permit holder, or parent, including any joint venturer with a direct or indirect interest in the applicant, permit holder, or parent:
(1)	Is financially qualified to carry out the activity for which the permit is required. An applicant for a permit and permit holders for solid waste management facilities that are not hazardous waste facilities shall establish financial responsibility as required by G.S. 130A‑295.2. An applicant for a permit and permit holders for hazardous waste facilities shall establish financial responsibility as required by G.S. 130A‑295.04.
(2)	Has substantially complied with the requirements applicable to any activity in which the applicant or permit holder, or a parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the applicant, permit holder, or parent, or a joint venturer with a direct or indirect interest in the applicant has previously engaged and has been in substantial compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and rules for the protection of the environment as provided in G.S. 130A‑295.3.
(b3)	An applicant for a permit or a permit holder under this Article shall satisfy the Department that the applicant has met the requirements of subsection (b2) of this section before the Department is required to otherwise review the application.
(c)	The Commission shall adopt and the Department shall enforce rules governing the management of hazardous waste. These rules shall establish a complete and integrated regulatory scheme in the area of hazardous waste management, implement this Part, and shall:
(1)	Establish criteria for hazardous waste, identify the characteristics of hazardous waste, and list particular hazardous waste.
(1a)	Establish criteria for hazardous constituents, identify the characteristics of hazardous constituents, and list particular hazardous constituents.
(2)	Require record keeping and reporting by generators and transporters of hazardous waste and owners and operators of hazardous waste facilities.
(3)	Require proper labeling of hazardous waste containers.
(4)	Require use of appropriate containers for hazardous waste.
(5)	Require maintenance of a manifest system to assure that all hazardous waste is designated for treatment, storage or disposal at a hazardous waste facility to which a permit has been issued.
(6)	Require proper transportation of hazardous waste.
(7)	Develop treatment storage and disposal standards of performance and techniques to be used by hazardous waste facilities.
(8)	Develop standards regarding location, design, ownership and construction of hazardous waste facilities; provided, however, that no hazardous waste disposal facility or polychlorinated biphenyl disposal facility shall be located within 25 miles of any other hazardous waste disposal facility or polychlorinated biphenyl disposal facility.
(9)	Require plans to minimize unanticipated damage from treatment, storage or disposal of hazardous waste; and a plan or plans providing for the establishment and/or operation of one or more hazardous waste facilities in the absence of adequate approved hazardous waste facilities established or operated by any person within the State.
(10)	Require proper maintenance and operation of hazardous waste facilities, including requirements for ownership by any person or the State, require demonstration of financial responsibility in accordance with this section and G.S. 130A‑295.04, provide for training of personnel, and provide for continuity of operation and procedures for establishing and maintaining hazardous waste facilities.
(11)	Require owners or operators of hazardous waste facilities to monitor the facilities.
(12)	Authorize or require inspection or copying of records required to be kept by owners or operators.
(13)	Provide for collection and analysis of hazardous waste samples and samples of hazardous waste containers and labels from generators and transporters and from owners and operators of hazardous waste facilities.
(14)	Develop a permit system governing the establishment and operation of hazardous waste facilities.
(15)	Develop additional requirements as necessary for the effective management of hazardous waste.
(16)	Require the operator of the hazardous waste disposal facility to maintain adequate insurance to cover foreseeable claims arising from the operation of the facility. The Department shall determine what constitutes an adequate amount of insurance.
(17)	Require the bottom of a hazardous waste disposal facility to be at least 10 feet above the seasonal high water table and more when necessary to protect the public health and the environment.
(18)	Require the operator of a hazardous waste disposal facility to make monthly reports to the board of county commissioners of the county in which the facility is located on the kinds and amounts of hazardous wastes in the facility.
(d)	The Commission is authorized to adopt and the Department is authorized to enforce rules where appropriate for public participation in the consideration, development, revision, implementation and enforcement of any permit rule, guideline, information or program under this Article.
(e)	Rules adopted under this section may incorporate standards and restrictions which exceed and are more comprehensive than comparable federal regulations.
(f)	Within 10 days of receiving an application for a permit or for an amendment to an existing permit for a hazardous waste facility, the Department shall notify the clerk of the board of commissioners of the county or counties in which the facility is proposed to be located or is located and, if the facility is proposed to be located or is located within a city, the clerk of the governing board of the city, that the application has been filed, and shall file a copy of the application with the clerk. Prior to the issuance of a permit or an amendment of an existing permit the Secretary or the Secretary's designee shall conduct a public hearing in the county, or in one of the counties in which the hazardous waste facility is proposed to be located or is located. The Secretary or the Secretary's designee shall give notice of the hearing, and the public hearing shall be in accordance with applicable federal regulations adopted pursuant to RCRA and with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. Where the provisions of the federal regulations and Chapter 150B of the General Statutes are inconsistent, the federal regulations shall apply.
(g)	The Commission shall develop and adopt standards for permitting of hazardous waste facilities. Such standards shall be developed with, and provide for, public participation; shall be incorporated into rules; shall be consistent with all applicable federal and State law, including statutes, regulations and rules; shall be developed and revised in light of the best available scientific data; and shall be based on consideration of at least the following factors:
(1)	Hydrological and geological factors, including flood plains, depth to water table, groundwater travel time, soil pH, soil cation exchange capacity, soil composition and permeability, cavernous bedrock, seismic activity, slope, mines, and climate;
(2)	Environmental and public health factors, including air quality, quality of surface and groundwater, and proximity to public water supply watersheds;
(3)	Natural and cultural resources, including wetlands, gamelands, endangered species habitats, proximity to parks, forests, wilderness areas, nature preserves, and historic sites;
(4)	Local land uses;
(5)	Transportation factors, including proximity to waste generators, route safety, and method of transportation;
(6)	Aesthetic factors, including the visibility, appearance, and noise level of the facility;
(7)	Availability and reliability of public utilities; and
(8)	Availability of emergency response personnel and equipment.
(h)	Rules adopted by the Commission shall be subject to the following requirements:
(1)	Repealed by Session Laws 1989, c. 168, s. 20.
(2)	Hazardous waste shall be treated prior to disposal in North Carolina. The Commission shall determine the extent of waste treatment required before hazardous waste can be disposed of in a hazardous waste disposal facility.
(3)	Any hazardous waste disposal facility hereafter constructed in this State shall meet, at the minimum, the standards of construction imposed by federal regulations adopted under the RCRA at the time the permit is issued.
(4)	No hazardous waste disposal facility or polychlorinated biphenyl disposal facility shall be located within 25 miles of any other hazardous waste disposal facility or polychlorinated biphenyl disposal facility.
(5)	Repealed by Session Laws 2001‑474, s. 23, effective November 29, 2001.
(6)	The following shall not be disposed of in a hazardous waste disposal facility: ignitables as defined in the RCRA, polyhalogenated biphenyls of 50 ppm or greater concentration, and free liquids whether or not containerized.
(7)	Facilities for disposal or long‑term storage of hazardous waste shall have at a minimum the following: a leachate collection and removal system above an artificial impervious liner of at least 30 mils in thickness, a minimum of five feet of clay or clay‑like liner with a maximum permeability of 1.0 x 10 – 7 centimeters per second (cm/sec) below said artificial liner, and a leachate detection system immediately below the clay or clay‑like liner.
(8)	Hazardous waste shall not be stored at a hazardous waste treatment facility for over 90 days prior to treatment or disposal.
(9)	The Commission shall consider any hazardous waste treatment process proposed to it, if the process lessens treatment cost or improves treatment over then current methods or standards required by the Commission.
(10)	Prevention, reduction, recycling, and detoxification of hazardous wastes should be encouraged and promoted. Hazardous waste disposal facilities and polychlorinated biphenyl disposal facilities shall be detoxified as soon as technology which is economically feasible is available and sufficient money is available without additional appropriation.
(i)	The Department shall include in the status of solid waste management report required to be submitted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.06(c) a report on the implementation and cost of the hazardous waste management program. The report shall include an evaluation of how well the State and private parties are managing and cleaning up hazardous waste. The report shall also include recommendations to the Governor, State agencies, and the General Assembly on ways to: improve waste management; reduce the amount of waste generated; maximize resource recovery, reuse, and conservation; and minimize the amount of hazardous waste which must be disposed of. The report shall include beginning and ending balances in the Hazardous Waste Management Account for the reporting period, total fees collected pursuant to G.S. 130A‑294.1, anticipated revenue from all sources, total expenditures by activities and categories for the hazardous waste management program, any recommended adjustments in annual and tonnage fees which may be necessary to assure the continued availability of funds sufficient to pay the State's share of the cost of the hazardous waste management program, and any other information requested by the General Assembly. In recommending adjustments in annual and tonnage fees, the Department may propose fees for hazardous waste generators, and for hazardous waste treatment facilities that treat waste generated on site, which are designed to encourage reductions in the volume or quantity and toxicity of hazardous waste. The report shall also include a description of activities undertaken to implement the resident inspectors program established under G.S. 130A‑295.02. In addition, the report shall include an annual update on the mercury switch removal program that shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1)	A detailed description and documentation of the capture rate achieved.
(2)	Repealed by Session Laws 2012‑200, s. 21(b), effective December 31, 2017.
(3)	In the event that a capture rate of at least ninety percent (90%) is not achieved, a description of additional or alternative actions that may be implemented to improve the mercury minimization plan and its implementation.
(4)	The number of mercury switches collected, the number of end‑of‑life vehicles containing mercury switches, the number of end‑of‑life vehicles processed for recycling, and a description of how the mercury switches were managed.
(5)	A statement that details the costs required to implement the mercury minimization plan.
(j)	Repealed by Session Laws 2007‑107, s. 1.1(e), effective October 1, 2007.
(k)	Repealed by Session Laws 2017‑209, s. 2(a), effective October 4, 2017.
(l)	Disposal of solid waste in or upon water in a manner that results in solid waste entering waters or lands of the State is unlawful. Nothing herein shall be interpreted to affect disposal of solid waste in a permitted landfill.
(m)	Demolition debris consisting of used asphalt or used asphalt mixed with dirt, sand, gravel, rock, concrete, or similar nonhazardous material may be used as fill and need not be disposed of in a permitted landfill or solid waste disposal facility. Such demolition debris may not be placed in the waters of the State or at or below the seasonal high water table.
(n)	The Department shall encourage research and development and disseminate information on state‑of‑the‑art means of handling and disposing of hazardous waste. The Department may establish a waste information exchange for the State.
(o)	The Department shall promote public education and public involvement in the decision‑making process for the siting and permitting of proposed hazardous waste facilities. The Department shall assist localities in which facilities are proposed in collecting and receiving information relating to the suitability of the proposed site. At the request of a local government in which facilities are proposed, the Department shall direct the appropriate agencies of State government to develop such relevant data as that locality shall reasonably request.
(p)	The Department shall each year recommend to the Governor a recipient for a "Governor's Award of Excellence" which the Governor shall award for outstanding achievement by an industry or company in the area of waste management.
(q)	The Secretary shall, at the request of the Governor and under the Governor's direction, assist with the negotiation of interstate agreements for the management of hazardous waste.
(r)	Repealed by Session Laws 2014‑3, s. 12.3(b), effective July 1, 2015.
(s)	The Department is authorized to enter upon any lands and structures upon lands to make surveys, borings, soundings, and examinations as may be necessary to determine the suitability of a site for a hazardous waste facility or hazardous waste disposal facility. The Department shall give 30 days notice of the intended entry authorized by this section in the manner prescribed for service of process by G.S. 1A‑1, Rule 4. Entry under this section shall not be deemed a trespass or taking; provided, however, that the Department shall make reimbursement for any damage to land or structures caused by these activities.
(t)	Construction and demolition debris diverted from the waste stream or collected as source separated material is subject to a solid waste permit for transfer, treatment, and processing in a permitted solid waste management facility. The Department may adopt rules to implement this subsection.
(u)	Garbage diverted from the waste stream or collected as source separated material is subject to a solid waste permit for transfer, treatment, and processing in a permitted solid waste management facility. The Department may adopt rules to implement this subsection.  (1969, c. 899; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1975, c. 311, s. 4; c. 764, s. 1; 1977, c. 123; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1216; 1979, c. 464, s. 2; c. 694, s. 2; 1981, c. 704, s. 6; 1983, c. 795, ss. 3, 8.1; c. 891, s. 2; 1983 (Reg. Sess., 1984), c. 973, ss. 6, 7; c. 1034, s. 73; 1985, c. 582; c. 738, ss. 2, 3; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 1027, s. 31; 1987, c. 597; c. 761; c. 773, s. 1; c. 827, ss. 1, 250; c. 848; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1111, s. 6; 1989, c. 168, ss. 15‑22; c. 317; c. 727, s. 218(86); c. 742, s. 6; 1991, c. 537, s. 1; 1993, c. 86, s. 1; c. 273, s. 1; c. 365, s. 1; c. 473, ss. 1, 2; c. 501, s. 14; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 580, s. 1; c. 722, ss. 1, 2; 1995, c. 502, s. 1; c. 509, s. 70; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, ss. 6, 7; 1997‑27, s. 2; 2001‑357, s. 2; 2001‑474, ss. 22, 23, 24, 25; 2002‑148, s. 4; 2003‑37, s. 1; 2006‑256, ss. 1, 2, 3; 2007‑107, ss. 1.1(b), 1.1(d), 1.1(e), 2.1(a); 2007‑495, s. 14; 2007‑550, s. 1(a); 2012‑200, s. 21(a), (b); 2013‑55, s. 1; 2013‑408, s. 1; 2013‑409, s. 8; 2013‑413, ss. 28(e), 59(a), 59.4(e); 2014‑3, s. 12.3(b); 2014‑115, s. 17; 2014‑122, s. 11(c); 2015‑1, s. 2(c); 2015‑241, s. 14.20(a); 2015‑286, s. 4.9(a), (d); 2017‑10 s. 3.1(a), (d); 2017‑10 ss. 3.1(a), (d), 3.2(a), (b), (e), 4.14(f); 2017‑209, ss. 2(a), 16, 17(b); 2017‑211, s. 16(a), (b), (c), (d); 2018‑114, s. 21(a); 2020‑74, s. 11(c); 2020‑78, s. 7.2(c).)

§ 130A‑294.1.  Fees applicable to generators and transporters of hazardous waste, and to hazardous waste storage, treatment, and disposal facilities.
(a)	It is the intent of the General Assembly that the fee system established by this section is solely to provide funding in addition to federal and State appropriations to support the State's hazardous waste management program.
(b)	Funds collected pursuant to this section shall be used for personnel and other resources necessary to:
(1)	Provide a high level of technical assistance and waste minimization effort for the hazardous waste management program.
(2)	Provide timely review of permit applications.
(3)	Insure that permit decisions are made on a sound technical basis and that permit decisions incorporate all conditions necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Part.
(4)	Improve monitoring and compliance of the hazardous waste management program.
(5)	Increase the frequency of inspections.
(6)	Provide chemical, biological, toxicological, and analytical support for the hazardous waste management program.
(7)	Provide resources for emergency response to imminent hazards associated with the hazardous waste management program.
(8)	Implement and provide oversight of necessary response activities involving inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal sites.
(9)	Provide compliance and prevention activities within the solid waste program to ensure that hazardous waste is not disposed in solid waste management facilities.
(c)	Repealed by Session Laws 2014‑100, s. 14.24A, effective July 1, 2014.
(d)	The Hazardous Waste Management Account is established as a nonreverting account within the Department. All fees collected under this section shall be credited to the Account and shall be used for the purposes listed in subsection (b).
(e)	A person who generates either one kilogram or more of any acute hazardous waste as listed in 40 C.F.R. § 261.30(d) or § 261.33(e) as revised 1 July 1987, or 1000 kilograms or more of hazardous waste, in any calendar month during the year beginning 1 July and ending 30 June shall pay an annual fee of one thousand four hundred dollars ($1,400).
(f)	A person who generates 100 kilograms or more of hazardous waste in any calendar month during the year beginning 1 July and ending 30 June but less than 1000 kilograms of hazardous waste in each calendar month during that year shall pay an annual fee of one hundred seventy‑five dollars ($175.00).
(g)	A person who generates one kilogram or more of acute hazardous waste or 1000 kilograms or more of hazardous waste in any calendar month during the calendar year shall pay, in addition to any fee under subsections (e) and (f) of this section, a tonnage fee of seventy cents ($0.70) per ton or any part thereof of hazardous waste generated during that year up to a maximum of 25,000 tons.
(h)	A person who generates less than one kilogram of acute hazardous waste and less than 100 kilograms of hazardous waste in each calendar month during the year beginning 1 July and ending 30 June shall not be liable for payment of a fee under subsections (e) and (f) of this section for that year.
(i)	Hazardous waste generated as a result of any type of remedial action or by collection by a local government of hazardous waste from households shall not be subject to a tonnage fee under subsections (g) and (l) of this section.
(j)	A person who transports hazardous waste shall pay an annual fee of eight hundred forty dollars ($840.00).
(k)	A storage, treatment, or disposal facility shall pay an annual activity fee of one thousand six hundred eighty dollars ($1,680) for each activity.
(l)	A commercial hazardous waste storage, treatment, or disposal facility shall pay annually, in addition to the fees applicable to all hazardous waste storage, treatment, or disposal facilities, a single tonnage charge of two dollars and forty‑five cents ($2.45) per ton or any part thereof of hazardous waste stored, treated, or disposed of at the facility. A manufacturing facility that receives hazardous waste generated from the use of a product typical of its manufacturing process for the purpose of recycling is exempt from this tonnage charge. A facility must have a permit issued under this Article which includes the recycling activity and specifies the type and amount of waste allowed to be received from off‑site for recycling.
(m)	An applicant for a permit for a hazardous waste storage, treatment, or disposal facility that proposes to operate as a commercial facility shall pay an application fee for each proposed activity as follows:
(1)	Storage facility	$14,000.
(2)	Treatment facility	$21,000.
(3)	Disposal facility	$35,000.
(n)	The Commission may adopt rules setting fees for modifications to permits. Such fees shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the application fee.
(o)	Annual fees established under this section are due no later than 31 July for the fiscal year beginning 1 July in the same year. Tonnage fees established under this section are due no later than 31 July for the previous calendar year.
(p)	Repealed by Session Laws 2012‑200, s. 21(c), effective August 1, 2012.  (1987, c. 773, ss. 2, 4‑8; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1020, s. 2; 1989, c. 168, s. 23; c. 724, s. 4; 1991, c. 286, s. 1; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 890, s. 10; c. 1039, s. 9; 2003‑284, s. 35.2(a), (b); 2007‑495, s. 24; 2010‑31, s. 13.8(a); 2010‑123, s. 5.1; 2011‑145, s. 31.15; 2012‑200, s. 21(c); 2014‑100, s. 14.24A; 2014‑115, s. 10.)

§ 130A‑295.  Additional requirements for hazardous waste facilities.
(a)	An applicant for a permit for a hazardous waste facility shall satisfy the Department that:
(1)	Any hazardous waste facility constructed or operated by the applicant, or any parent or subsidiary corporation if the applicant is a corporation, has been operated in accordance, with sound waste management practices and in substantial compliance with federal and state laws, regulations and rules; and
(2)	The applicant, or any parent or subsidiary corporation if the applicant is a corporation, is financially qualified to operate the proposed hazardous waste facility.
(b)	An applicant for a permit for a hazardous waste facility shall satisfy the Department that he has met the requirements of subsection (a) of this section before the Department is required to otherwise review the application. In order to continue to hold a permit under this Chapter, a permittee must remain financially qualified and must provide any information requested by the Department to demonstrate that he continues to be financially qualified.
(c)	No permit for any new commercial hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal facility shall be issued or become effective, and no permit for a commercial hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal facility shall be modified until the applicant has satisfied the Department that such facility is needed to meet the current or projected hazardous waste management needs of this State or to comply with the terms of any interstate agreement for the management of hazardous waste to which the State is a party. The Commission shall adopt rules to implement this subsection.
(d)	At least 120 days prior to submitting an application, an applicant for a permit for a hazardous waste facility shall provide to the county in which the facility is located, to any municipality with planning jurisdiction over the site of the facility, and to all emergency response agencies that have a role under the contingency plan for the facility all of the following information:
(1)	Information on the nature and type of operations to occur at the facility.
(2)	Identification of the properties of the hazardous waste to be managed at the facility.
(3)	A copy of the draft contingency plan for the facility that includes the proposed role for each local government and each emergency response agency that received information under this subsection.
(4)	Information on the hazardous waste locations within the facility.
(e)	Within 60 days of receiving the information, each local government and emergency response agency that receives information under subsection (d) of this section shall respond to the applicant in writing as to the adequacy of the contingency plan and the availability and adequacy of its resources and equipment to respond to an emergency at the facility that results in a release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents into the environment according to the role set forth for the local government or emergency response agency under the contingency plan.
(f)	An applicant for a permit for a hazardous waste facility shall include documentation that each local government and emergency response agency received the information required under subsection (d) of this section, the written responses the applicant received under subsection (e) of this section, and verification by each that its resources and equipment are available and adequate to respond to an emergency at the facility in accordance with its role as set forth in the contingency plan. If the applicant does not receive a timely verification from a local government or emergency response agency notified under subsection (d) of this section, the Department shall verify the adequacy of resources and equipment for emergency response during the course of review of the permit application, taking into account any contracts entered into by the applicant for such emergency response resources.
(g)	At each two‑year interval after a permit for a hazardous waste facility is issued, the permit holder shall verify that the resources and equipment of each local government and emergency response agency are available and adequate to respond to an emergency at the facility in accordance with its role as set forth in the contingency plan and shall submit this verification to the Department. (1981, c. 704, s. 7; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1983 (Reg. Sess., 1984), c. 973, s. 8; 1987, § 461, s. 3; 1989, c. 168, s. 24; 2007‑107, s. 1.2(a).)

§ 130A‑295.01.  Additional requirement for commercial hazardous waste facilities.
(a)	As used in this section:
(1)	"Commercial hazardous waste facility" means any hazardous waste facility that accepts hazardous waste from the general public or from another person for a fee, but does not include any facility owned or operated by a generator of hazardous waste solely for his own use, and does not include any facility owned by the State or by any agency or subdivision thereof solely for the management of hazardous waste generated by agencies or subdivisions of the State.
(2)	"New", when used in connection with "facility", refers to a planned or proposed facility, or a facility that has not been placed in operation, but does not include facilities that have commenced operations as of 22 June 1987, including facilities operated under interim status.
(3)	"Modified", when used in connection with "permit", means any change in any permit in force on or after 22 June 1987 that would either expand the scope of permitted operations, or extend the expiration date of the permit, or otherwise constitute a Class 2 or Class 3 modification of the permit as defined in 40 Code of Federal Regulations § 270.41 (1 July 2006).
(4)	"7Q10 conditions", when used in connection with "surface water," refers to the minimum average flow for a period of seven consecutive days that has an average occurrence of once in 10 years as referenced in 15 NCAC 2B.0206(a)(3) as adopted 1 February 1976.
(b)	No permit for any new commercial hazardous waste facility shall be issued or become effective, and no permit for a commercial hazardous waste facility shall be modified, until the applicant has satisfied the Department that such facility meets, in addition to all other applicable requirements, the following requirements:
(1)	The facility shall not discharge directly a hazardous or toxic substance into a surface water that is upstream from a public drinking water supply intake in North Carolina, unless there is a dilution factor of 1000 or greater at the point of discharge into the surface water under 7Q10 conditions.
(2)	The facility shall not discharge indirectly through a publicly owned treatment works (POTW) a hazardous or toxic substance into a surface water that is upstream from a public drinking water supply intake in North Carolina, unless there is a dilution factor of 1000 or greater, irrespective of any dilution occurring in a wastewater treatment plant, at the point of discharge into the surface water under 7Q10 conditions.
(c)	The Department shall not issue a permit for a commercial hazardous waste facility for a period of more than five years. A permit holder for a commercial hazardous waste facility who intends to apply for renewal of the permit shall submit an application for the renewal of the permit at least one year before the permit expires unless the Department approves a shorter period of time.
(d)	The owner or operator of a commercial hazardous waste facility shall maintain a record of information at an off‑site location that identifies the generators of the waste and the quantity, type, location, and hazards of the waste at the facility and shall make this information available in a form and manner to be determined by the Department, accessible to the Department, to the county in which the facility is located, to any municipality with planning jurisdiction over the site of the facility, and to emergency response agencies that have a role under the contingency plan for the facility.
(e)	(1)	Within 10 days of filing an application for a permit for a commercial hazardous waste facility, the applicant shall notify every person who resides or owns property located within one‑fourth mile of any property boundary of the facility that the application has been filed. The notice shall be by mail to residents and by certified mail to property owners, or by any other means approved by the Department, shall be in a form approved by the Department, and shall include all of the following:
a.	The location of the facility.
b.	A description of the facility.
c.	The hazardous and nonhazardous wastes that are to be received and processed at the facility.
d.	A description of the emergency response plan for the facility.
(2)	The permit holder for a commercial hazardous waste facility shall publish a notice that includes the information set out in subdivision (1) of this subsection annually beginning one year after the permit is issued. The notice shall be published in a form and manner approved by the Department in a newspaper of general circulation in the community where the facility is located.
(3)	The permit holder for a commercial hazardous waste facility shall provide the information set out in subdivision (1) of this subsection by mail to the persons described in subdivision (1) of this subsection at the midpoint of the period for which the permit is issued.
(4)	Each commercial hazardous waste facility applicant and permit holder shall provide documentation to demonstrate to the Department that the requirements set out in subdivisions (1), (2), and (3) of this subsection have been met.
(f)	No later than 31 January of each year, the owner or operator of a commercial hazardous waste facility shall report to the Department any increase or decrease in the number of sensitive land uses and any increase or decrease in estimated population density based on information provided by the local government that has planning jurisdiction over the site on which the facility is located that occurred during the previous calendar year in the area located within one‑fourth mile of any property boundary of the facility. Changes shall be recorded in the operating record of the facility. As used in this subsection, "sensitive land use" includes residential housing, places of assembly, places of worship, schools, day care providers, and hospitals. Sensitive land use does not include retail businesses.
(g)	The owner or operator of a commercial hazardous waste facility shall provide a security and surveillance system at the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week in order to continuously monitor site conditions and to control entry. The security and surveillance system shall be capable of promptly detecting unauthorized access to the facility; monitoring conditions; identifying operator errors; and detecting any discharge that could directly or indirectly cause a fire, explosion, or release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents into the environment or threaten human health. The requirements of this subsection may be satisfied either by employing trained facility personnel or by providing an electronic security and surveillance system which may include television, motion detectors, heat‑sensing equipment, combustible gas monitors, or any combination of these, as approved by the Department.
(h)	The operator of a commercial hazardous waste facility shall install an on‑site wind monitor approved by the Department. The wind monitor required shall be located so that the real‑time wind direction can be determined from a remote location in the event of a release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents into the environment. (1987, c. 437, s. 1; 2007‑107, ss. 1.3(a), 1.4(a), 1.5(a), 1.6(a), 1.7(a), 1.9(a), 2.1(b); 2007‑495, s. 15(a)‑(e).)

§ 130A‑295.02.  Resident inspectors required at commercial hazardous waste facilities; recovery of costs for same.
(a)	The Division shall employ full‑time resident inspectors for each commercial hazardous waste facility located within the State. Such inspectors shall be employed and assigned so that at least one inspector is on duty at all times during which any component of the facility is in operation, is undergoing any maintenance or repair, or is undergoing any test or calibration. Resident inspectors shall be assigned to commercial hazardous waste management facilities so as to protect the public health and the environment, to monitor all aspects of the operation of such facilities, and to assure compliance with all laws and rules administered by the Division and by any other division of the Department. Such inspectors may also enforce laws or rules administered by any other agency of the State pursuant to an appropriate memorandum of agreement entered into by the Secretary and the chief administrative officer of such agency. The Division may assign additional resident inspectors to a facility depending upon the quantity and toxicity of waste managed at a facility, diversity of types of waste managed at the facility, complexity of management technologies utilized at the facility, the range of components which are included at the facility, operating history of the facility, and other factors relative to the need for on‑site inspection and enforcement capabilities. The Division, in consultation with other divisions of the Department, shall define the duties of each resident inspector and shall determine whether additional resident inspectors are needed at a particular facility to meet the purposes of this section.
(b)	The Division shall establish requirements pertaining to education, experience, and training for resident inspectors so as to assure that such inspectors are fully qualified to serve the purposes of this section. The Division shall provide its resident inspectors with such training, equipment, facilities, and supplies as may be necessary to fulfill the purposes of this section.
(c)	As a condition of its permit, the owner or operator of each commercial hazardous waste facility located within the State shall provide and maintain such appropriate and secure offices and laboratory facilities as the Department may require for the use of the resident inspectors required by this section.
(d)	Resident inspectors assigned to a commercial hazardous waste facility shall have unrestricted access to all operational areas of such facility at all times. For the protection of resident inspectors and the public, the provisions of G.S. 143‑215.107(f) shall not apply to commercial hazardous waste facilities to which a resident inspector is assigned.
(e)	No commercial hazardous waste facility shall be operated, undergo any maintenance or repair, or undergo any testing or calibration unless an inspector employed by the Division is present at the facility.
(f)	The requirements of this section are intended to enhance the ability of the Department to protect the public health and the environment by providing the Department with the authority and resources necessary to maintain a rigorous inspection and enforcement program at commercial hazardous waste management facilities. The requirements of this section are intended to be supplementary to other requirements imposed on hazardous waste facilities. This section shall not be construed to relieve either the owner or the operator of any such facility or the Department from any other requirement of law or to require any unnecessary duplication of reporting or monitoring requirements.
(g)	For the purpose of enforcing the laws and rules enacted or adopted for the protection of the public health and the environment, resident inspectors employed pursuant to this section may be commissioned as special peace officers as provided in G.S. 113‑28.1. The provisions of Article 1A of Chapter 113 of the General Statutes shall apply to resident inspectors commissioned as special peace officers pursuant to this subsection.
(h)	The Department shall determine the full cost of the employment and assignment of resident inspectors at each commercial hazardous waste facility located within the State. Such costs shall include, but are not limited to, costs incurred for salaries, benefits, travel, training, equipment, supplies, telecommunication and data transmission, offices and other facilities other than those provided by the owner or operator, and administrative expenses. The Department shall establish and revise as necessary a schedule of fees to be assessed on the users of each such facility to recover the actual cost of the resident inspector program at that facility. The operator of each such facility shall serve as the collection agent for such fees, shall account to the Department on a monthly basis for all fees collected, and shall deposit with the Department all funds collected pursuant to this section within 15 days following the last day of the month in which such fees are collected. Fees collected under this section shall be credited to the General Fund as nontax revenue.
(i)	The Division shall establish and revise as necessary a program for assigning resident inspectors to commercial hazardous waste facilities so that scheduled rotation or equivalent oversight procedures ensure that each resident inspector will maintain objectivity.
(j)	For purposes of this subsection, special purpose commercial hazardous waste facilities include: a facility that manages limited quantities of hazardous waste; a facility that limits its hazardous waste management activities to reclamation or recycling, including energy or materials recovery or a facility that stores hazardous waste primarily for use at such facilities; or a facility that is determined to be low risk under rules adopted by the Commission pursuant to this subsection. The Commission shall adopt rules to determine whether a commercial hazardous waste facility is a special purpose commercial hazardous waste facility and to establish classifications of special purpose commercial hazardous waste facilities. The rules to determine whether a commercial hazardous waste facility is a special purpose commercial hazardous waste facility and to establish classifications of special purpose commercial hazardous waste facilities shall be based on factors including, but not limited to, the size of the facility, the type of treatment or storage being performed, the nature and volume of waste being treated or stored, the uniformity, similarity, or lack of diversity of the waste streams, the predictability of the nature of the waste streams and their treatability, whether the facility utilizes automated monitoring or safety devices that adequately perform functions that would otherwise be performed by a resident inspector, the fact that reclamation or recycling is being performed at the facility, and the compliance history of the facility and its operator. Based on the foregoing factors and any increase or decrease in the number of sensitive land uses over time or in estimated population density over time reported pursuant to G.S. 130A‑295.01(f), rules adopted pursuant to this subsection shall establish times and frequencies for the presence of a resident inspector on less than a full‑time basis at special purpose commercial hazardous waste facilities and specify a minimum number of additional inspections at special purpose hazardous waste facilities.
Special purpose commercial hazardous waste facilities that utilize hazardous waste as a fuel source shall be inspected a minimum of 40 hours per week, unless compliance data for these facilities can be electronically monitored and recorded off‑site by the Department. The Department, considering the benefits provided by electronic monitoring, shall determine the number of hours of on‑site inspection required at these facilities. The Department shall maintain records of all inspections at special purpose commercial hazardous waste facilities. Such records shall contain sufficient detail and shall be arranged in a readily understandable format so as to facilitate determination at any time as to whether the special purpose commercial hazardous waste facility is in compliance with the requirements of this subsection and of rules adopted pursuant to this subsection. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, special purpose commercial hazardous waste facilities shall be subject to inspection at all times during which the facility is in operation, undergoing any maintenance or repair, or undergoing any test or calibration.
(k)	For purposes of this section, a facility that utilizes hazardous waste as a fuel or that has used hazardous waste as a fuel within the preceding calendar year, and that is an affiliate of and adjacent or contiguous to a commercial hazardous waste facility, shall be subject to inspection as a special purpose commercial hazardous waste facility under subsection (j) of this section as if the facility that utilizes hazardous waste as a fuel were a part of the commercial hazardous waste facility.
(l)	As used in this section, the words "affiliate", "parent", and "subsidiary" have the same meaning as in 17 Code of Federal Regulations § 240.12b‑2 (1 April 1990 Edition).
(m)	Repealed by Session Laws 2012‑200, s. 21(d), effective August 1, 2012.  (1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1082, s. 1; 1991, c. 20, s. 2; c. 403, s. 4; c. 450, s. 2; 1993, c. 511, s. 1; c. 513, s. 2(b); c. 553, s. 41; 1995, c. 327, s. 1; 2006‑79, s. 16; 2007‑107, s. 1.5(b); 2009‑570, s. 16; 2012‑200, s. 21(d).)

§ 130A‑295.03.  Additional requirement for hazardous waste disposal facilities; hazardous waste to be placed in containers.
(a)	For purposes of this section, the term "container" means any portable device into which waste is placed for storage, transportation, treatment, disposal, or other handling, and includes the first enclosure which encompasses the waste.
(b)	All hazardous waste shall be placed in containers for disposal, except as the Commission shall provide for by rule.  The Commission shall adopt standards for the design and construction of containers for disposal.  Standards for containers may vary for different types of waste.  The standards for disposal containers may supplement or duplicate any of the performance or engineering standards for hazardous waste disposal facilities required under State or federal law; however, the performance or engineering standards for hazardous waste disposal facilities are separate and cumulative, and the performance or engineering standards for hazardous waste disposal facilities and containers may not substitute for or replace one another.  (1991, c. 450, s. 1; c.  761, s. 22.)

§ 130A‑295.04.  Financial responsibility requirements for applicants for a permit and permit holders for hazardous waste facilities.
(a)	In addition to any other financial responsibility requirements for solid waste management facilities under this Part, the applicant for a permit or a permit holder for a hazardous waste facility shall establish financial assurance that will ensure that sufficient funds are available for facility closure, post‑closure maintenance and monitoring, any corrective action that the Department may require, and to satisfy any potential liability for sudden and nonsudden accidental occurrences, and subsequent costs incurred by the Department in response to an incident at a facility, even if the applicant or permit holder becomes insolvent or ceases to reside, be incorporated, do business, or maintain assets in the State.
(b)	To establish sufficient availability of funds under this section, the applicant for a permit or a permit holder for a hazardous waste facility may use insurance, financial tests, third‑party guarantees by persons who can pass the financial test, guarantees by corporate parents who can pass the financial test, irrevocable letters of credit, trusts, surety bonds, or any other financial device, or any combination of the foregoing, shown to provide protection equivalent to the financial protection that would be provided by insurance if insurance were the only mechanism used.
(c)	The applicant for a permit or a permit holder for a hazardous waste facility, and any parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the applicant, permit holder, or parent, including any joint venturer with a direct or indirect interest in the applicant, permit holder, or parent, shall be a guarantor of payment for closure, post‑closure maintenance and monitoring, any corrective action that the Department may require, and to satisfy any potential liability for sudden and nonsudden accidental occurrences arising from the operation of the hazardous waste facility.
(d),	(e) Repealed by Session Laws 2011‑394, s. 23(a), effective July 1, 2011.
(f)	Assets used to meet the financial assurance requirements of this section shall be in a form that will allow the Department to readily access funds for the purposes set out in this section. Assets used to meet financial assurance requirements of this section shall not be accessible to the permit holder except as approved by the Department. Compliance with the financial assurance requirements set forth in Subpart H of Part 264 of 40 Code of Federal Regulations (July 1, 2010 edition) shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of this subsection.
(g)	The Department may provide a copy of any filing that an applicant for a permit or a permit holder for a hazardous waste facility submits to the Department to meet the financial responsibility requirements under this section to the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall review the filing and provide the Department with a written opinion as to the adequacy of the filing to meet the purposes of this section, including any recommended changes.
(h)	In order to continue to hold a permit for a hazardous waste facility, a permit holder must maintain financial responsibility as required by this Part and must provide any information requested by the Department to establish that the permit holder continues to maintain financial responsibility.
(i)	An applicant for a permit or a permit holder for a hazardous waste facility shall satisfy the Department that the applicant or permit holder has met the financial responsibility requirements of this Part before the Department is required to otherwise review the application.
(j)	Repealed by Session Laws 2011‑394, s. 23(a), effective July 1, 2011.  (2007‑107, s. 1.1(a); 2011‑394, s. 23(a).)

§ 130A‑295.05.  Hazardous waste transfer facilities.
(a)	The owner or operator of a hazardous waste transfer facility in North Carolina shall register the facility with the Department and shall obtain a hazardous waste transfer facility identification number for the facility. In order to obtain a hazardous waste transfer facility identification number for the facility, the owner or operator of the facility shall provide all of the following information to the Department at the time of registration:
(1)	The location of the hazardous waste transfer facility.
(2)	The name of the owner of the property on which the hazardous waste transfer facility is located.
(b)	Except during transportation emergencies as determined by the Department, the temporary storage, consolidation, or commingling of hazardous waste may occur only at a hazardous waste transfer facility that has been issued a facility identification number by the Department.
(c)	A hazardous waste transporter and the owner or operator of a hazardous waste transfer facility shall conduct all operations at any hazardous waste transfer facility in compliance with the requirements of 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 263 (1 July 2006), 49 U.S.C. § 5101, et seq., and any laws, regulations, or rules enacted or adopted pursuant to these federal laws. Except as preempted under 49 U.S.C. § 5125, a hazardous waste transporter and the owner or operator of a hazardous waste transfer facility shall also conduct all operations at any hazardous waste transfer facility in compliance with all applicable State laws or rules.
(d)	A hazardous waste transporter shall notify the Department, on a form prescribed by the Department, of every hazardous waste transfer facility in North Carolina that the transporter uses. A hazardous waste transporter shall retain all records that are required to be maintained for at least three years.
(e)	The owner or operator of a hazardous waste transfer facility shall notify the Department, on a form prescribed by the Department, of every hazardous waste transporter that makes use of the facility. The owner or operator of a hazardous waste transfer facility shall retain all records that are required to be maintained for at least three years. (2007‑107, s. 1.8(c).)

§ 130A‑295.1.  (See Editor's note) Limitations on permits for sanitary landfills.

§ 130A‑295.2.  Financial responsibility requirements for applicants and permit holders for solid waste management facilities.
(a)	As used in this section:
(1)	"Financial assurance" refers to the ability of an applicant or permit holder to pay the costs of assessment and remediation in the event of a release of pollutants from a facility, closure of the facility in accordance with all applicable requirements, and post‑closure monitoring and maintenance of the facility.
(2)	"Financial qualification" refers to the ability of an applicant or permit holder to pay the costs of proper design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the facility.
(3)	"Financial responsibility" encompasses both financial assurance and financial qualification.
(b)	The Commission may adopt rules governing financial responsibility requirements for applicants for permits and for permit holders to ensure the availability of sufficient funds for the proper design, construction, operation, maintenance, closure, and post‑closure monitoring and maintenance of solid waste management facilities and for any corrective action the Department may require during the active life of a facility or during the closure and post‑closure periods.
(c)	The Department may provide a copy of any filing that an applicant for a permit or a permit holder submits to the Department to meet the financial responsibility requirements under this section to the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall review the filing and provide the Department with a written opinion as to the adequacy of the filing to meet the purposes of this section, including any recommended changes.
(d)	The Department may, in its sole discretion, require an applicant for a permit to construct a facility to demonstrate its financial qualification for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a facility. The Department may require an applicant for a permit for a solid waste management facility to provide cost estimates for site investigation; land acquisition, including financing terms and land ownership; design; construction of each five‑year phase, if applicable; operation; maintenance; closure; and post‑closure monitoring and maintenance of the facility to the Department. The Department may allow an applicant to demonstrate its financial qualifications for only the first five‑year phase of the facility. If the Department allows an applicant for a permit to demonstrate its financial qualification for only the first five‑year phase of the facility, the Department shall require the applicant or permit holder to demonstrate its financial qualification for each successive five‑year phase of the facility when applying for a permit to construct each successive phase of the facility.
(e)	If the Department requires an applicant for a permit or a permit holder for a solid waste management facility to demonstrate its financial qualification, the applicant or permit holder shall provide an audited, certified financial statement. An applicant who is required to demonstrate its financial qualification may do so through a combination of cash deposits, insurance, and binding loan commitments from a financial institution licensed to do business in the State and rated AAA by Standard & Poor's, Moody's Investor Service, or Fitch, Inc. If assets of a parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the applicant or a permit holder, or a joint venturer with a direct or indirect interest in the applicant or permit holder, are proposed to be used to demonstrate financial qualification, then the party whose assets are to be used must be designated as a joint permittee with the applicant on the permit for the facility.
(f)	The applicant and permit holder for a solid waste management facility shall establish financial assurance by a method or combination of methods that will ensure that sufficient funds for closure, post‑closure maintenance and monitoring, and any corrective action that the Department may require will be available during the active life of the facility, at closure, and for any post‑closure period of time that the Department may require even if the applicant or permit holder becomes insolvent or ceases to reside, be incorporated, do business, or maintain assets in the State. Rules adopted by the Commission shall allow a business entity that is an applicant for a permit or a permit holder to establish financial assurance through insurance, irrevocable letters of credit, trusts, surety bonds, corporate financial tests, or any other financial device as allowed pursuant to 40 Code of Federal Regulations § 258.74 (July 1, 2010 Edition), or any combination of the foregoing shown to provide protection equivalent to the financial protection that would be provided by insurance if insurance were the only mechanism used. Assets used to meet the financial assurance requirements of this section shall be in a form that will allow the Department to readily access funds for the purposes set out in this section. Assets used to meet financial assurance requirements of this section shall not be accessible to the permit holder except as approved by the Department. Where a corporate financial test is used that is substantially similar to that allowed under 40 Code of Federal Regulations § 258.74 (July 1, 2010 Edition), the assets shall be presumed both to be readily accessible by the Department and not otherwise accessible to the permit holder.
(g)	In order to continue to hold a permit under this Article, a permit holder must maintain financial responsibility and must provide any information requested by the Department to establish that the permit holder continues to maintain financial responsibility. A permit holder shall notify the Department of any significant change in the: (i) identity of any person or structure of the business entity that holds the permit for the facility; (ii) identity of any person or structure of the business entity that owns or operates the facility; or (iii) assets of the permit holder, owner, or operator of the facility. The permit holder shall notify the Department within 30 days of a significant change. A change shall be considered significant if it has the potential to affect the financial responsibility of the permit holder, owner, or operator, or if it would result in a change in the identity of the permit holder, owner, or operator for purposes of either financial responsibility or environmental compliance review. Based on its review of the changes, the Department may require the permit holder to reestablish financial responsibility and may modify or revoke a permit, or require issuance of a new permit.
(h)	To meet the financial assurance requirements of this section, the owner or operator of a sanitary landfill, other than a sanitary landfill for the disposal of construction and demolition debris waste, shall establish financial assurance sufficient to cover a minimum of two million dollars ($2,000,000) in costs for potential assessment and corrective action at the facility. The Department may require financial assurance in a higher amount and may increase the amount of financial assurance required of a permit holder at any time based upon the types of waste disposed in the landfill, the projected amount of waste to be disposed in the landfill, the location of the landfill, potential receptors of releases from the landfill, and inflation. The financial assurance requirements of this subsection are in addition to the other financial responsibility requirements set out in this section.
(h1)	To meet the financial assurance requirements of this section, the owner or operator of a sanitary landfill for the disposal of construction and demolition debris waste shall establish financial assurance sufficient to cover a minimum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) in costs for potential assessment and corrective action at the facility. The financial assurance requirements of this subsection are in addition to the other financial responsibility requirements set out in this section.
(i)	The Commission may adopt rules under which a unit of local government and a solid waste management authority created pursuant to Article 22 of Chapter 153A of the General Statutes may meet the financial responsibility requirements of this section by either a local government financial test or a capital reserve fund requirement.
(j)	In addition to the other methods by which financial assurance may be established as set forth in subsection (f) of this section, the Department may allow the owner or operator of a sanitary landfill permitted on or before August 1, 2009, to meet the financial assurance requirement set forth in subsection (h) of this section by establishing a trust fund which conforms to the following minimum requirements:
(1)	The trustee shall be an entity which has the authority to act as a trustee and whose trust operations are regulated and examined by a State or federal agency.
(2)	A copy of the trust agreement shall be placed in the facility's operating record.
(3)	Payments into the trust fund shall be made annually by the owner or operator over a period not to exceed five years. This period is referred to as the pay‑in period.
(4)	Payments into the fund shall be made in equal annual installments in amounts calculated by dividing the current cost estimate for potential assessment and corrective action at the facility, which, for a sanitary landfill, other than a sanitary landfill for the disposal of construction and demolition debris waste, shall not be less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) in accordance with subsection (h) of this section, by the number of years in the pay‑in period.
(5)	The trust fund may be terminated by the owner or operator only if the owner or operator establishes financial assurance by another method or combination of methods allowed under subsection (f) of this section.
(6)	The trust agreement shall be accompanied by a formal certification of acknowledgement.  (2007‑550, s. 5(a); 2011‑262, s. 1; 2014‑120, s. 27.)

§ 130A‑295.3.  Environmental compliance review requirements for applicants and permit holders.
(a)	For purposes of this section, "applicant" means an applicant for a permit and a permit holder and includes the owner or operator of the facility, and, if the owner or operator is a business entity, applicant also includes: (i) the parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the applicant; (ii) a partner, officer, director, member, or manager of the business entity, parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the applicant; and (iii) any person with a direct or indirect interest in the applicant, other than a minority shareholder of a publicly traded corporation who has no involvement in management or control of the corporation or any of its parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates.
(b)	The Department shall conduct an environmental compliance review of each applicant for a new permit and permit amendment under this Article. The environmental compliance review shall evaluate the environmental compliance history of the applicant for a period of five years prior to the date of the application and may cover a longer period at the discretion of the Department. The environmental compliance review of an applicant may include consideration of the environmental compliance history of the parents, subsidiaries, or other affiliates of an applicant or parent that is a business entity, including any business entity or joint venturer with a direct or indirect interest in the applicant, and other facilities owned or operated by any of them. The Department shall determine the scope of the review of the environmental compliance history of the applicant, parents, subsidiaries, or other affiliates of the applicant or parent, including any business entity or joint venturer with a direct or indirect interest in the applicant, and of other facilities owned or operated by any of them. An applicant for a permit shall provide environmental compliance history information for each facility, business entity, joint venture, or other undertaking in which any of the persons listed in this subsection is or has been an owner, operator, officer, director, manager, member, or partner, or in which any of the persons listed in this subsection has had a direct or indirect interest as requested by the Department.
(c)	The Department shall determine the extent to which the applicant, or a parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the applicant or parent, or a joint venturer with a direct or indirect interest in the applicant, has substantially complied with the requirements applicable to any activity in which any of these entities previously engaged, and has substantially complied with federal and State laws, regulations, and rules for the protection of the environment. The Department may deny an application for a permit if the applicant has a history of significant or repeated violations of statutes, rules, orders, or permit terms or conditions for the protection of the environment or for the conservation of natural resources as evidenced by civil penalty assessments, administrative or judicial compliance orders, or criminal penalties.
(d)	A permit holder shall notify the Department of any significant change in its environmental compliance history or other information required by G.S. 130‑295.2(g). The Department may reevaluate the environmental compliance history of a permit holder and may modify or revoke a permit or require issuance of a new permit.  (2007‑550, s. 6(a); 2015‑241, s. 14.20(d); 2015‑286, s. 4.9(c); 2017‑10, s. 3.1(c).)

§ 130A‑295.4.  Combustion products landfills.
(a)	The definitions set out in G.S. 130A‑290(a) apply to this section.
(b)	The Department may permit a combustion products landfill to be constructed partially or entirely within areas that have been formerly used for the storage or disposal of combustion products at the same facility as the coal‑fired generating unit that generates the combustion products, provided the landfill is constructed with a bottom liner system consisting of three components in accordance with this section. Of the required three components, the upper two components shall consist of two separate flexible membrane liners, with a leak detection system between the two liners. The third component shall consist of a minimum of two feet of soil underneath the bottom of those liners, with the soil having a maximum permeability of 1 x 10‑7 centimeters per second. The flexible membrane liners shall have a minimum thickness of thirty one‑thousandths of an inch (0.030"), except that liners consisting of high‑density polyethylene shall be at least sixty one‑thousandths of an inch (0.060") thick. The lower flexible membrane liner shall be installed in direct and uniform contact with the compacted soil layer. The Department may approve an alternative to the soil component of the composite liner system if the Department finds, based on modeling, that the alternative liner system will provide an equivalent or greater degree of impermeability.
(c)	An applicant for a permit for a combustion products landfill shall develop and provide to the Department a response plan, which shall describe the circumstances under which corrective measures are to be taken at the landfill in the event of the detection of leaks in the leak detection system between the upper two liner components at amounts exceeding an amount specified in the response plan (as expressed in average gallons per day per acre of landfill, defined as an Action Leakage Rate). The response plan shall also describe the remedial actions that the landfill is required to undertake in response to detection of leakage in amounts in excess of the Action Leakage Rate. The Department shall review the response plan as a part of the permit application for the landfill. Compliance with performance of the landfill to prevent releases of waste to the environment may be determined based on leakage rate rather than monitoring well data. (2007‑550, s. 7(b).)

§ 130A‑295.5.  Traffic study required for certain solid waste management facilities.
(a)	An applicant for a permit for a sanitary landfill or for a transfer station shall conduct a traffic study of the impacts of the proposed facility. The Department shall include as a condition of a permit for a sanitary landfill or for a transfer station a requirement that the permit holder mitigate adverse impacts identified by the traffic study. The study shall include all of the following at a minimum:
(1)	Identification of routes from the nearest limited access highway used to access the proposed facility.
(2)	Daily and hourly traffic volumes that will result along each approach route between the nearest limited access highway and the proposed facility.
(3)	A map identifying land uses located along the identified approach routes, including, but not limited to, residential, commercial, industrial development, and agricultural operations. The map shall identify residences, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other significant buildings that front the approach routes.
(4)	Identification of locations on approach routes where road conditions are inadequate to handle the increased traffic associated with the proposed facility and a description of the mitigation measures proposed by the applicant to address the conditions.
(5)	A description of the potential adverse impacts of increased traffic associated with the proposed facility and the mitigation measures proposed by the applicant to address these impacts.
(6)	An analysis of the impact of any increase in freight traffic on railroads and waterways.
(b)	An applicant for a permit for a sanitary landfill or for a transfer station may satisfy the requirements of subsection (a) of this section by obtaining a certification from the Division Engineer of the Department of Transportation that the proposed facility will not have a substantial impact on highway traffic. (2007‑550, s. 8(a).)

§ 130A‑295.6.  Additional requirements for sanitary landfills.
(a)	The applicant for a proposed sanitary landfill shall contract with a qualified third party, approved by the Department, to conduct a study of the environmental impacts of any proposed sanitary landfill, in conjunction with its application for a new permit as defined in G.S. 130A‑294(a3). The study shall meet all of the requirements set forth in G.S. 113A‑4 and rules adopted pursuant to G.S. 113A‑4. If an environmental impact statement is required, the Department shall publish notice of the draft environmental impact statement and shall hold a public hearing in the county where the landfill will be located no sooner than 30 days following the public notice. The Department shall consider the study of environmental impacts and any mitigation measures proposed by the applicant in deciding whether to issue or deny a permit. An applicant for a permit for a sanitary landfill shall pay all costs incurred by the Department to comply with the public notice and public hearing requirements of this subsection.
(b)	The Department shall require a buffer between any perennial stream or wetland and the nearest waste disposal unit of a sanitary landfill of at least 200 feet. The Department may approve a buffer of less than 200 feet, but in no case less than 100 feet, if it finds all of the following:
(1)	The proposed sanitary landfill or expansion of the sanitary landfill will serve a critical need in the community.
(2)	There is no feasible alternative location that would allow siting or expansion of the sanitary landfill with 200‑foot buffers.
(c)	A waste disposal unit of a sanitary landfill shall not be constructed within:
(1)	A 100‑year floodplain or land removed from a 100‑year floodplain designation pursuant to 44 Code of Federal Regulations Part 72 (1 October 2006 Edition) as a result of man‑made alterations within the floodplain such as the placement of fill, except as authorized by variance granted under G.S. 143‑215.54A(b). This subdivision does not apply to land removed from a 100‑year floodplain designation (i) as a result of floodplain map corrections or updates not resulting from man‑made alterations of the affected areas within the floodplain, or (ii) pursuant to 44 Code of Federal Regulations Part 70 (1 October 2006 Edition) by a letter of map amendment.
(2)	A wetland, unless the applicant or permit holder can show all of the following, as to the waste disposal unit:
a.	Where applicable under section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act or applicable State wetlands laws, the presumption that a practicable alternative to the proposed waste disposal unit is available which does not involve wetlands is clearly rebutted;
b.	Construction of the waste disposal unit will not do any of the following:
1.	Cause or contribute to violations of any applicable State water quality standard.
2.	Violate any applicable toxic effluent standard or prohibition under section 307 of the federal Clean Water Act.
3.	Jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of a critical habitat, protected under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973.
4.	Violate any requirement under the federal Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.
c.	Construction of the waste disposal unit will not cause or contribute to significant degradation of wetlands.
d.	To the extent required under section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act or applicable State wetlands laws, any unavoidable wetlands impacts will be mitigated.
(d)	The Department shall not issue a permit to construct any disposal unit of a sanitary landfill if, at the earlier of (i) the acquisition by the applicant or permit holder of the land or of an option to purchase the land on which the waste disposal unit will be located, (ii) the application by the applicant or permit holder for a franchise agreement, or (iii) at the time of the application for a permit, any portion of the proposed waste disposal unit would be located within:
(1)	Five miles of the outermost boundary of a National Wildlife Refuge.
(2)	One mile of the outermost boundary of a State gameland owned, leased, or managed by the Wildlife Resources Commission pursuant to G.S. 113‑306, prior to July 1, 2013, except as provided in subdivision (2a) of this subsection.
(2a)	Five hundred feet of the outermost boundary of a State gameland owned, leased, or managed by the Wildlife Resources Commission pursuant to G.S. 113‑306, prior to July 1, 2013, when all of the following conditions apply:
a.	The waste disposal unit will only be permitted to accept construction and demolition debris waste.
b.	The disposal unit is located within the primary corporate limits of a municipality located in a county with a population of less than 15,000.
c.	All portions of the gameland within one mile of the disposal unit are separated from the disposal unit by a primary highway designated by the Federal Highway Administration as a U.S. Highway.
(3)	Two miles of the outermost boundary of a component of the State Parks System.
(e)	A sanitary landfill for the disposal of construction and demolition debris waste shall be constructed with a liner system that consists of a flexible membrane liner over two feet of soil with a maximum permeability of 1 x 10–5 centimeters per second. The flexible membrane liner shall have a minimum thickness of thirty one‑thousandths of an inch (0.030"), except that a liner that consists of high‑density polyethylene shall be at least sixty one‑thousandths of an inch (0.060") thick. The flexible membrane liner shall be installed in direct and uniform contact with the soil layer. The Department may approve an alternative to the soil component of the liner system if the Department finds, based on modeling, that the alternative liner system will provide an equivalent or greater degree of impermeability.
(f)	A sanitary landfill, other than a sanitary landfill for the disposal of construction and demolition debris waste, shall be constructed so that the post‑settlement bottom elevation of the liner system, or the post‑settlement bottom elevation of the waste if no liner system is required, is a minimum of four feet above both the seasonal high groundwater table and the bedrock datum plane contours. A sanitary landfill for the disposal of construction and demolition debris waste shall be constructed so that the post‑settlement bottom elevation of the flexible membrane liner component of the liner system is a minimum of four feet above both the seasonal high groundwater table and the bedrock datum plane contours.
(g)	A permit holder for a sanitary landfill shall develop and implement a waste screening plan. The plan shall identify measures adequate to ensure compliance with State laws and rules and any applicable local ordinances that prohibit the disposal of certain items in landfills. The plan shall address all sources of waste generation. The plan is subject to approval by the Department.
(h)	The following requirements apply to any sanitary landfill for which a liner is required:
(1)	A geomembrane base liner system shall be tested for leaks and damage by methods approved by the Department that ensure that the entire liner is evaluated.
(2)	A leachate collection system shall be designed to return the head of the liner to 30 centimeters or less within 72 hours. The design shall be based on the precipitation that would fall on an empty cell of the sanitary landfill as a result of a 25‑year‑24‑hour storm event. The leachate collection system shall maintain a head of less than 30 centimeters at all times during leachate recirculation. The Department may require the operator to monitor the head of the liner to demonstrate that the head is being maintained in accordance with this subdivision and any applicable rules.
(3)	All leachate collection lines shall be designed and constructed to permanently allow cleaning and remote camera inspection. Remote camera inspections of the leachate collection lines shall occur upon completion of the construction and at least once every five years. Cleaning of leachate collection lines found necessary for proper functioning and to address buildup of leachate over the liner shall occur.
(4)	Any pipes used to transmit leachate shall provide dual containment outside of the disposal unit. The bottom liner of a sanitary landfill shall be constructed without pipe penetrations.
(h1)	With respect to requirements for daily cover at sanitary landfills, once the Department has approved use of an alternative method of daily cover for use at any sanitary landfill, that alternative method of daily cover shall be approved for use at all sanitary landfills located within the State.
(h2)	Studies and research and development pertaining to alternative disposal techniques and waste‑to‑energy matters shall be conducted by certain sanitary landfills as follows:
(1)	The owner or operator of any sanitary landfill permitted to receive more than 240,000 tons of waste per year shall research the development of alternative disposal technologies. In addition, the owner or operator shall allow access to nonproprietary information and provide site resources for individual research and development projects related to alternative disposal techniques for the purpose of studies that may be conducted by local community or State colleges and universities or other third‑party developers or consultants. The owner or operator shall report on research and development activities conducted pursuant to this subdivision, and any results of these activities, to the Department annually on or before July 1.
(2)	The owner or operator of any sanitary landfill permitted to receive more than 240,000 tons of waste per year shall perform a feasibility study of landfill gas‑to‑energy, or other waste‑to‑energy technology, to determine opportunities for production of renewable energy from landfills in order to promote economic development and job creation in the State. The owner or operator shall initiate the study when sufficient waste is in place at the landfill to produce gas, as determined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Landfill Gas Emissions Model (LandGEM), and may consult and coordinate with other entities to facilitate conduct of the study, including local and State government agencies, economic development organizations, consultants, and third‑party developers. The study shall specifically examine opportunities for returning a portion of the benefits derived from energy produced from the landfill to the jurisdiction within which the landfill is located in the form of direct supply of energy to the local government and its citizens, or through revenue sharing with the local government from sale of the energy, with revenues owing to the local government credited to a fund specifically designated for economic development within the jurisdiction. The owner or operator shall report on its activities associated with the study, and any results of the study, to the Department annually on or before July 1.
(i)	The Department shall not issue a permit for a sanitary landfill that authorizes:
(1)	A capacity of more than 55 million cubic yards of waste.
(2)	A disposal area of more than 350 acres.
(3)	A maximum height, including the cap and cover vegetation, of more than 250 feet above the mean natural elevation of the disposal area.
(j)	This section does not apply to landfills for the disposal of land clearing and inert debris or to Type I or Type II compost facilities.  (2007‑543, s. 1(a)‑(c); 2007‑550, s. 9(a), (c); 2013‑25, s. 1; 2013‑410, s. 47.6; 2013‑413, s. 59.1; 2020‑74, s. 13.)

§ 130A-295.7: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑295.8.  Fees applicable to permits for solid waste management facilities.
(a)	The Solid Waste Management Account is established as a nonreverting account within the Department. All fees collected under this section shall be credited to the Account and shall be used to support the solid waste management program established pursuant to G.S. 130A‑294.
(b)	through (d) Repealed by Session Laws 2015‑241, s. 14.20(c), effective October 1, 2015.
(d1)	A permitted solid waste management facility shall pay an annual permit fee on or before August 1 of each year according to the following schedule:
(1)	Municipal Solid Waste Landfill accepting less than 100,000 tons/year of solid waste – $6,125.
(2)	Municipal Solid Waste Landfill accepting 100,000 tons/year or more but less than 250,000 tons/year of solid waste – $7,000.
(3)	Municipal Solid Waste Landfill accepting 250,000 tons/year or more of solid waste – $8,750.
(4)	Post‑Closure Municipal Solid Waste Landfill – $1,000.
(5)	Construction and Demolition Landfill accepting less than 25,000 tons/year of solid waste – $4,813.
(6)	Construction and Demolition Landfill accepting 25,000 tons/year or more of solid waste – $5,500.
(7)	Post‑Closure Construction and Demolition Landfill – $500.
(8)	Industrial Landfill accepting less than 100,000 tons/year of solid waste – $5,500.
(9)	Industrial Landfill accepting 100,000 tons/year or more of solid waste – $6,875.
(10)	Post‑Closure Industrial Landfill – $500.
(11)	Transfer Station accepting less than 25,000 tons/year of solid waste – $1,500.
(12)	Transfer Station accepting 25,000 tons/year or more of solid waste – $1,875.
(13)	Treatment and Processing Facility – $500.
(14)	Tire Monofill – $1,000.
(15)	Incinerator – $500.
(16)	Large Compost Facility – $500.
(17)	Land Clearing and Inert Debris Landfill – $500.
(d2)	Upon submission of an application for a new permit, an applicant shall pay an application fee in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the annual permit fee imposed for that type of solid waste management facility as identified in subdivisions (1) through (17) of subsection (d1) of this section.
(e)	The Department shall determine whether an application for a permit for a solid waste management facility that is subject to a fee under this section is complete within 90 days after the Department receives the application for the permit. A determination of completeness means that the application includes all required components but does not mean that the required components provide all of the information that is required for the Department to make a decision on the application. If the Department determines that an application is not complete, the Department shall notify the applicant of the components needed to complete the application. An applicant may submit additional information to the Department to cure the deficiencies in the application. The Department shall make a final determination as to whether the application is complete within the later of: (i) 90 days after the Department receives the application for the permit less the number of days that the applicant uses to provide the additional information; or (ii) 30 days after the Department receives the additional information from the applicant. The Department shall issue a draft permit decision on an application for a permit within one year after the Department determines that the application is complete. The Department shall hold a public hearing and accept written comment on the draft permit decision for a period of not less than 30 or more than 60 days after the Department issues a draft permit decision. The Department shall issue a final permit decision on an application for a permit within 90 days after the comment period on the draft permit decision closes. The Department and the applicant may mutually agree to extend any time period under this subsection. If the Department fails to act within any time period set out in this subsection, the applicant may treat the failure to act as a denial of the permit and may challenge the denial as provided in Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.  (2007‑550, s. 13(a); 2013‑408, s. 2; 2015‑241, s. 14.20(c); 2015‑286, ss. 4.9(b), (d); 2017‑10, ss. 3.1(b), (d), 3.2(a), (b), (e).)

§ 130A‑295.9.  Solid waste disposal tax; use of proceeds.
It is the intent that the proceeds of the solid waste disposal tax imposed by Article 5G of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes credited to the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund pursuant to G.S. 105‑187.63(1) shall be used by the Department of Environmental Quality to fund the assessment and remediation of pre‑1983 landfills, except up to nineteen percent (19%) of the funds credited under this subdivision may be used to fund administrative expenses related to hazardous and solid waste management.  (2007‑550, s. 14(b); 2009‑451, s. 13.3E; 2010‑31, s. 13.9(a); 2014‑100, s. 14.24(a); 2015‑241, s. 14.30(u).)

§ 130A‑296:  Repealed by Session Laws 1993, c.  501, s. 15.

§ 130A‑297.  Receipt and distribution of funds.
The Department may accept loans and grants from the federal government and other sources for carrying out the purposes of this Article, and shall adopt reasonable policies governing the administration and distribution of funds to units of local government, other State agencies, and private agencies, institutions or individuals for studies, investigations, demonstrations, surveys, planning, training, and construction or establishment of solid waste management facilities. (1969, c. 899; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1216; 1983, c. 1891, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑298.  Hazardous waste fund.
A nonreverting hazardous waste fund is established within the Department which shall be available to defray the cost to the State for monitoring and care of hazardous waste disposal facilities after the termination of the period during which the facility operator is required by applicable State and federal statutes, rules or regulations to remain responsible for post‑closure monitoring and care. The establishment of this fund shall in no way be construed to relieve or reduce the liability of facility operators or any persons for damages caused by the facility. The fund shall be maintained by fees collected pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 130A‑294(a)(6). (1981, c. 704, s. 7; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1989, c. 168, s. 25.)

§ 130A‑299.  Single agency designation.
The Department is designated as the single State agency for purposes of RCRA or any State or federal legislation enacted to promote the proper management of solid waste. (1969, c. 899; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1216; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1989, c. 168, s. 26.)

§ 130A‑300.  Effect on laws applicable to water pollution control.
This Article shall not be construed as amending, repealing or in any manner abridging or interfering with those sections of the General Statutes of North Carolina relative to the control of water pollution as now administered by the Commission nor shall the provisions of this Article be construed as being applicable to or in any way affecting the authority of the Commission to control the discharges of wastes to the waters of the State as provided in Articles 21 and 21A, Chapter 143 of the General Statutes.  (1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1216; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 2014‑122, s. 11(d).)

§ 130A‑301.  Recordation of permits for disposal of waste on land and Notice of Open Dump.
(a)	Whenever the Department approves a permit for a sanitary landfill or a facility for the disposal of hazardous waste on land, the owner of the facility shall be granted both an original permit and a copy certified by the Secretary. The permit shall include a legal description of the site that would be sufficient as a description in an instrument of conveyance.
(b)	The owner of a facility granted a permit for a sanitary landfill or a facility for the disposal of hazardous waste on land shall file the certified copy of the permit in the office of the register of deeds in the county or counties in which the land is located.
(c)	Repealed by Session Laws 2012‑18, s. 1.17, effective July 1, 2012.
(d)	The permit shall not be effective unless the certified copy is filed as required under subsection (b) of this section.
(e)	When a sanitary landfill or a facility for the disposal of hazardous waste on land is sold, leased, conveyed or transferred, the deed or other instrument of transfer shall contain in the description section in no smaller type than that used in the body of the deed or instrument a statement that the property has been used as a sanitary landfill or a disposal site for hazardous waste and a reference by book and page to the recordation of the permit.
(f)	When the Department determines that an open dump exists, the Department shall notify the owner or operator of the open dump of applicable requirements to take remedial action at the site of the open dump to protect public health and the environment. If the owner or operator fails to take remedial action, the Department may record a Notice of Open Dump in the office of the register of deeds in the county or counties where the open dump is located. Not less than 30 days before recording the Notice of Open Dump, the Department shall notify the owner or operator of its intention to file a Notice of Open Dump. The Department may notify the owner or operator of its intention to file a Notice of Open Dump at the time it notifies the owner or operator of applicable requirements to take remedial action. An owner or operator may challenge a decision of the Department to file a Notice of Open Dump by filing a contested case under Article 3 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. If an owner or operator challenges a decision of the Department to file a Notice of Open Dump, the Department shall not file the Notice of Open Dump until the contested case is resolved, but may file a notice of pending litigation under Article 11 of Chapter 1 of the General Statutes. This power is additional and supplemental to any other power granted to the Department. This subsection does not repeal or supersede any statute or rule requiring or authorizing record notice by the owner.
(1)	The Department shall file the Notice of Open Dump in the office of the register of deeds in substantially the following form:
"NOTICE OF OPEN DUMP
The Division of Waste Management of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has determined that an open dump exists on the property described below. The Department provides the following information regarding this open dump as a public service. This Notice is filed pursuant to G.S. 130A‑301(f).
Name(s) of the record owner(s): _______________________________
Description of the real property: _______________________________
Description of the particular area where the open dump is located: ____
Any person who has questions regarding this Notice should contact the Division of Waste Management of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. The contact person for this Notice is: ______________ who may be reached by telephone at ______________ or by mail at ______________. Requests for inspection and copying of public records regarding this open dump may be directed to ______________ who may be reached by telephone at ______________ or by mail at ______________.
__________________________________________________________
Secretary of Environmental Quality by _________________
Date: _________."
(2)	The description of the particular area where the open dump is located shall be based on the best information available to the Department but need not be a survey plat that meets the requirements of G.S. 47‑30 unless a survey plat that meets those requirements and that is approved by the Department is furnished by the owner or operator.
(3)	Repealed by Session Laws 2012‑18, s. 1.17, effective July 1, 2012.
(4)	When the owner removes all solid waste from the open dump site to the satisfaction of the Department, the Department shall file a Cancellation of the Notice of Open Dump. The Cancellation shall be in a form similar to the original Notice of Open Dump and shall state that all the solid waste that constituted the open dump has been removed to the satisfaction of the Department.  (1973, c. 444; c. 476, s. 128; 1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1216; 1981, c. 480, s. 3; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1997‑330, s. 2; 1997‑443, s. 11A.119(b); 2012‑18, s. 1.17; 2015‑241, s. 14.30(u), (v).)

§ 130A‑301.1.  Land clearing and inert debris landfills with a disposal area of 1/2 acre or less; recordation.
(a)	No landfill for the on‑site disposal of land clearing and inert debris shall, at the time the landfill is sited, be sited 50 feet or less from a boundary of an adjacent property.
(b)	The owner of a landfill for the on‑site disposal of land clearing and inert debris shall file a certified copy of a survey of the property on which the landfill is located in the register of deeds' office in the county in which the property is located, which survey shall accurately show the location of the landfill and the record owner of the land on which the landfill is situated.
(c)	Prior to the lease or conveyance of any lot or tract of land which directly abuts or is contiguous to the disposal area used for land clearing and inert debris, the owner of the lot or tract shall prepare a document disclosing that a portion of the property has been used as a disposal area for land clearing and inert debris or has been used to meet applicable minimum buffer requirements. The disclosure shall include a legal description of the property that would be sufficient in an instrument of conveyance and shall be filed in the register of deeds office prior to any lease or conveyance.
(d)	No public, commercial, or residential building shall be located or constructed on the property, or any portion of the property on which the landfill for the on‑site disposal of land clearing and inert debris is located, 50 feet or less from the landfill. Construction of such buildings, with the exception of site preparation and foundation work, shall not commence until after closure of the on‑site land clearing and inert debris landfill.
(e)	Source reduction methods including, but not limited to, chipping and mulching of land clearing and inert debris shall be utilized to the maximum degree technically and economically feasible.
(f)	The Department of Transportation is exempt from subsections (b) and (c) of this section for the on‑site disposal of land clearing and inert debris on highway rights‑of‑way. (1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 580, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑301.2:  Expired September 30, 2003, pursuant to Session Laws 1995, c. 502, s. 4, as amended by Session Laws 2001-357.

§ 130A‑301.3.  Disposal of demolition debris generated from the decommissioning of manufacturing buildings, including electric generating stations, on‑site.
(a)	A person may dispose of demolition debris from the decommissioning of manufacturing buildings, including electric generating stations, on the same site as the decommissioned buildings if the demolition debris meets all of the following requirements:
(1)	It is composed only of inert debris such as brick or other masonry materials, dirt, sand, gravel, rock, and concrete if the material, when characterized using the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, is not a hazardous waste. The debris may contain small amounts of wood, paint, sealants, and metal associated with the inert debris.
(2)	It does not extend beyond the footprint of the decommissioned buildings and shall be at least 50 feet from the property boundary or enclosed by the walls of the building that are left in place below grade. Walls left in place below grade are not subject to the requirements of subdivision (4) of this subsection.
(3)	It is placed at least 500 feet from the nearest drinking water well.
(4)	It is placed to assure at least two feet of clean soil between any coated inert debris and the seasonal high groundwater table. Uncoated inert debris may be used as fill anywhere within the footprint of the decommissioned building or as beneficial fill on the site.
(5)	It complies with all other applicable federal, State, and local laws, regulations, rules, and ordinances.
(b)	After the decommissioning is completed or terminated, the owner or operator shall compact the demolition debris and cover it with at least two feet of compacted earth finer than a sandy texture soil. The cover of the demolition debris shall be graded so as to minimize water infiltration, promote proper drainage, and control erosion. Erosion of the cover shall be controlled by establishing suitable vegetative cover. All site stabilization should be completed within 90 days of the completed demolition.
(c)	Within 30 days of completing the final site stabilization or at least 30 days before the land, or any interest in the land, on which the demolition debris is located is transferred, whichever is earlier, the owner or owners of record of the land on which the demolition debris is located shall file each of the following with the register of deeds of the county in which the demolition debris is located:
(1)	A survey plat of the property that meets the requirements of G.S. 47‑30. The plat shall accurately show the location of the demolition debris in a manner that will allow the demolition debris disposal site to be accurately delineated and shall reference this section.
(2)	A notice that disposal of demolition debris has been located on the land. The notice shall include a description of the land that would be sufficient as a description in an instrument of conveyance. The notice shall list the owners of record of the land at the time the notice is filed and shall reference the book and page number where the deed or other instrument by which the owners of record acquired title is located. The notice shall reference the book and page number where the survey plat required by subdivision (1) of this subsection is recorded. The notice shall reference this section, shall describe with particularity the type and size of the building or other structure that was demolished, and shall state the dates on which the demolition began and ended. The notice shall be executed by the owner or owners of record as provided in Chapter 47 of the General Statutes. The register of deeds shall record the notice and index it in the grantor index under the names of all owners of record of the land.
(d)	A certified copy of both the plat and notice required by subsection (c) of this section shall also be filed with the Department. The plat and the notice shall indicate on the face of the document the book and page number where recorded.
(e)	When the land, or any portion of the land, on which the demolition debris is located is sold, leased, conveyed, or transferred, the deed or other instrument of transfer shall contain a statement that the property has been used for the disposal of demolition debris. The statement shall include a reference to this section and to the book and page number where the notice required by subdivision (2) of subsection (c) of this section is recorded.  (2013‑55, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑302.  Sludge deposits at sanitary landfills.
Sludges generated by the treatment of wastewater discharges which are point sources subject to permits granted under Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (P.L. 92‑500), or permits generated under G.S. 143‑215.1 by the Commission shall not be deposited in or on a sanitary landfill permitted under this Article unless in a compliance with the rules concerning solid waste adopted under this Article.  (1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1216; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 2014‑122, s. 11(e).)

§ 130A‑303.  Imminent hazard; emergency.
(a)	The judgment of the Secretary that an imminent hazard exists concerning solid waste shall be supported by findings of fact made by the Secretary.
(b)	In order to eliminate an imminent hazard, the Secretary may, without notice or hearing, issue an order requiring that immediate action be taken to protect the public health or the environment. This order may be directed to a generator or transporter of solid waste or to the owner or operator of a solid waste management facility. Where the imminent hazard is caused by an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site, the Secretary shall follow the procedures set forth in G.S. 130A‑310.5.
(c)	When a state of emergency, as defined in G.S. 166A‑19.3, has been declared by the Governor due to a natural disaster such as a pandemic, epidemic, hurricane or flood, or due to a pending disaster, the Secretary, or an authorized representative of the Secretary, may, upon request of a public or private landfill operator, or on the Secretary's own initiative, develop and implement any emergency measures and procedures that the Secretary deems necessary for the proper management of solid waste generated during the declared emergency. All State agencies and political subdivisions of the State shall cooperate with the implementation of the emergency measures and procedures developed pursuant to this section. Such emergency procedures and measures may include any of the following: (i) restrictions on the collection, storage, and transportation of solid waste, (ii) decisions on facility operational conditions such as operational times and waste acceptance, and (iii) any other measures or procedures necessary to allow for the proper disposal of solid waste within impacted communities. Written notice of emergency measures and procedures developed and implemented pursuant to this subsection shall be provided to news media, waste organizations, governmental agencies, solid waste facilities, and any other interested or affected parties as determined by the Secretary. Emergency measures and procedures developed and implemented pursuant to this section shall expire no more than 60 days after a declaration of a state of emergency has expired or been rescinded by the Governor.  (1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1216; 1981, c. 704, s. 7; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1987, c. 574, s. 3; 2009‑570, s. 27; 2020‑74, s. 3.)

§ 130A‑304.  Confidential information protected.
(a)	The following information received or prepared by the Department in the course of carrying out its duties and responsibilities under this Article is confidential information and shall not be subject to disclosure under G.S. 132‑6:
(1)	Information which the Secretary determines is entitled to confidential treatment pursuant to G.S. 132‑1.2. If the Secretary determines that information received by the Department is not entitled to confidential treatment, the Secretary shall inform the person who provided the information of that determination at the time such determination is made. The Secretary may refuse to accept or may return any information that is claimed to be confidential that the Secretary determines is not entitled to confidential treatment.
(2)	Information that is confidential under any provision of federal or state law.
(3)	Information compiled in anticipation of enforcement or criminal proceedings, but only to the extent disclosure could reasonably be expected to interfere with the institution of such proceedings.
(4)	Sensitive public security information, as defined in G.S. 132‑1.7.
(b)	Confidential information may be disclosed to officers, employees, or authorized representatives of federal or state agencies if such disclosure is necessary to carry out a proper function of the Department or the requesting agency or when relevant in any proceeding under this Article.
(c)	Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section or as otherwise provided by law, any officer or employee of the State who knowingly discloses information designated as confidential under this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and shall be removed from office or discharged from employment.  (1977, 2nd Sess., c. 1216; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1985, c. 738, s. 5; 1987, c. 282, s. 20; 1991, c. 745, s. 2; 1993, c. 539, s. 951; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2022‑75, s. 7(b).)

§ 130A‑305.  Construction.
This Article shall be interpreted as enabling the State to obtain federal financial assistance in carrying out its solid waste management program and to obtain the authority needed to assume primary enforcement responsibility for that portion of the solid waste management program concerning the management of hazardous waste. (1983, c. 891, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑306.  Emergency Response Fund.
There is established under the control and direction of the Department, an Emergency Response Fund which shall be a nonreverting fund consisting of any money appropriated for such purpose by the General Assembly or available to it from grants, fees, charges, and other money paid to or recovered by or on behalf of the Department pursuant to this Article, except fees and penalties specifically designated by this Article for some other use or purpose. The Emergency Response Fund shall be treated as a special trust fund and shall be credited with interest by the State Treasurer pursuant to G.S. 147‑69.2 and G.S. 147‑69.3. The Fund shall be used to defray expenses incurred by the Department in developing and implementing an emergency hazardous waste remedial plan and to reimburse any federal, State or local agency and any agent or contractor for expenses incurred in developing and implementing such a plan that has been approved by the Department. These funds shall be used upon a determination that sufficient funds or corrective action cannot be obtained from other sources without incurring a delay that would significantly increase the threat to life or risk of damage to the environment. This Fund may not exceed five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000); money in excess of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) shall be deposited in the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund. The Secretary is authorized to take the necessary action to recover all costs incurred by the State for site investigation and the development and implementation of an emergency hazardous waste remedial plan, including attorney's fees and other expenses of bringing the cost recovery action from the responsible party or parties. The provisions of G.S. 130A‑310.7 shall apply to actions to recover costs under this section except that: (i) reimbursement shall be to the Emergency Response Fund and (ii) the State need not show that it has complied with the provisions of Part 3 of this Article. (1983 (Reg. Sess., 1984), c. 1034, s. 74; 1989, c. 286, s. 1; 1998‑215, s. 54(b).)

§ 130A‑307.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑308.  Continuing releases at permitted facilities; notification of completed corrective action.
(a)	Standards adopted under G.S. 130A‑294(c) and a permit issued under G.S. 130A‑294(c) shall require corrective action for all releases of hazardous waste or constituents from any solid waste management unit at a treatment, storage, or disposal facility seeking a permit under G.S. 130A‑294(c), regardless of the time at which waste was placed in such unit. Permits issued under G.S. 130A‑294(c) which implement Section 3005 of RCRA (42 U.S.C. § 6925) shall contain schedules of compliance for corrective action if corrective action cannot be completed prior to issuance of the permit and establishment of financial assurance for completing corrective action. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, this section shall apply only to units, facilities, and permits that are covered by Section 3004(u) of RCRA (42 U.S.C. § 6924(u)). Notwithstanding the foregoing, corrective action authorized elsewhere in this Chapter shall not be limited by this section.
(b)	The definitions set out in G.S. 130A‑310.31(b) apply to this subsection. Any person may submit a written request to the Department for a determination that a corrective action for a release of a hazardous waste or constituents from a solid waste management unit that is a treatment, storage, or disposal facility permitted under G.S 130A‑294(c) has been completed to unrestricted use standards. A request for a determination that a corrective action at a facility has been completed to unrestricted use standards shall be accompanied by the fee required by G.S. 130A‑310.39(a)(2). If the Department determines that the corrective action at a facility has been completed to unrestricted use standards, the Department shall issue a written notification that no further corrective action will be required at the facility. The notification shall state that no further corrective action will be required at the facility unless the Department later determines, based on new information or information not previously provided to the Department, that the corrective action at the facility has not been completed to unrestricted use standards or that the Department was provided with false or incomplete information. Under any of those circumstances, the Department may withdraw the notification and require responsible parties to take corrective action at a facility to bring the facility into compliance with unrestricted use standards. (1985, c. 738, s. 4; 1989, c. 168, s. 27; 1997‑357, s. 4; 2001‑384, s. 11; 2007‑107, s. 1.1(f).)

§ 130A‑309.  Corrective actions beyond facility boundary.
Standards adopted under G.S. 130A‑294(c) shall require that corrective action be taken beyond the facility boundary where necessary to protect human health and the environment unless the owner or operator of the facility concerned demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that, despite the owner or operator's best efforts, the owner or operator was unable to obtain the necessary permission to undertake such action. Such standards shall take effect upon adoption and shall apply to:
(1)	All facilities operating under permits issued under G.S. 130A‑294(c); and
(2)	All disposal facilities, surface impoundments, and waste pile units (including any new units, replacements of existing units or lateral expansions of existing units) which receive hazardous waste after July 26, 1982.
Pending adoption of such rules, the Department shall issue corrective action orders for facilities referred to in (1) and (2), on a case‑by‑case basis, consistent with the purposes of this section. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, this section shall apply only to units, facilities, and permits that are covered by Section 3004(v) of RCRA (42 U.S.C. § 6924(v)). Notwithstanding the foregoing, corrective action authorized elsewhere in this Chapter shall not be limited by this section. (1985, c. 738, s. 4; 1989, c. 168, s. 28.)

Part 2A.  Nonhazardous Solid Waste Management.
§ 130A‑309.01.  Title.
This Part may be cited as the Solid Waste Management Act of 1989. (1989, c. 784, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑309.02.  Applicability.
This Part shall apply to solid waste other than hazardous waste and sludges. (1989, c. 784, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑309.03.  Findings, purposes.
(a)	The General Assembly finds that:
(1)	Inefficient and improper methods of managing solid waste create hazards to public health, cause pollution of air and water resources, constitute a waste of natural resources, have an adverse effect on land values, and create public nuisances.
(2)	Problems of solid waste management have become a matter statewide in scope and necessitate State action to assist local governments in improving methods and processes to promote more efficient methods of solid waste collection and disposal.
(3)	The continuing technological progress and improvements in methods of manufacture, packaging, and marketing of consumer products have resulted in an ever‑mounting increase of the mass of material discarded by the purchasers of the products, thereby necessitating a statewide approach to assisting local governments around the State with their solid waste management programs.
(4)	The economic growth and population growth of our State have required increased industrial production together with related commercial and agricultural operations to meet our needs, which have resulted in a rising tide of unwanted and discarded materials.
(5)	The failure or inability to economically recover material and energy resources from solid waste results in the unnecessary waste and depletion of our natural resources; such that, maximum resource recovery from solid waste and maximum recycling and reuse of the resources must be considered goals of the State.
(6)	Certain solid waste, due to its quantity; concentration; or physical, chemical, biological, or infectious characteristics; is exceptionally hazardous to human health, safety, and to the environment; such that exceptional attention to the transportation, disposal, storage, and treatment of the waste is necessary to protect human health, safety, and welfare; and to protect the environment.
(7)	This Part should be integrated with other State laws and rules and applicable federal law.
(b)	It is the purpose of this Part to:
(1)	Regulate in the most economically feasible, cost‑effective, and environmentally safe manner the storage, collection, transport, separation, processing, recycling, and disposal of solid waste in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; enhance the environment for the people of this State; and recover resources which have the potential for further usefulness.
(2)	Establish and maintain a cooperative State program of planning, technical assistance, and financial assistance for solid waste management.
(3)	Require counties and municipalities to adequately plan and provide efficient, environmentally acceptable solid waste management programs; and require counties to plan for proper hazardous waste management.
(4)	Require review of the design, and issue permits for the construction, operation, and closure of solid waste management facilities.
(5)	Promote the application of resource recovery systems that preserve and enhance the quality of air, water, and land resources.
(6)	Ensure that exceptionally hazardous solid waste is transported, disposed of, stored, and treated in a manner adequate to protect human health, safety, and welfare; and the environment.
(7)	Promote the reduction, recycling, reuse, or treatment of solid waste, specifically including hazardous waste, in lieu of disposal of the waste.
(8)	Promote methods and technology for the treatment, disposal, and transportation of hazardous waste which are practical, cost‑effective, and economically feasible.
(9)	Encourage counties and municipalities to utilize all means reasonably available to promote efficient and proper methods of managing solid waste and to promote the economical recovery of material and energy resources from solid waste, including contracting with persons to provide or operate resource recovery services or facilities on behalf of the county or municipality.
(10)	Promote the education of the general public and the training of solid waste professionals to reduce the production of solid waste, to ensure proper disposal of solid waste, and to encourage recycling.
(11)	Encourage the development of waste reduction and recycling as a means of managing solid waste, conserving resources, and supplying energy through planning, grants, technical assistance, and other incentives.
(12)	Encourage the development of the State's recycling industry by promoting the successful development of markets for recycled items and by promoting the acceleration and advancement of the technology used in manufacturing processes that use recycled items.
(13)	Give the State a leadership role in recycling efforts by granting a preference in State purchasing to products with recycled content.
(14)	Require counties to develop and implement recycling programs so that valuable materials may be returned to productive use, energy and natural resources conserved, and the useful life of solid waste management facilities extended.
(15)	Ensure that medical waste is transported, stored, treated, and disposed of in a manner sufficient to protect human health, safety, and welfare; and the environment.
(16)	Require counties, municipalities, and State agencies to determine the full cost of providing storage, collection, transport, separation, processing, recycling, and disposal of solid waste in an environmentally safe manner; and encourage counties, municipalities, and State agencies to contract with private persons for any or all the services in order to assure that the services are provided in the most cost‑effective manner. (1989, c. 784, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑309.04.  State solid waste management policy and goals.
(a)	It is the policy of the State to promote methods of solid waste management that are alternatives to disposal in landfills and to assist units of local government with solid waste management. In furtherance of this State policy, there is established a hierarchy of methods of managing solid waste, in descending order of preference:
(1)	Waste reduction at the source;
(2)	Recycling and reuse;
(3)	Composting;
(4)	Incineration with energy recovery;
(5)	Incineration without energy recovery;
(6)	Disposal in landfills.
(b)	It is the policy of the State to encourage research into innovative solid waste management methods and products and to encourage regional solid waste management projects.
(c)	It is the goal of this State to reduce the municipal solid waste stream, primarily through source reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting, by forty percent (40%) on a per capita basis by 30 June 2001.
(1),	(2) Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 594, s. 8.
(c1)	To measure progress toward the municipal solid waste reduction goal in a given year, comparison shall be made between the amount by weight of the municipal solid waste that, during the baseline year and the given year, is received at municipal solid waste management facilities and is:
(1)	Disposed of in a landfill;
(2)	Incinerated;
(3)	Converted to tire‑derived fuel; or
(4)	Converted to refuse‑derived fuel.
(c2)	Comparison shall be between baseline and given years beginning on 1 July and ending on 30 June of the following year. The baseline year shall be the year beginning 1 July 1991 and ending 30 June 1992. However, a unit of local government may use an earlier baseline year if it demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that it has sufficient data to support the use of the earlier baseline year.
(c3)	Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 594, s. 8.
(d)	In furtherance of the State's solid waste management policy, each State agency shall develop a solid waste management plan that is consistent with the solid waste management policy of the State.
(d1)	It is the policy of the State to obtain, to the extent practicable, economic benefits from the recovery from solid waste and reuse of material and energy resources. In furtherance of this policy, it is the goal of the State to foster partnerships between the public and private sectors that strengthen the supply of, and demand for, recyclable and reusable materials and that foster opportunities for economic development from the recovery and reuse of materials.
(e),  (f) Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 594, s. 8.  (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 1991, c. 621, s. 2; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1013, s. 6; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 8.)

§ 130A‑309.05.  Regulated wastes; certain exclusions.
(a)	Notwithstanding other provisions of this Article, the following waste shall be regulated pursuant to this Part:
(1)	Medical waste; and
(2)	Ash generated by a solid waste management facility from the burning of solid waste.
(b)	Ash generated by a solid waste management facility from the burning of solid waste shall be disposed of in a properly designed solid waste disposal area that complies with standards developed by the Department for the disposal of the ash. The Department shall work with solid waste management facilities that burn solid waste to identify and develop methods for recycling and reusing incinerator ash or treated ash.
(c)	Recovered material is not subject to regulation as solid waste under this Article. In order for a material that would otherwise be regulated as solid waste to qualify as a recovered material, the Department may require any person who owns or has control over the material to demonstrate that the material meets the requirements of this subsection. In order to protect public health and the environment, the Commission may adopt rules to implement this subsection. Materials that are accumulated speculatively, as that term is defined under 40 Code of Federal Regulations § 261 (July 1, 2014 Edition), shall not qualify as a recovered material, and shall be subject to regulation as solid waste. In order to qualify as a recovered material, the material shall be managed as a valuable commodity in a manner consistent with the desired use or end use, and all of the following conditions shall be met:
(1)	Seventy‑five percent (75%), by weight or volume, of the recovered material stored at a facility at the beginning of a calendar year commencing January 1, shall be removed from the facility through sale, use, or reuse by December 31 of the same year.
(2)	The recovered material or the products or by‑products of operations that process recovered material shall not be discharged, deposited, injected, dumped, spilled, leaked, or placed into or upon any land or water so that the products or by‑products or any constituent thereof may enter other lands or be emitted into the air or discharged into any waters including groundwaters, or otherwise enter the environment or pose a threat to public health and safety. Facilities that process recovered material shall be operated in a manner to ensure compliance with this subdivision.
(3)	The recovered material shall not be a hazardous waste or have been recovered from a hazardous waste.
(4)	The recovered material shall not contain significant concentrations of foreign constituents that render it unserviceable or inadequate for sale, or its intended use or reuse.  (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 9; 2015‑1, s. 2(b).)

§ 130A‑309.06.  Additional powers and duties of the Department.
(a)	In addition to other powers and duties set forth in this Part, the Department shall:
(1)	Develop a comprehensive solid waste management plan consistent with this Part. The plan shall be developed in consultation with units of local government and shall be updated at least every three years. In developing the State solid waste management plan, the Department shall hold public hearings around the State and shall give notice of these public hearings to all units of local government and regional planning agencies.
(2)	Provide guidance for the orderly collection, transportation, storage, separation, processing, recovery, recycling, and disposal of solid waste throughout the State.
(3)	Encourage coordinated local activity for solid waste management within a common geographical area.
(4)	Provide planning, technical, and financial assistance to units of local government and State agencies for reduction, recycling, reuse, and processing of solid waste and for safe and environmentally sound solid waste management and disposal.
(5)	Cooperate with appropriate federal agencies, local governments, and private organizations in carrying out the provisions of this Part.
(6)	Promote and assist the development of solid waste reduction, recycling, and resource recovery programs that preserve and enhance the quality of the air, water, and other natural resources of the State.
(7)	Maintain a directory of recycling and resource recovery systems in the State and provide assistance with matching recovered materials with markets.
(8)	Manage a program of grants for programs for recycling and special waste management, and for programs that provide for the safe and proper management of solid waste.
(9)	Provide for the education of the general public and the training of solid waste management professionals to reduce the production of solid waste, to ensure proper processing and disposal of solid waste, and to encourage recycling and solid waste reduction.
(10)	Develop descriptive literature to inform units of local government of their solid waste management responsibilities and opportunities.
(11)	Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 594, s. 10.
(12)	Recodified as the second sentence of G.S. 143B‑135.204(a) by Session Laws 2023‑46, s. 13, effective June 16, 2023.
(13)	Identify, based on reports required under G.S. 130A‑309.14 and any other relevant information, those materials in the municipal solid waste stream that are marketable in the State or any portion thereof and that should be recovered from the waste stream prior to treatment or disposal.
(14)	Identify and analyze, with assistance from the Department of Commerce pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.14, components of the State's recycling industry and present and potential markets for recyclable materials in this State, other states, and foreign countries.
(b)	Repealed by Session Laws 2007‑550, s. 6(b), effective August 1, 2007, and applicable to any application for a permit for a solid waste management facility that is pending on that date.
(c)	The Department shall report to the Environmental Review Commission and the Fiscal Research Division on or before April 15 of each year on the status of solid waste management efforts in the State. The report shall include all of the following:
(1)	A comprehensive analysis, to be updated in each report, of solid waste generation and disposal in the State projected for the 20‑year period beginning on July 1, 1991.
(2)	The total amounts of solid waste recycled and disposed of and the methods of solid waste recycling and disposal used during the calendar year prior to the year in which the report is published.
(3)	An evaluation of the development and implementation of local solid waste management programs and county and municipal recycling programs.
(4)	An evaluation of the success of each county or group of counties in meeting the municipal solid waste reduction goal established in G.S. 130A‑309.04.
(5)	Recommendations concerning existing and potential programs for solid waste reduction and recycling that would be appropriate for units of local government and State agencies to implement to meet the requirements of this Part.
(6)	An evaluation of the recycling industry, the markets for recycled materials, the recycling of polystyrene, and the success of State, local, and private industry efforts to enhance the markets for these materials.
(7)	Recommendations to the Governor and the Environmental Review Commission to improve the management and recycling of solid waste in the State, including any proposed legislation to implement the recommendations.
(8)	A description of the condition of the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund and the use of all funds allocated from the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund, as required by G.S. 130A‑309.12(c).
(9)	A description of the review and revision of bid procedures and the purchase and use of reusable, refillable, repairable, more durable, and less toxic supplies and products by both the Department of Administration and the Department of Transportation, as required by G.S. 130A‑309.14(a1)(3).
(10)	A description of the implementation of the North Carolina Scrap Tire Disposal Act that includes the amount of revenue used for grants and to clean up nuisance tire collection under the provisions of G.S. 130A‑309.64.
(11)	A description of the management of white goods in the State, as required by G.S. 130A‑309.85.
(12)	A summary of the report by the Department of Transportation on the amounts and types of recycled materials that were specified or used in contracts that were entered into by the Department of Transportation during the previous fiscal year, as required by G.S. 136‑28.8(g).
(13)	Repealed by Session Laws 2010‑142, s. 1, effective July 22, 2010.
(14)	Expired pursuant to Session Laws 2008‑136, s. 2, effective October 1, 2023.
(15)	A report on the recycling of discarded computer equipment and televisions in the State pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.140(a).
(16)	An evaluation of the Brownfields Property Reuse Act pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.40.
(17)	Reports on the Inactive Hazardous Waste Response Act of 1987 pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.10.
(18)	A report on the Dry‑Cleaning Solvent Cleanup Act of 1997 pursuant to G.S. 143‑215.104U(a) until such time as the Act expires pursuant to Part 6 of Article 21A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes.
(19)	A report on the implementation and cost of the hazardous waste management program pursuant to G.S. 130A‑294(i).
(20)	A report on the use of funds for Superfund cleanups and inactive hazardous site cleanups.
(21)	A report on the management of solar energy equipment pursuant to Part 2J of this Article.
(d)	Repealed by Session Laws 2001‑452, s. 3.1, effective October 28, 2001.  (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 1991, c. 336, s. 4; c. 621, ss. 3, 4; 1993, c. 250, s. 3; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 10; 2001‑452, s. 3.1; 2007‑550, s. 6(b); 2008‑136, s. 2; 2010‑142, s. 1; 2013‑360, s. 14.16(d); 2017‑10, s. 4.14(a); 2020‑74, s. 11(b); 2020‑78, s. 7.2(b); 2023‑46, s. 13; 2023‑58, s. 2(b).)

§ 130A‑309.07.  State solid waste management plan.
The State solid waste management plan shall include, at a minimum:
(1)	Procedures to encourage cooperative efforts in solid waste management by counties and municipalities and groups of counties and municipalities where appropriate, including the establishment of joint agencies pursuant to G.S. 160A‑462.
(2)	Provisions for the continuation of existing effective regional resource recovery, recycling, and solid waste management facilities and programs.
(3)	Planning guidance and technical assistance to counties and municipalities to aid in meeting the municipal solid waste reduction goals established in G.S. 130A‑309.04.
(4)	Planning guidance and technical assistance to counties and municipalities to assist the development and implementation of solid waste reduction programs.
(5)	Technical assistance to counties and municipalities in determining the full cost for solid waste management as required in G.S. 130A‑309.08.
(6)	Planning guidance and technical assistance to counties and municipalities to assist the development and implementation of programs for alternative disposal, processing, or recycling of the solid wastes prohibited from disposal in landfills pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.10 and for special wastes.
(7)	A public education program, to be developed in cooperation with the Department of Public Instruction, units of local government, other State agencies, and business and industry organizations, to inform the public of the need for and the benefits of recycling solid waste and reducing the amounts of solid and hazardous waste generated and disposed of in the State.  The public education program shall be implemented through public workshops and through the use of brochures, reports, public service announcements, and other materials.
(8)	Provisions to encourage partnerships between the public and private sectors that strengthen the supply of, and demand for, recyclable materials and that foster opportunities for economic development from the recovery and reuse of materials. (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 1991, c. 621, s. 5; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 11.)

§ 130A‑309.08.  Determination of cost for solid waste management; local solid waste management fees.
(a)	Each county and each municipality shall annually determine the full cost for solid waste management within the service area of the county or municipality for the preceding year.  The Commission shall establish by rule the method for units of local government to use in calculating full cost.
(b)	Each municipality shall establish a system to inform, no less than once a year, residential and nonresidential users of solid waste management services within the municipality's service area of the user's share, on an average or individual basis, of the full cost for solid waste management as determined pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.  Counties shall provide the information required of municipalities only to residential and nonresidential users of solid waste management services within the county's service area that are not served by a municipality.  Municipalities shall include costs charged to them or to persons contracting with them for disposal of solid waste in the full cost information provided to residential and nonresidential users of solid waste management services.  Counties and municipalities are encouraged to operate their solid waste management systems through use of an enterprise fund.
(c)	For purposes of this section, "service area" means the area in which the county or municipality provides, directly or by contract, solid waste management services.  The provisions of this section shall not be construed to require a person operating under a franchise contract or other agreement to collect or dispose of solid waste within the service area of a county or municipality to make the calculations or to establish a system to provide the information required under this section, unless such person agrees to do so as part of such franchise contract or other agreement.
(d)	A county may charge fees for the collection, processing, or disposal of solid waste as provided in Article 15 of Chapter 153A of the General Statutes.  A city may charge fees for the collection, processing, or disposal of solid waste as provided in Article 16 of Chapter 160A of the General Statutes.
(e),  (f) Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 594, s. 12. (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 1991, c. 621, s. 6; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 12.)

§ 130A‑309.09:  Recodified as §§ 130A‑309.09A to 130A‑309.09C by Session Laws 1991, c. 621, ss. 7 to 10.

§ 130A‑309.09A.  Local government solid waste responsibilities.
(a)	The governing board of each unit of local government shall assess local solid waste collection services and disposal capacity and shall determine the adequacy of collection services and disposal capacity to meet local needs and to protect human health and the environment. Each unit of local government shall implement programs and take other actions that it determines are necessary to address deficiencies in service or capacity required to meet local needs and to protect human health and the environment. A unit of local government may adopt ordinances governing the disposal, in facilities that it operates, of solid waste generated outside of the area designated to be served by the facility. Such ordinances shall not be construed to apply to privately operated disposal facilities located within the boundaries of the unit of local government.
(b)	Units of local government shall make a good‑faith effort to achieve the State's forty percent (40%) municipal solid waste reduction goal and to comply with the State's comprehensive solid waste management plan.
(c)	Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 594, s. 12.
(d)	In order to assess the progress in meeting the goal set out in G.S. 130A‑309.04, each unit of local government shall report to the Department on the solid waste management programs and waste reduction activities within the unit of local government by 1 September of each year. At a minimum, the report shall include:
(1)	A description of public education programs on recycling.
(2)	The amount of solid waste received at municipal solid waste management facilities, by type of solid waste.
(3)	The amount and type of materials from the solid waste stream that were recycled.
(4)	The percentage of the population participating in various types of recycling activities instituted.
(5)	The annual reduction in municipal solid waste, measured as provided in G.S. 130A‑309.04.
(6)	Repealed by Session Laws 2013‑409, s. 1, effective August 23, 2013.
(7)	A statement of the costs of solid waste management programs implemented by the unit of local government and the methods of financing those costs.
(8)	Information regarding permanent recycling programs for discarded computer equipment and televisions for which funds are received pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.137, and information on operative interlocal agreements executed in conjunction with funds received, if any.
(9)	A description of the disaster debris management program.
(10)	A description of scrap tire disposal procedures.
(11)	A description of white goods management procedures.
(12)	Information regarding the prevention of illegal disposal and management of litter.
(e)	Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 594, s. 13.
(f)	Each operator of a municipal solid waste management facility shall weigh all solid waste when it is received.
(g)	A unit of local government that is a collector of municipal solid waste shall not knowingly collect for disposal, and the owner or operator of a municipal solid waste management facility that is owned or operated by a unit of local government shall not knowingly dispose of, any type or form of municipal solid waste that is generated within the boundaries of a unit of local government that by ordinance:
(1)	Prohibits generators or collectors of municipal solid waste from disposing of that type or form of municipal solid waste.
(2)	Requires generators or collectors of municipal solid waste to recycle that type or form of municipal solid waste.
(h)	The storage, retention, and use of nonhazardous recyclable materials, including asphalt pavement, rap, or roofing shingles, shall be encouraged by units of local government. A unit of local government shall not impede the storage, retention, or use of nonhazardous recyclable materials in properly zoned storage facilities through the regulation of the height or setback of recyclable material stockpiles, except when such facilities are located on lots within 200 yards of residential districts.  (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1009, s. 4; 1991, c. 621, s. 7; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 13; 2007‑550, s. 16.2; 2008‑136, s. 3; 2008‑198, s. 11.4; 2008‑208, ss. 2, 7; 2009‑484, s. 16(a), (b); 2009‑550, s. 10(a), (b); 2010‑67, ss. 1(a)‑(d), 3(a), (b); 2013‑409, s. 1; 2013‑413, s. 50.)

§ 130A‑309.09B.  Local government waste reduction programs.
(a)	Each unit of local government shall establish and maintain a solid waste reduction program. The following requirements shall apply:
(1)	Demolition debris consisting of used asphalt or used asphalt mixed with dirt, sand, gravel, rock, concrete, or similar nonhazardous material may be used as fill and need not be disposed of in a permitted landfill or solid waste disposal facility, provided that demolition debris may not be placed in the waters of the State or at or below the seasonal high water table.
(2)	Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 621, s. 8.
(3)	Units of local government are encouraged to separate marketable plastics, glass, metal, and all grades of paper for recycling prior to final disposal and are further encouraged to recycle yard trash and other organic solid waste into compost available for agricultural and other acceptable uses.
(b)	To the maximum extent practicable, units of local government should participate in the preparation and implementation of joint waste reduction and solid waste management programs, whether through joint agencies established pursuant to G.S. 153A‑421, G.S. 160A‑462, or any other means provided by law. Nothing in a county's solid waste management or waste reduction program shall affect the authority of a municipality to franchise or otherwise provide for the collection of solid waste generated within the boundaries of the municipality.
(c)	through (e)  Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 594, s. 14.
(f)	A county or counties and its or their municipalities may jointly determine, through a joint agency established pursuant to G.S. 153A‑421 or G.S. 160A‑462, which local governmental agency shall administer a solid waste management or waste reduction program.
(g)	Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 594, s. 14.  (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1009, s. 4; 1991, c. 537, s. 2; c. 621, s. 8; 1993, c. 86, s. 1; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 14; 2013‑409, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑309.09C.  Additional powers of local governments; construction of this Part; effect of noncompliance.
(a)	To effect the purposes of this Part, counties and municipalities are authorized, in addition to other powers granted pursuant to this Part:
(1)	To contract with persons to provide resource recovery services or operate resource recovery facilities on behalf of the county or municipality.
(2)	To indemnify persons providing resource recovery services or operating resource recovery facilities for liabilities or claims arising out of the provision or operation of such services or facilities that are not the result of the sole negligence of the persons providing the services or operating the facilities.
(3)	To contract with persons to provide solid waste disposal services or operate solid waste disposal facilities on behalf of the county or municipality.
(b)	A county or municipality may enter into a written agreement with other persons, including persons transporting solid waste, to undertake to fulfill some or all of the county's or municipality's responsibilities under this Part.
(c)	Nothing in this Part shall be construed to prevent the governing board of any county or municipality from providing by ordinance or regulation for solid waste management standards which are stricter or more extensive than those imposed by the State solid waste management program and rules and orders issued to implement the State program.
(d)	Nothing in this Part or in any rule adopted by any agency shall be construed to require any county or municipality to participate in any regional solid waste management until the governing board of the county or municipality has determined that participation in such a program is economically feasible for that county or municipality. Nothing in this Part or in any special or local act or in any rule adopted by any agency shall be construed to limit the authority of a municipality to regulate the disposal of solid waste located within its boundaries or generated within its boundaries so long as a facility for any such disposal has been approved by the Department, unless the municipality is included within a solid waste management program created under a joint agency or special or local act. If bonds had been issued to finance a solid waste management program in reliance on State law granting to a unit of local government, a region, or a special district the responsibility for the solid waste management program, nothing herein shall permit any governmental agency to withdraw from the program if the agency's participation is necessary for the financial feasibility of the project, so long as the bonds are outstanding.
(e)	Nothing in this Part or in any rule adopted by any State agency pursuant to this Part shall require any person to subscribe to any private solid waste collection service.
(f)	In the event a region, special district, or other entity by special act or joint agency, has been established to manage solid waste, any duty or responsibility or penalty imposed under this Part on a unit of local government shall apply to such region, special district, or other entity to the extent of the grant of the duty or responsibility or imposition of such penalty. To the same extent, such region, special district, or other entity shall be eligible for grants or other benefits provided pursuant to this Part.
(g)	In addition to any other penalties provided by law, a unit of local government that does not comply with the requirements of G.S. 130A‑309.09A(b), G.S. 130A‑309.09A(d), and G.S. 130A‑309.09B(a) shall not be eligible for grants from the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund or the White Goods Management Account and shall not receive the proceeds of the scrap tire disposal tax imposed by Article 5B of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes or the proceeds of the white goods disposal tax imposed by Article 5C of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes to which the unit of local government would otherwise be entitled. The Secretary shall notify the Secretary of Revenue to withhold payment of these funds to any unit of local government that fails to comply with the requirements of G.S. 130A‑309.09A(b), G.S. 130A‑309.09A(d), and G.S. 130A‑309.09B(a). Proceeds of the scrap tire disposal tax that are withheld pursuant to this subsection shall be credited to the General Fund and may be used as provided in G.S. 130A‑309.64. Proceeds of the white goods disposal tax that are withheld pursuant to this subsection shall be credited to the General Fund and may be used as provided in G.S. 130A‑309.83.  (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1009, s. 4; 1991, c. 621, s. 9; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 15; 2013‑360, ss. 14.16(e), 14.17(d); 2013‑409, s. 3.)

§ 130A‑309.09D.  Responsibilities of generators of municipal solid waste owners and operators of privately owned solid waste management facilities and collectors of municipal solid waste.
(a)	A generator of municipal solid waste shall not knowingly dispose of, a collector of municipal solid waste shall not knowingly collect for disposal, and the owner or operator of a privately owned or operated municipal solid waste management facility shall not knowingly dispose of, any type or form of municipal solid waste that is generated within the boundaries of a unit of local government that by ordinance:
(1)	Prohibits generators or collectors of municipal solid waste from disposing of that type or form of municipal solid waste.
(2)	Requires generators or collectors of municipal solid waste to recycle that type or form of municipal solid waste.
(b)	On or before 1 August, the owner or operator of a privately owned solid waste management facility shall report to the Department, for the previous year beginning 1 July and ending 30 June, the amount by weight of the solid waste that was received at the facility and disposed of in a landfill, incinerated, or converted to fuel.  To the maximum extent practicable, the reports shall indicate by weight the county of origin of all solid waste.  The owner or operator shall transmit a copy of the report to the county in which the facility is located and to each county from which solid waste originated.
(c)	A generator of industrial solid waste that owns and operates an industrial solid waste facility for the management of industrial solid waste generated by that generator shall develop a 10‑year waste management plan.  The plan shall be updated at least every three years.  In order to assure compliance with this subsection, each generator to which this subsection applies shall provide the Department with a copy of its current plan upon request by the Department.  Each generator to which this subsection applies shall file a report on its implementation of the plan required by this subsection with the Department by 1 August of each year.  A generator to which this subsection applies may provide the Department with a copy of a current plan prepared pursuant to an ordinance adopted by a unit of local government or prepared for any other purpose if the plan meets the requirements of this subsection.  The plan shall have the following components:
(1)	A waste reduction goal established by the generator.
(2)	Options for the management and reduction of wastes evaluated by the generator.
(3)	A waste management strategy, including plans for waste reduction and waste disposal, for the 10‑year period covered by the plan. (1991, c. 621, s. 11; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 16.)

§ 130A‑309.10.  Prohibited acts relating to packaging; coded labeling of plastic containers required; disposal of certain solid wastes in landfills or by incineration prohibited.
(a)	No beverage shall be sold or offered for sale within the State in a beverage container designed and constructed so that the container is opened by detaching a metal ring or tab.
(b)	No person shall distribute, sell, or offer for sale in this State, any product packaged in a container or packing material manufactured with fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). Producers of containers or packing material manufactured with chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are urged to introduce alternative packaging materials that are environmentally compatible.
(c)	(1)	No plastic bag shall be provided at any retail outlet to any retail customer to use for the purpose of carrying items purchased by that customer unless the bag is composed of material that is recyclable.
(2)	It is the goal of the State that at least twenty‑five percent (25%) of the plastic bags provided at retail outlets in the State to retail customers for carrying items purchased by the customer be recycled.
(d)	(1)	No person shall distribute, sell, or offer for sale in this State any polystyrene foam product that is to be used in conjunction with food for human consumption unless the product is composed of material that is recyclable.
(2)	Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 321, s. 1.
(e)	No person shall distribute, sell, or offer for sale in this State any rigid plastic container, including a plastic beverage container, unless the container has a molded label indicating the plastic resin used to produce the container. The code shall consist of a number placed within three triangulated arrows and letters placed below the triangulated arrows. The three arrows shall form an equilateral triangle with the common point of each line forming each angle of the triangle at the midpoint of each arrow and rounded with a short radius. The arrowhead of each arrow shall be at the midpoint of each side of the triangle with a short gap separating the arrowhead from the base of the adjacent arrow. The triangle formed by the three arrows curved at their midpoints shall depict a clockwise path around the code number. The label shall appear on or near the bottom of the container and be clearly visible. A container having a capacity of less than eight fluid ounces or more than five gallons is exempt from the requirements of this subsection. The numbers and letters shall be as follows:
(1)	For polyethylene terephthalate, the letters "PETE" and the number 1.
(2)	For high density polyethylene, the letters "HDPE" and the number 2.
(3)	For vinyl, the letter "V" and the number 3.
(4)	For low density polyethylene, the letters "LDPE" and the number 4.
(5)	For polypropylene, the letters "PP" and the number 5.
(6)	For polystyrene, the letters "PS" and the number 6.
(7)	For any other, the letters "OTHER" and the number 7.
(e1)	(See Editor's note for applicability) No person shall distribute, sell, or offer for sale in this State any rigid plastic container, including a plastic beverage container labeled "degradable," "biodegradable," "compostable," or other words suggesting the container will biodegrade unless (i) the container complies with the requirements of subsection (e) of this section and (ii) the container includes a label with the statement "Not Recyclable, Do Not Recycle" in print of the same color, contrast, font, and size as the language suggesting the container will biodegrade.
(f)	No person shall knowingly dispose of the following solid wastes in landfills:
(1)	Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 375, s. 1.
(2)	Used oil.
(3)	Yard trash, except in landfills approved for the disposal of yard trash under rules adopted by the Commission. Yard trash that is source separated from solid waste may be accepted at a solid waste disposal area where the area provides and maintains separate yard trash composting facilities.
(4)	White goods.
(5)	Antifreeze (ethylene glycol).
(6)	Aluminum cans.
(7)	Whole scrap tires, as provided in G.S. 130A‑309.58(b). The prohibition on disposal of whole scrap tires in landfills applies to all whole pneumatic rubber coverings, but does not apply to whole solid rubber coverings.
(8)	Lead‑acid batteries, as provided in G.S. 130A‑309.70.
(9)	Repealed by Session Laws 2011‑394, s. 4, effective July 1, 2011.
(10)	Motor vehicle oil filters.
(11)	Recyclable rigid plastic containers that are required to be labeled as provided in subsection (e) of this section, that have a neck smaller than the body of the container, and that accept a screw top, snap cap, or other closure. The prohibition on disposal of recyclable rigid plastic containers in landfills does not apply to rigid plastic containers that are intended for use in the sale or distribution of motor oil or pesticides.
(12)	Wooden pallets, except that wooden pallets may be disposed of in a landfill that is permitted to only accept construction and demolition debris.
(13)	Oyster shells.
(14)	Discarded computer equipment, as defined in G.S. 130A‑309.131.
(15)	Discarded televisions, as defined in G.S. 130A‑309.131.
(f1)	No person shall knowingly dispose of the following solid wastes by incineration in an incinerator for which a permit is required under this Article:
(1)	Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) used solely in motor vehicles.
(2)	Aluminum cans.
(3)	Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 594, s. 17.
(4)	White goods.
(5)	Lead‑acid batteries, as provided in G.S. 130A‑309.70.
(6)	Repealed by Session Laws 2011‑394, s. 4, effective July 1, 2011.
(7)	Discarded computer equipment, as defined in G.S. 130A‑309.131.
(8)	Discarded televisions, as defined in G.S. 130A‑309.131.
(f2)	Subsections (f1) and (f3) of this section shall not apply to solid waste incinerated in an incinerator solely owned and operated by the generator of the solid waste. Subsection (f1) of this section shall not apply to antifreeze (ethylene glycol) that cannot be recycled or reclaimed to make it usable as antifreeze in a motor vehicle.
(f3)	Holders of on‑premises malt beverage permits, on‑premises unfortified wine permits, on‑premises fortified wine permits, and mixed beverages permits shall not knowingly dispose of beverage containers that are required to be recycled under G.S. 18B‑1006.1 in landfills or by incineration in an incinerator for which a permit is required under this Article.
(g)	Repealed by Session Laws 1995 (Regular Session, 1996), c. 594, s. 17.
(h)	The accidental or occasional disposal of small amounts of prohibited solid waste by landfill shall not be construed as a violation of subsection (f) or (f3) of this section.
(i)	The accidental or occasional disposal of small amounts of prohibited solid waste by incineration shall not be construed as a violation of subsection (f1) or (f3) of this section if the Department has approved a plan for the incinerator as provided in subsection (j) of this section or if the incinerator is exempt from subsection (j) of this section.
(j)	The Department may issue a permit pursuant to this Article for an incinerator that is subject to subsection (f1) of this section only if the applicant for the permit has a plan approved by the Department pursuant to this subsection. The applicant shall file the plan at the time of the application for the permit. The Department shall approve a plan only if it complies with the requirements of this subsection. The plan shall provide for the implementation of a program to prevent the incineration of the solid waste listed in subsections (f1) and (f3) of this section. The program shall include the random visual inspection prior to incineration of at least ten percent (10%) of the solid waste to be incinerated. The program shall also provide for the retention of the records of the random visual inspections and the training of personnel to recognize the solid waste listed in subsections (f1) and (f3) of this section. If a random visual inspection discovers solid waste that may not be incinerated pursuant to subsections (f1) and (f3) of this section, the program shall provide that the operator of the incinerator shall dispose of the solid waste in accordance with applicable federal and State laws, regulations, and rules. This subsection does not apply to an incinerator that disposes only of medical waste.
(k)	A county or city may petition the Department for a waiver from the prohibition on disposal of a material described in subdivisions (9), (10), (11), (12), and (13) of subsection (f) of this section and subsection (f3) of this section in a landfill based on a showing that prohibiting the disposal of the material would constitute an economic hardship.
(l)	Oyster shells that are delivered to a landfill shall be stored at the landfill for at least 90 days or until they are removed for recycling. If oyster shells that are stored at a landfill are not removed for recycling within 90 days of delivery to the landfill, then, notwithstanding subdivision (13) of subsection (f) of this section, the oyster shells may be disposed of in the landfill.
(m)	No person shall knowingly dispose of fluorescent lights and thermostats that contain mercury in a sanitary landfill for the disposal of construction and demolition debris waste that is unlined or in any other landfill that is unlined.  (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 1991, c. 23, s. 1; c. 375, s. 1; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 932, ss. 1, 2; 1993, c. 290, s. 1; 1995, c. 321, s. 1; c. 504, s. 9; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 17; 2001‑440, ss. 3.1, 3.2; 2005‑348, s. 3; 2005‑362, ss. 2, 3; 2006‑226, s. 24(a); 2006‑264, ss. 98.5(a), (c); 2007‑550, ss. 16.3, 16.4; 2008‑198, s. 11.4; 2008‑208, ss. 3, 4, 7; 2009‑499, s. 1; 2009‑484, s. 16(a), (b); 2009‑550, s. 10(a), (b); 2010‑67, ss. 1(a)‑(d), 4(a), (b); 2010‑142, s. 10; 2010‑180, s. 14(b); 2011‑394, s. 4; 2012‑194, s. 28; 2012‑201, s. 3; 2013‑74, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.11.  Compost standards and applications.
(a)	In order to protect the State's land and water resources, compost produced, utilized, or disposed of by the composting process at solid waste management facilities in the State must meet criteria established by the Department.
(b)	The Commission shall adopt rules to establish standards for the production of compost.  Rules shall be adopted not later than 24 months after the initiation of rule making. Such rules shall include:
(1)	Requirements necessary to produce hygienically safe compost products for varying applications.
(2)	A classification scheme for compost based on:
a.	The types of waste composted, including at least one type containing only yard trash;
b.	The maturity of the compost, including at least three degrees of decomposition for fresh, semi‑mature, and mature; and
c.	The levels of organic and inorganic constituents in the compost.
(c)	The compost classification scheme shall address:
(1)	Methods for measurement of the compost maturity.
(2)	Particle sizes.
(3)	Moisture content.
(4)	Average levels of organic and inorganic constituents, including heavy metals, for such classes of compost as the Department establishes, and the analytical methods to determine those levels.
(d)	The Commission shall adopt rules to prescribe the allowable uses and application rates of compost.  Rules shall be adopted not later than 24 months after the initiation of rule making.  Such rules shall be based on the following criteria:
(1)	The total quantity of organic and inorganic constituents, including heavy metals, allowed to be applied through the addition of compost to the soil per acre per year.
(2)	The allowable uses of compost based on maturity and type of compost.
(e)	If compost is produced which does not meet the criteria prescribed by the Department for agricultural and other use, the compost must be reprocessed or disposed of in a manner approved by the Department, unless a different application is specifically permitted by the Department. (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 18.)

§ 130A‑309.12: Repealed by Session Laws 2013‑360, s. 14.18(b), effective July 1, 2013.

§ 130A‑309.13.  Solid Waste Management Outreach Program.
(a)	The Department shall develop an outreach program to promote waste reduction and recycling. From funds available to the Department for this program, the Department may engage in any of the following outreach activities:
(1)	Provide public education regarding waste reduction and recycling.
(2)	Provide technical assistance regarding waste reduction and recycling to units of local government.
(3)	Conduct research on the solid waste stream in North Carolina.
(4)	Develop secondary materials markets by providing technical and financial support, including providing technical and financial support to private recycling businesses, including use of processed scrap tire materials.
(5)	Provide funding for the activities of the Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach.
(b)	It is the intent of the General Assembly to allow the Department to satisfy grant obligations that extend beyond the end of the fiscal year.
(c)	The Department shall include in the report required by G.S. 130A‑309.06(c) a description of the outreach program under this section. This report shall specify the type of outreach activity under each of subdivisions (1) through (5) under subsection (a) of this section and the amount of program funds the Department expended for each activity during the previous year.  (2013‑360, s. 14.18(c).)

§ 130A‑309.14.  Duties of State agencies.
(a)	Each State agency, including the General Assembly, the General Court of Justice, and The University of North Carolina shall do all of the following:
(1)	Establish a program in cooperation with the Department and the Department of Administration for the collection of all recyclable materials generated in State offices throughout the State. The program shall provide that recycling containers are readily accessible on each floor where State employees are located in a building occupied by a State agency. Recycling containers required pursuant to this subdivision shall be clearly labeled to identify the types of recyclable materials to be deposited in each container and, to the extent practicable, recycling containers for glass, plastic, and aluminum shall be located near trash receptacles. The program shall provide for the collection of all of the following recyclable materials:
a.	Aluminum.
b.	Newspaper.
c.	Sorted office paper.
d.	Recyclable glass.
e.	Plastic bottles.
As used in this subdivision, the term "sorted office paper" means paper used in offices that is of a high quality for purposes of recycling and includes copier paper, computer paper, letterhead, ledger, white envelopes, and bond paper.
(2)	Provide procedures for collecting and storing recyclable materials, containers for storing materials, and contractual or other arrangements with buyers of the recyclable materials.
(3)	The Department of Administration and the Department of Transportation shall each provide by October 1 of each year to the Department of Environmental Quality a detailed description of the respective Agency's review and revision of bid procedures and purchase and use of reusable, refillable, repairable, more durable, and less toxic supplies and products. The information provided by the Department of Administration and the Department of Transportation to the Department of Environmental Quality shall also be included in the report required by G.S. 130A‑309.06(c).
(4)	Establish and implement, in cooperation with the Department and the Department of Administration, a solid waste reduction program for materials used in the course of agency operations. The program shall be designed and implemented to achieve maximum feasible reduction of solid waste generated as a result of agency operations.
(5)	Prepare any written report in compliance with the model report under subsection (j) of this section. The State agency shall do all of the following:
a.	Notify persons to whom each agency is required to report, and any other persons it deems appropriate, that a report has been published, its subject and title, and the locations, including State libraries, at which the report is available.
b.	Deliver any report to only those State libraries that each agency determines is likely to receive requests for a particular report.
c.	Distribute a report to only those who request the report.
A State library that has received a report shall distribute a report only upon request. Any State agency required by law to report to an entity is in compliance with that law by notifying that entity under sub‑subdivision a. of this subdivision.
(a1)	The Department of Administration shall review and revise its bid procedures and specifications set forth in Article 3 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes and the Department of Transportation shall review and revise its bid procedures and specifications set forth in Article 2 of Chapter 136 of the General Statutes to encourage the purchase or use of reusable, refillable, repairable, more durable, and less toxic supplies and products. The following applies:
(1)	The Department of Administration shall require the procurement of these supplies and products to the extent that the purchase or use is practicable and cost‑effective. The Department of Administration shall require the purchase or use of remanufactured toner cartridges for laser printers to the extent practicable.
(2)	The Department of Transportation shall require the purchase or use of these supplies and products in the construction and maintenance of highways and bridges to the extent that the purchase or use is practicable and cost‑effective.
(3)	The Department of Administration and the Department of Transportation shall each provide by October 1 of each year to the Department of Environmental Quality a detailed description of the respective Agency's review and revision of bid procedures and its purchase and use of reusable, refillable, repairable, more durable, and less toxic supplies and products. The information provided by the Department of Administration and the Department of Transportation to the Department of Environmental Quality shall also be included in the report required by G.S. 130A‑309.06(c).
(b)	The Department of Commerce shall assist and encourage the recycling industry in the State. Assistance and encouragement of the recycling industry shall include all of the following:
(1)	Assisting the Department in identifying and analyzing, pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.06, components of the State's recycling industry and present and potential markets for recyclable materials in this State, other states, and foreign countries.
(2)	Providing information on the availability and benefits of using recycled materials to businesses and industries in the State.
(3)	Distributing any material prepared in implementing this section to the public, businesses, industries, units of local government, or other organizations upon request.
(c)	Repealed by Session Laws 1993, c. 250, s. 2.
(d)	The Department of Commerce shall investigate the potential markets for composted materials and shall submit its findings to the Department for the waste registry informational program administered by the Department in order to stimulate absorption of available composted materials into those markets.
(e)	Repealed by Session Laws 2022‑62, s. 58.5, effective July 8, 2022.
(f)	All State agencies, including the Department of Transportation and the Department of Administration, and units of local government are required to procure compost products when they can be substituted for, and cost no more than, regular soil amendment products, so long as the compost products meet all applicable engineering and environmental quality standards, specifications, and rules. This product preference shall apply to, but not be limited to, highway construction and maintenance projects, highway planting and beautification projects, recultivation and erosion control programs, and other projects.
(f1)	The Department of Transportation shall, consistent with economic feasibility and applicable engineering and environmental quality standards, use scrap tires, demolition debris, and untreated, stabilized, or encapsulated ash from boilers and incinerators in highway construction and maintenance projects.
(g)	The Department of Public Instruction, with the assistance of the Department and The University of North Carolina, shall develop, distribute, and encourage the use of guidelines for the collection of recyclable materials and for solid waste reduction in the State system of education. At a minimum, the guidelines shall address solid waste generated in administrative offices, classrooms, dormitories, and cafeterias.
(h)	In order to orient students and their families to the recycling of waste and to encourage the participation of schools, communities, and families in recycling programs, the school board of each school district in the State shall make available an awareness program in the recycling of waste materials. The program shall be provided at both the elementary and secondary levels of education.
(i)	The Department of Public Instruction shall develop, from funds appropriated for environmental education, curriculum materials and resource guides for a recycling awareness program for instruction at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
(j)	The Department of Administration shall develop a model report for reports published by any State agency, the General Assembly, the General Court of Justice, or The University of North Carolina. This model report shall satisfy the following:
(1)	The paper in the report shall, to the extent economically practicable, be made from recycled paper and shall be capable of being recycled.
(2)	The other constituent elements of the report shall, to the extent economically practicable, be made from recycled products and shall be capable of being recycled or reused.
(3)	The report shall be printed on both sides of the paper if no additional time, staff, equipment, or expense would be required to fulfill this requirement.
(4)	State publications that are of historical and enduring value and importance to the citizens of North Carolina shall be printed on alkaline (acid‑free) paper.
(k)	The Department of Transportation shall provide and maintain recycling containers at each rest area located in this State on a highway in the Interstate Highway System or in the State highway system for the collection of each of the following recyclable materials for which recycling is feasible:
(1)	Aluminum.
(2)	Newspaper.
(3)	Recyclable glass.
(4)	Plastic bottles.
For each rest area that has recycling containers, the Department of Transportation shall install signs, or modify existing signs, that are proximately located to the rest area to notify motorists that the rest area has recycling containers.
(l)	Any State agency or agency of a political subdivision of the State that is using State funds, or any person contracting with any agency with respect to work performed under contract, shall procure products of recycled steel if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1)	The product is acquired competitively within a reasonable time frame.
(2)	The product meets appropriate performance standards.
(3)	The product is acquired at a reasonable price.
(m)	The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, with the assistance of the Department, shall develop a model recycling program for holders of on‑premises malt beverage permits, on‑premises unfortified wine permits, on‑premises fortified wine permits, and mixed beverages permits under G.S. 18B‑1001 that are required to recycle beverage containers under G.S. 18B‑1006.1. The model program shall provide for the separation, storage, and collection for recycling of all beverage containers that are required to be recycled under G.S. 18B‑1006.1 and shall provide alternatives that reflect variations in local circumstances across the State. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission may adopt rules to comply with this section.  (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 1991, c. 522, s. 1; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 959, s. 32; 1993, c. 197, s. 1; c. 250, ss. 1, 2; c. 448, ss. 1, 2; c. 553, s. 74; 2001‑144, s. 1; 2001‑452, s. 3.3; 2001‑512, ss. 13, 14; 2003‑284, s. 6.10(a); 2003‑340, s. 1.6; 2005‑348, s. 2; 2015‑241, s. 14.30(u); 2022‑62, s. 58.5.)

§ 130A‑309.14A.  Reports by certain State‑assisted entities.
Any community college, as defined in G.S. 115D‑2(2), and any nonprofit corporation that receives State funds are encouraged to prepare any written reports in compliance with G.S. 130A‑309.14(j). (1993, c. 448, s. 3.)

§ 130A‑309.15.  Prohibited acts regarding used oil.
(a)	No person may knowingly:
(1)	Collect, transport, store, recycle, use, or dispose of used oil in any manner which endangers the public health or welfare.
(2)	Discharge used oil into sewers, drainage systems, septic tanks, surface waters, groundwaters, watercourses, or marine waters.
(3)	Dispose of used oil in landfills in the State unless such disposal has been approved by the Department.
(4)	Mix used oil with solid waste that is to be disposed of in landfills.
(5)	Mix used oil with hazardous substances that make it unsuitable for recycling or beneficial use.
(b)	A person who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished as provided by G.S. 130A‑25(a) and G.S. 14‑3.
(c)	A person who disposes of used oil in a landfill where such used oil has been mixed with other solid waste which may be lawfully disposed of in such landfill, and who is without knowledge that such solid waste has been mixed with used oil, is not guilty of a violation under this section.
(d)	Used oil shall not be used for road oiling, dust control, weed abatement, or other similar purposes that have the potential to release used oil into the environment. (1989, c. 784, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑309.16.  Public education program regarding used oil collection and recycling.
The Department shall conduct a public education program to inform the public of the needs for and benefits of collecting and recycling used oil and shall:
(1)	Encourage persons who annually sell at retail, in containers for use off the premises, more than 500 gallons of oil to provide the purchasers with information on the locations of collection facilities and information on proper disposal practices.
(2)	Establish, maintain, and publicize a used oil information center that disperses materials or information explaining local, State, and federal laws and rules governing used oil and informing the public of places and methods for proper disposal of used oil.
(3)	Encourage the voluntary establishment of used oil collection and recycling programs and provide technical assistance to persons who organize such programs.
(4)	Encourage the procurement of recycled automotive, industrial, and fuel oils and oils blended with recycled oils for all State and local government uses.  Recycled oils procured under this section shall meet equipment manufacturer's specifications. (1989, c. 784, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑309.17: Repealed by Session Laws 2017‑209, s. 2(b), effective October 4, 2017.

§ 130A‑309.18.  Regulation of used oil as hazardous waste.
Nothing in this Part shall prohibit the Department from regulating used oil as a hazardous waste in a manner consistent with applicable federal law and this Article. (1989, c. 784, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑309.19.  Coordination with other State agencies.
The Department of Transportation shall study the feasibility of using recycled oil products in road construction activities and shall report to the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives annually, beginning 1 January 1991, on the results of its study. (1989, c. 784, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑309.20.  Public used oil collection centers.
(a)	The Department shall encourage the voluntary establishment of public used oil collection centers and recycling programs and provide technical assistance to persons who organize such programs.
(b)	All State agencies and businesses that change motor oil for the public are encouraged to serve as public used oil collection centers.
(c)	A public used oil collection center must:
(1)	Notify the Department annually that it is accepting used oil from the public; and
(2)	Annually report quantities of used oil collected from the public.
(d)	No person may recover from the owner or operator of a used oil collection center any costs of response actions resulting from a release of either used oil or a hazardous substance against the owner or operator of a used oil collection center if such used oil is:
(1)	Not mixed with any hazardous substance by the owner or operator of the used oil collection center;
(2)	Not knowingly accepted with any hazardous substances contained therein;
(3)	Transported from the used oil collection center by a certified transporter pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.23; and
(4)	Stored in a used oil collection center that is in compliance with this section.
(e)	Subsection (d) of this section applies only to that portion of the public used oil collection center used for the collection of used oil and does not apply if the owner or operator is grossly negligent in the operation of the public used oil collection center.  Nothing in this section shall affect or modify in any way the obligations or liability of any person under any other provisions of State or federal law, including common law, for injury or damage resulting from a release of used oil or hazardous substances.  For purposes of this section, the owner or operator of a used oil collection center may presume that a quantity of no more than five gallons of used oil accepted from any member of the public is not mixed with a hazardous substance, provided that the owner or operator acts in good faith. (1989, c. 784, s. 2)

§ 130A‑309.21.  Incentives program.
(a)	The Department is authorized to establish an incentives program for individuals who change their own oil to encourage them to return their used oil to a used oil collection center.
(b)	The incentives used by the Department may involve the use of discount or prize coupons, prize drawings, promotional giveaways, or other activities the Department determines will promote collection, reuse, or proper disposal of used oil.
(c)	The Department may contract with a promotion company to administer the incentives program. (1989, c. 784, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑309.22.  Grants to local governments.
(a)	The Department shall develop a grants program for units of local government to encourage the collection, reuse, and proper disposal of used oil.  No grant may be made for any project unless the project is approved by the Department.
(b)	The Department shall consider for grant assistance any unit of local government project that uses one or more of the following programs or any activity that the Department feels will reduce the improper disposal and reuse of used oil:
(1)	Curbside pickup of used oil containers by a unit of local government or its designee.
(2)	Retrofitting of solid waste equipment to promote curbside pickup or disposal of used oil at used oil collection centers designated by the unit of local government.
(3)	Establishment of publicly operated used oil collection centers at landfills or other public places.
(4)	Providing containers and other materials and supplies that the public can utilize in an environmentally sound manner to store used oil for pickup or return to a used oil collection center.
(5)	Providing incentives for the establishment of privately operated public used oil collection centers.
(c)	Eligible projects shall be funded according to provisions established by the Department; however, no grant may exceed twenty‑five thousand dollars ($25,000).
(d)	The Department shall initiate rule making on or before 1 January 1991, necessary to carry out the purposes of this section. (1989, c. 784, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑309.23.  Certification of used oil transporters.
(a)	Any person who transports over public highways after 1 January 1992, more than 500 gallons of used oil in any week must be a certified transporter or must be employed by a person who is a certified transporter.
(b)	The Department of Transportation shall develop a certification program for transporters of used oil, and shall issue, deny, or revoke certifications authorizing the holder to transport used oil.  Certification requirements shall help assure that a used oil transporter is familiar with appropriate rules and used oil management procedures.
(c)	The Department of Transportation shall adopt rules governing certification, which shall include requirements for the following:
(1)	Registration and annual reporting pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.17.
(2)	Evidence of familiarity with applicable State laws and rules governing used oil transportation.
(3)	Proof of liability insurance or other means of financial responsibility for any liability which may be incurred in the transport of used oil.
(4)	Marking, by the certified transporter of used oil, of all vehicles which transport used oil or all containers of used oil when it is not feasible to mark the vehicle.  The mark must clearly identify the certified used oil transporter and clearly indicate that the vehicle is used to transport used oil.  The marking must be visible to others travelling on the highway. (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 1991, c. 488.)

§ 130A‑309.24.  Permits for used oil recycling facilities.
(a)	Each person who intends to operate, modify, or close a used oil recycling facility shall obtain an operation or closure permit from the Department prior to operating, modifying, or closing the facility.
(b)	By 1 January 1992, the Department shall develop a permitting system for used oil recycling facilities after reviewing and considering the applicability of the permit system for hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal facilities.
(c)	Permits shall not be required under this section for the burning of used oil as a fuel, provided:
(1)	A valid air permit issued by the Department is in effect for the facility; and
(2)	The facility burns used oil in accordance with applicable United States Environmental Protection Agency regulations, local government regulations, and the requirements and conditions of its air permit.
(d)	No permit is required under this section for the use of used oil for the beneficiation or flotation of phosphate rock. (1989, c. 784, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑309.25.  Training of operators of solid waste management facilities.
(a)	The Department shall establish qualifications for, and encourage the development of training programs for, operators of incinerators, operators of landfills, coordinators of local recycling programs, and other solid waste management facilities.
(b)	The Department shall work with accredited community colleges, vocational technical centers, State universities, and private institutions in developing educational materials, courses of study, and other such information to be made available for persons seeking to be trained as operators of solid waste management facilities.
(c)	A person may not perform the duties of an operator of a solid waste management facility after 1 January 1998, unless he has completed an operator training course approved by the Department. An owner of a solid waste management facility may not employ any person to perform the duties of an operator unless the person has completed an approved solid waste management facility operator training course.
(d)	The Commission may adopt rules and minimum standards to effectuate the provisions of this section and to ensure the safe, healthy, and lawful operation of solid waste management facilities. The Commission may establish, by rule, various classifications for operators to address the need for differing levels of training required to operate various types of solid waste management facilities due to different operating requirements at the facilities.
(e)	In developing training programs for incinerator operators under this section, the Department shall establish and consult with ad hoc advisory groups to help coordinate the requirements under this section with other training programs for incinerator operators.
(f)	This section does not apply to any operator of a solid waste management facility who has five years continuous experience as an operator of a solid waste management facility immediately preceding January 1, 1998, provided that the operator attends a course and completes the continuing education requirements approved by the Department. (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 1993, c. 29, s. 1; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 19; 1997‑443, s. 15.49(a).)

§ 130A‑309.26.  Regulation of medical waste.
(a)	As used in this section:
(1)	"Sharps" means needles, syringes, and scalpel blades.
(2)	"Treatment" means any process, including steam sterilization, chemical treatment, incineration, and other methods approved by the Commission which changes the character or composition of medical waste so as to render it noninfectious.
(b)	It is the intent of the General Assembly to protect the public health by establishing standards for the safe packaging, storage, treatment, and disposal of medical waste. The Commission shall adopt and the Department shall enforce rules for the packaging, storage, treatment, and disposal of:
(1)	Medical waste at facilities where medical waste is generated;
(2)	Medical waste from the point at which the waste is transported from the facility where it was generated;
(3)	On‑site and off‑site treatment of medical waste; and
(4)	The off‑site transport, storage, treatment or disposal of medical waste.
(c)	No later than 1 August 1990, the Commission shall adopt rules necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public and to carry out the purpose of this section. Such rules shall address, but need not be limited to, the packaging of medical waste, including specific requirements for the safe packaging of sharps and the segregation, storage, treatment, and disposal of medical wastes at the facilities in which such waste is generated. (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 20.)

§ 130A‑309.27.  Joint and several liability.
(a)	As used in this section:
(1)	"Owner or operator" means, in addition to the usual meanings of the term, any owner of record of any interest in land on which a landfill is or has been sited, any person or business entity that owns a majority interest in any other business entity which is the owner or operator of a landfill, and any person designated as a joint permittee pursuant to G.S. 130A‑295.2(e).
(2)	"Proceeds" means all funds collected and received by the Department, including interest and penalties on delinquent fees.
(b)	Every owner or operator of a landfill is jointly and severally liable for the improper operation and closure of the landfill, as provided by law.
(c)	through (f) Repealed by Session Laws 2007‑550, s. 5(b), effective August 1, 2007. (1989, c. 784, s. 2; 2007‑550, s. 5(b).)

§ 130A‑309.28.  University research.
Research, training, and service activities related to solid and hazardous waste management conducted by The University of North Carolina shall be coordinated by the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina through the Office of the President.  Proposals for research contracts and grants; public service assignments; and responses to requests for information and technical assistance by the State and units of local government, business, and industry shall be addressed by a formal process involving an advisory board of university personnel appointed by the President and chaired and directed by an individual appointed by the President.  The Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina shall consult with the Department in developing the research programs and provide the Department with a copy of the proposed research program for review and comment before the research is undertaken.  Research contracts shall be awarded to independent nonprofit colleges and universities within the State which are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools on the same basis as those research contracts awarded to The University of North Carolina.  Research activities shall include the following areas:
(1)	Methods and processes for recycling solid and hazardous waste;
(2)	Methods of treatment for detoxifying hazardous waste; and
(3)	Technologies for disposing of solid and hazardous waste. (1989, c. 784, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑309.29.  Adoption of rules.
The Commission may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this Part pursuant to Article 2A of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. (1991, c. 621, s. 12; 2000‑189, s. 12.)

§§ 130A‑309.30 through 130A‑309.50.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

Part 2B.  Scrap Tire Disposal Act.
§ 130A‑309.51.  Title.
This Part may be cited as the "North Carolina Scrap Tire Disposal Act." (1989, c. 784, s. 3.)

§ 130A‑309.52.  Findings; purpose.
(a)	The General Assembly finds that:
(1)	Scrap tire disposal poses a unique and troublesome solid waste management problem.
(2)	Scrap tires are a usable resource that may be recycled for energy value.
(3)	Uncontrolled disposal of scrap tires may create a public health and safety problem because tire piles act as breeding sites for mosquitoes and other disease‑transmitting vectors, pose substantial fire hazards, and present a difficult disposal problem for landfills.
(4)	A significant number of scrap tires are illegally dumped in North Carolina.
(5)	It is in the State's best interest to encourage efforts to recycle or recover resources from scrap tires.
(6)	It is desirable to allow units of local government to control tire disposal for themselves and to encourage multicounty, regional approaches to scrap tire disposal and collection.
(7)	It is desirable to encourage reduction in the volume of scrap tires being disposed of at public sanitary landfills.
(b)	The purpose of this Part is to provide statewide guidelines and structure for the environmentally safe disposal of scrap tires to be administered through units of local government. (1989, c. 784, s. 3.)

§ 130A‑309.53.  Definitions.
Unless a different meaning is required by the context, the following definitions shall apply throughout this Part:
(1)	"Collection site" means a site used for the storage of scrap tires.
(2)	"Disposal fee" is any amount charged by a tire collector, tire processor, or unit of local government in exchange for accepting scrap tires.
(3)	"In‑county scrap tire" means any scrap tire brought for disposal from inside the county in which the collection or processing site is located.
(4)	"Out‑of‑county scrap tire" means any scrap tire brought for disposal from outside the county in which the collection or processing site is located.
(5)	"Processing site" means a site actively used to produce or manufacture usable materials, including fuel, from scrap tires. Commercial enterprises processing scrap tires shall not be considered solid waste management facilities insofar as the provisions of G.S. 130A‑294(a)(4) and G.S. 130A‑294(b) are concerned.
(6)	"Scrap tire" means a tire that is no longer suitable for its original, intended purpose because of wear, damage, or defect.
(7)	"Tire" means a continuous solid or pneumatic rubber covering that encircles the wheel of a vehicle. Bicycle tires and other tires for vehicles propelled by human power are not subject to the provisions of this Part.
(8)	"Tire collector" means a person who owns or operates a site used for the storage, collection, or deposit of more than 50 scrap tires.
(9)	"Tire hauler" means a person engaged in the picking up or transporting of scrap tires for the purpose of storage, processing, or disposal.
(10)	"Tire processor" means a person who engages in the processing of scrap tires or one who owns or operates a tire processing site.
(11)	"Tire retailer" means a person who engages in the retail sale of a tire in any quantity for any use or purpose by the purchaser other than for resale. (1989, c. 784, s. 3; 1991, c. 221, s. 2; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 21.)

§ 130A‑309.54.  Use of scrap tire tax proceeds.
Article 5B of Chapter 105 imposes a tax on new tires to provide funds for the disposal of scrap tires, for the cleanup of inactive hazardous waste sites under Part 3 of this Article, and for all the purposes for which the Bernard Allen Memorial Emergency Drinking Water Fund may be used under G.S. 87‑98. A county may use proceeds of the tax distributed to it under that Article only for the disposal of scrap tires pursuant to the provisions of this Part or for the abatement of a nuisance pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.60.  (1989, c. 784, s. 3; 1991, c. 221, s. 3; 1993, c. 364, s. 1(a); 2009‑451, s. 13.3B(b).)

§§ 130A‑309.55 through 130A‑309.56:  Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c.  221, s. 4.

§ 130A‑309.57.  Scrap tire disposal program.
(a)	The owner or operator of any scrap tire collection site shall, within six months after October 1, 1989, provide the Department with information concerning the site's location, size, and the approximate number of scrap tires that are accumulated at the site and shall initiate steps to comply with subsection (b) of this section.
(b)	On or after July 1, 1990:
(1)	A person may not maintain a scrap tire collection site or a scrap tire disposal site unless the site is permitted.
(2)	It is unlawful for any person to dispose of scrap tires in the State unless the scrap tires are disposed of at a scrap tire collection site or at a tire disposal site, or disposed of for processing at a scrap tire processing facility.
(c)	The Commission shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this section. Such rules shall:
(1)	Provide for the administration of scrap tire collector and collection center permits and scrap tire disposal site permits, which may not exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) annually.
(2)	Set standards for scrap tire processing facilities and associated scrap tire sites, scrap tire collection centers, and scrap tire collectors.
(3)	Authorize the final disposal of scrap tires at a permitted solid waste disposal facility provided the tires have been cut into sufficiently small parts to assure their proper disposal.
(4)	Repealed by Session Laws 2013‑413, s. 18. For effective date, see Editor's note.
(d)	A permit is not required for:
(1)	A tire retreading business where fewer than 1,000 scrap tires are kept on the business premises;
(2)	A business that, in the ordinary course of business, removes tires from motor vehicles if fewer than 1,000 of these tires are kept on the business premises; or
(3)	A retail tire‑selling business which is serving as a scrap tire collection center if fewer than 1,000 scrap tires are kept on the business premises.
(e)	The Department shall encourage the voluntary establishment of scrap tire collection centers at retail tire‑selling businesses, scrap tire processing facilities, and solid waste disposal facilities, to be open to the public for the deposit of used and scrap tires. The Department may establish an incentives program for individuals to encourage them to return their used or scrap tires to a scrap tire collection center.
(f)	Permitted scrap tire collectors may not contract with a scrap tire processing facility, unless the processing facility documents that it has access to a facility permitted to receive the scrap tires.  (1989, c. 784, s. 3; 2012‑200, s. 14(a); 2013‑413, s. 18.)

§ 130A‑309.58.  Disposal of scrap tires.
(a)	Each county is responsible for providing for the disposal of scrap tires located within its boundaries in accordance with the provisions of this Part and any rules issued pursuant to this Part. The following are permissible methods of scrap tire disposal:
(1)	Incinerating;
(2)	Retreading;
(3)	Constructing crash barriers;
(4)	Controlling soil erosion when whole tires are not used;
(5)	Chopping or shredding;
(6)	Grinding into crumbs for use in road asphalt, tire derived fuel, and as raw material for other products;
(7)	Slicing vertically, resulting in each scrap tire being divided into at least two pieces;
(8)	Sludge composting;
(9)	Using for agriculture‑related purposes;
(10)	Chipping for use as an oyster cultch as approved by rules adopted by the Marine Fisheries Commission;
(11)	Cutting, stamping, or dyeing tires;
(12)	Pyrolizing and other physico‑chemical processing;
(13)	Hauling to out‑of‑State collection or processing sites; and
(14)	Monofilling split, ground, chopped, sliced, or shredded scrap tires.
(b)	The Commission may adopt rules approving other permissible methods of scrap tire disposal. Landfilling of whole scrap tires is prohibited. The prohibition against landfilling whole tires applies to all whole pneumatic rubber coverings, but does not apply to whole solid rubber coverings.
(c)	Units of local government may enter into joint ventures or other cooperative efforts with other units of local government for the purpose of disposing of scrap tires. Units of local government may enter into leases or other contractual arrangements with units of local government or private entities in order to dispose of scrap tires.
(d)	Each county is responsible for developing a description of scrap tire disposal procedures. These procedures shall be included in the annual report required under G.S. 130A‑309.09A. Further, any revisions to the initial description of the scrap tire disposal procedures shall be forwarded to the Department.
(e)	A county shall provide, directly or by contract with another unit of local government or private entity, at least one site for scrap tire disposal for that county. The unit of local government or contracting party may not charge a disposal fee for the disposal of scrap tires except as provided in this subsection. A unit of local government or contracting party may charge a disposal fee that does not exceed the cost of disposing of the scrap tires only if:
(1)	The scrap tires are new tires that are being disposed of by their manufacturer because they do not meet the manufacturer's standards for salable tires; or
(2)	The scrap tires are delivered to a local government scrap tire disposal site without an accompanying certificate required by G.S. 130A‑309.58(f) that indicates that the tires originated in a county within North Carolina.
(f)	Every tire retailer or other person disposing of scrap tires shall complete and sign a certification form prescribed by the Department and distributed to each county, certifying that the tires were collected in the normal course of business for disposal, the county in which the tires were collected, and the number of tires to be disposed of. This form also shall be completed and signed by the tire hauler, certifying that the load contains the same tires that were received from the tire retailer or other person disposing of scrap tires. The tire hauler shall present this certification form to the tire processor or tire collector at the time of delivery of the scrap tires for disposal, collection, or processing. Copies of these certification forms shall be retained for a minimum of three years after the date of delivery of the scrap tires.
(g)	The provisions of subsection (f) of this section do not apply to tires that are brought for disposal in quantities of five or less by someone other than a tire collector, tire processor, or tire hauler.  (1989, c. 784, s. 3; 1991, c. 221, s. 5; 1993, c. 548, s. 4; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 22; 1997‑209, s. 1; 2013‑409, s. 4.)

§ 130A‑309.59.  Registration of tire haulers.
(a)	Before engaging in the hauling of scrap tires in this State, any tire hauler must register with the Department whereupon the Department shall issue to the tire hauler a scrap tire hauling identification number.  A tire retailer licensed under G.S. 105‑164.29 and solely engaged in the hauling of scrap tires received by it in connection with the retail sale of replacement tires is not required to register under this section.
(b)	Each tire hauler shall furnish its hauling identification number on all certification forms required under G.S. 130A‑309.58(f).  Any tire retailer engaged in the hauling of scrap tires and not required by subsection (a) of this section to be registered shall supply its merchant identification number on all certification forms required by G.S. 130A‑309.58(f). (1989, c. 784, s. 3.)

§ 130A‑309.60.  Nuisance tire collection sites.
(a)	On or after July 1, 1990, if the Department determines that a tire collection site is a nuisance, it shall notify the person responsible for the nuisance and request that the tires be processed or removed within 90 days.  If the person fails to take the requested action within 90 days, the Department shall order the person to abate the nuisance within 90 days.  If the person responsible for the nuisance is not the owner of the property on which the tire collection site is located, the Department may order the property owner to permit abatement of the nuisance.  If the person responsible for the nuisance fails to comply with the order, the Department shall take any action necessary to abate the nuisance, including entering the property where the tire collection site is located and confiscating the scrap tires, or arranging to have the scrap tires processed or removed.
(b)	When the Department abates the nuisance pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the person responsible for the nuisance shall be liable for the actual costs incurred by the Department for its nuisance abatement activities and its administrative and legal expenses related to the abatement.  The Department may ask the Attorney General to initiate a civil action to recover these costs from the person responsible for the nuisance.  Nonpayment of the actual costs incurred by the Department shall result in the imposition of a lien on the owner's real property on which the tire collection site is located.
(c)	This section does not apply to any of the following:
(1)	A retail business premises where tires are sold if no more than 500 scrap tires are kept on the premises at one time;
(2)	The premises of a tire retreading business if no more than 3,000 scrap tires are kept on the premises at one time;
(3)	A premises where tires are removed from motor vehicles in the ordinary course of business if no more than 500 scrap tires are kept on the premises at one time;
(4)	A solid waste disposal facility where no more than 60,000 scrap tires are stored above ground at one time if all tires received for storage are processed, buried, or removed from the facility within one year after receipt;
(5)	A site where no more than 250 scrap tires are stored for agricultural uses; and
(6)	A construction site where scrap tires are stored for use or used in road surfacing and construction of embankments.
(d)	The descending order of priority for the Department's abatement activities under subsection (a) of this section is as follows:
(1)	Tire collection sites determined by the Department to contain more than 1,000,000 tires;
(2)	Tire collection sites which constitute a fire hazard or threat to public health;
(3)	Tire collection sites in densely populated areas; and
(4)	Any other tire collection sites that are determined to be a nuisance.
(e)	This section does not change the existing authority of the Department to enforce any existing laws or of any person to abate a nuisance.
(f)	As used in this section, "nuisance" means an unreasonable danger to public health, safety, or welfare or to the environment. (1989, c. 784, s. 3.)

§ 130A‑309.61.  Effect on local ordinances.
This Part preempts any local ordinance regarding the disposal of scrap tires to the extent the local ordinance is inconsistent with this Part or the rules adopted pursuant to this Part. (1989, c. 784, s. 3; 1993, c. 548, s. 5; 1997‑209, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.62.  Fines and penalties.
Any person who knowingly hauls or disposes of a tire in violation of this Part or the rules adopted pursuant to this Part shall be assessed a civil penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00) per violation. Each tire hauled or disposed of in violation of this Part or rules adopted pursuant to this Part constitutes a separate violation.
The clear proceeds of civil penalties assessed pursuant to this section shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C‑457.2. (1989, c. 784, s. 3; 1998‑215, s. 55.)

§ 130A‑309.63: Repealed by Session Laws 2013‑360, s. 14.16(b), effective July 1, 2013.

§ 130A‑309.64.  Scrap Tire Disposal Program; other Department activities related to scrap tires.
(a)	The Department may make grants to units of local government to assist them in disposing of scrap tires. To administer the grants, the Department shall establish procedures for applying for a grant and the criteria for selecting among grant applicants. The criteria shall include the financial ability of a unit of local government to provide for scrap tire disposal, the severity of a unit of local government's scrap tire disposal problem, the effort made by a unit of local government to ensure that only tires generated in the normal course of business in this State are provided free disposal, and the effort made by a unit of local government to provide for scrap tire disposal within the resources available to it.
(b)	A unit of local government is not eligible for a grant under subsection (a) of this section unless its costs for disposing of scrap tires for the six‑month period preceding the date the unit of local government files an application for a grant exceeded the amount the unit of local government received during that period from the proceeds of the scrap tire tax under G.S. 105‑187.19. A grant to a unit of local government for scrap tire disposal may not exceed the unit of local government's unreimbursed cost for the six‑month period.
(c)	The Department may support a position to provide local governments with assistance in developing and implementing scrap tire management programs designed to complete the cleanup of nuisance tire collection sites and prevent scrap tires generated from outside of the State from being presented for free disposal in the State.
(d)	The Department may clean up scrap tire collection sites that the Department has determined are a nuisance. The Department may use funds to clean up a nuisance tire collection site only if no other funds are available for that purpose.
(e)	The Department shall include in the report to be delivered to the Environmental Review Commission pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.06(c) a description of the implementation of the North Carolina Scrap Tire Disposal Act under this Part for the fiscal year ending the preceding June 30. The description of the implementation of the North Carolina Scrap Tire Disposal Act shall include a list of the recipients of grants under subsection (a) of this section and the amount of each grant for the previous 12‑month period. The report also shall include the amount of funds used to clean up nuisance sites under subsection (d) of this section.
(f)	It is the intent of the General Assembly to allow the Department to satisfy grant obligations that extend beyond the end of the fiscal year.
(g)	The Department may adopt any rules necessary to implement this section.  (2013‑360, s. 14.16(c); 2020‑74, s. 11(d); 2020‑78, s. 7.2(d).)

§ 130A‑309.65:  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.66:  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.67:  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.68:  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.69:  Reserved for future codification purposes.

Part 2C. Lead‑Acid Batteries.
§ 130A‑309.70.  Landfilling and incineration of lead‑acid batteries prohibited; delivery for recycling.
(a)	No person shall knowingly place or dispose of a used lead‑acid battery in a landfill, incinerator, or in any waste‑to‑energy facility.  Any person may deliver a lead‑acid battery to a battery retailer or wholesaler, or to a secondary lead smelter, or to a collection or recycling facility authorized under this Chapter or by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
(b)	No battery retailer shall knowingly place or dispose of a used lead‑acid battery in a landfill, incinerator, or waste‑to‑energy facility. Any battery retailer may deliver a used lead‑acid battery to the agent of a battery wholesaler or a secondary lead smelter, to a battery manufacturer for delivery to a secondary lead smelter, or to a collection or recycling facility authorized under this Chapter or by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
(c)	Any person who knowingly places or disposes of a lead‑acid battery in violation of this section shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00) per violation.  Each battery improperly disposed of shall constitute a separate violation.
The clear proceeds of civil penalties assessed pursuant to this section shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C‑457.2. (1991, c. 375, s. 2; 1998‑215, s. 56.)

§ 130A‑309.71.  Retailers required to accept lead‑acid batteries for recycling; posting of notice required.
(a)	A person who sells or offers for sale lead‑acid batteries at retail in this State shall accept from customers, at the point of transfer or sale, used lead‑acid batteries of the type and in a quantity at least equal to the number of new batteries purchased, if offered by customers.
(b)	A person who sells or offers for sale lead‑acid batteries at retail in this State shall post written notice which must be at least 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches in size and must contain the universal recycling symbol and the following language:
(1)	"It is illegal to improperly dispose of a motor vehicle battery or other lead‑acid battery."
(2)	"Recycle your used batteries."
(3)	"State law requires us to accept used motor vehicle batteries or other lead‑acid batteries for recycling in exchange for new batteries purchased."
(c)	Any person who fails to post the notice required by subsection (b) of this section after receiving a written warning from the Department to do so shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00) per day for each day the person fails to post the required notice.
The clear proceeds of civil penalties assessed pursuant to this section shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C‑457.2. (1991, c. 375, s. 2; 1998‑215, s. 57.)

§ 130A‑309.72.  Wholesalers required to accept lead‑acid batteries.
(a)	No person selling new lead‑acid batteries at wholesale shall refuse to accept from customers at the point of transfer, used lead‑acid batteries of the type and in a quantity at least equal to the number of new batteries purchased, if offered by customers.  A person accepting batteries in transfer from a battery retailer shall be allowed a period not to exceed 90 days to remove batteries from the retail point of collection.
(b)	Any person who violates this section shall be assessed a civil penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00) per violation.  Each battery refused by a wholesaler or not removed from the retail point of collection within 90 days shall constitute a separate violation.
The clear proceeds of civil penalties assessed pursuant to this section shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C‑457.2. (1991, c. 375, s. 2; 1998‑215, s. 58.)

§ 130A‑309.73.  Inspections of battery retailers authorized; construction of this Part.
(a)	The Department may inspect any place, building, or premise subject to the provisions of G.S. 130A‑309.71.  The Department may issue warnings to persons who fail to comply with the provisions of this Part.
(b)	The provisions of this Part shall not be construed to prohibit any person who does not sell lead‑acid batteries from collecting and recycling such batteries. (1991, c. 375, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑309.74.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.75.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.76.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.77.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.78.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.79.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

Part 2D.  Management of Discarded White Goods.
§ 130A‑309.80.  Findings and purpose.
The General Assembly finds that white goods are difficult to dispose of, that white goods that contain chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants pose a danger to the environment, and that it is in the best interest of the State to require that chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants be removed from discarded white goods.  This Part therefore provides for the management of discarded white goods. (1993, c. 471, s. 4.)

§ 130A‑309.81.  Management of discarded white goods; disposal fee prohibited.
(a)	Duty. – Each county is responsible for providing at least one site for the collection of discarded white goods. It must also provide for the disposal of discarded white goods and for the removal of chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants from white goods. A county may contract with another unit of local government or a private entity in accordance with Article 15 of Chapter 153A of the General Statutes to provide for the management of discarded white goods or for the removal of chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants from white goods.
(b)	Restrictions. – A unit of local government or a contracting party may not charge a disposal fee for the disposal of white goods. A white good may not be disposed of in a landfill, an incinerator, or a waste‑to‑energy facility.
(c)	Plan. – Each county shall establish written procedures for the management of white goods. These procedures shall be included in the annual report required under G.S. 130A‑309.09A.  (1993, c. 471, ss. 4, 6; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 745, ss. 36, 37; 2001‑265, s. 6; 2013‑409, s. 5.)

§ 130A‑309.82.  Use of disposal tax proceeds by counties.
Article 5C of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes imposes a tax on new white goods to provide funds for the management of discarded white goods. A county must use the proceeds of the tax distributed to it under that Article for the management of discarded white goods. The purposes for which a county may use the tax proceeds include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1)	Capital improvements for infrastructure to manage discarded white goods, such as concrete pads for loading, equipment essential for moving white goods, storage sheds for equipment essential to white goods disposal management, and freon extraction equipment.
(2)	Operating costs associated with managing discarded white goods, such as labor, transportation, and freon extraction.
(3)	The cleanup of illegal white goods disposal sites, the cleanup of illegal disposal sites consisting of more than fifty percent (50%) discarded white goods, and, as to those illegal disposal sites consisting of fifty percent (50%) or less discarded white goods, the cleanup of the discarded white goods portion of the illegal disposal sites.
Except as provided in subdivision (3) of this section, a county may not use the tax proceeds for a capital improvement or operating expense that does not directly relate to the management of discarded white goods. Except as provided in subdivision (3) of this section, if a capital improvement or operating expense is partially related to the management of discarded white goods, a county may use the tax proceeds to finance a percentage of the costs equal to the percentage of the use of the improvement or expense directly related to the management of discarded white goods. (1993, c. 471, s. 4; 1998‑24, ss. 4, 7; 2000‑109, s. 9(a); 2001‑265, s. 5.)

§ 130A‑309.83: Repealed by Session Laws 2013-360, s. 14.17(e), effective June 30, 2017.

§ 130A‑309.84.  Civil penalties for improper disposal.
The Department may assess a civil penalty of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) against a person who, knowing it is unlawful, places or otherwise disposes of a discarded white good in a landfill, an incinerator, or a waste‑to‑energy facility. The Department may assess this penalty for the day the unlawful disposal occurs and each following day until the white good is disposed of properly.
The Department may assess a penalty of up to one hundred dollars ($100.00) against a person who, knowing it is required, fails to remove chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants from a discarded white good. The Department may assess this penalty for the day the failure occurs and each following day until the chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants are removed.
The clear proceeds of civil penalties assessed pursuant to this section shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C‑457.2. (1993, c. 471, s. 4; 1998‑215, s. 59.)

§ 130A‑309.85.  Reporting on the management of white goods.
The Department shall include in the report to be delivered to the Environmental Review Commission pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.06(c) a description of the management of white goods in the State for the fiscal year ending the preceding 30 June. The description of the management of white goods shall include the following information:
(1)	The amount of taxes collected and distributed under G.S. 105‑187.24 during the period covered by the report.
(2)	The cost to each county of managing white goods during the period covered by the report.
(3)	Repealed by Session Laws 2013‑360, s. 14.17(f), effective June 20, 2017.
(4)	Any other information the Department considers helpful in understanding the problem of managing white goods.
(5)	A summary of the information concerning the counties' white goods management programs contained in the counties' Annual Financial Information Report.  (1993, c. 471, s. 4; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 594, s. 25; 1998‑24, ss. 5, 7; 2000‑109, s. 9(a); 2001‑265, s. 5; 2001‑452, s. 3.5; 2013‑360, s. 14.17(f); 2020‑74, s. 11(e); 2020‑78, s. 7.2(e).)

§ 130A‑309.86.  Effect on local ordinances.
This Part preempts any local ordinance regarding the management of white goods that is inconsistent with this Part or the rules adopted pursuant to this Part.  It does not preempt any local ordinance regarding the management of white goods that is consistent with this Part or rules adopted pursuant to this Part. (1993, c. 471, s. 4.)

§ 130A‑309.87.  Eligibility for disposal tax proceeds.
(a)	Receipt of Funds. – A county may not receive a quarterly distribution of the white goods disposal tax proceeds under G.S. 105‑187.24 unless the undesignated balance in the county's white goods account at the end of its fiscal year is less than the threshold amount. Based upon the information in a county's Annual Financial Information Report, the Department must notify the Department of Revenue by March 1 of each year which counties may not receive a distribution of the white goods disposal tax for the current calendar year. The Department of Revenue will credit the undistributed tax proceeds to the General Fund.
If the undesignated balance in a county's white goods account subsequently falls below the threshold amount, the county may submit a statement to the Department, certified by the county finance officer, that the undesignated balance in its white goods account is less than the threshold amount. Upon receipt of the statement, the Department will notify the Department of Revenue to distribute to the county its quarterly distribution of the white goods disposal tax proceeds. The Department must notify the Department of Revenue of the county's change of status at least 30 days prior to the next quarterly distribution.
For the purposes of this subsection, the term "threshold amount" means twenty‑five percent (25%) of the amount of white goods disposal tax proceeds a county received, or would have received if it had been eligible to receive them under G.S. 130A‑309.87, during the preceding fiscal year.
(b)	Annual Financial Information Report. – On or before November 1 of each year, a county must submit a copy of its Annual Financial Information Report, prepared in accordance with G.S. 159‑33.1, to the Department. The Secretary of the Local Government Commission must require the following information in that report:
(1)	The tonnage of white goods scrap metal collected.
(2)	The amount of revenue credited to its white goods account. This revenue should include all receipts derived from the white goods disposal tax, and the sale of white goods scrap metals and freon.
(3)	The expenditures from its white goods account. The expenditures should include operating expenses and capital improvement costs associated with its white goods management program.
(4)	The designated and undesignated balance of its white goods account.
(5)	A comparison of the undesignated balance of its white goods account at the end of the fiscal year and the amount of white goods disposal tax proceeds it received, or would have received if it had been eligible to receive it under G.S. 130A‑309.87, during the fiscal year.  (1998‑24, s. 6; 2013‑360, s. 14.17(c), (g).)

§ 130A-309.88: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A-309.89: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.90: Repealed by Session Laws 2010‑67, s. 1, effective July 1, 2010.

§ 130A‑309.91: Repealed by Session Laws 2010‑67, s. 1, effective July 1, 2010.

§ 130A‑309.92: Repealed by Session Laws 2010‑67, s. 1, effective July 1, 2010.

§ 130A‑309.93: Repealed by Session Laws 2010‑67, s. 1, effective July 1, 2010.

§ 130A‑309.93A: Repealed by Session Laws 2010‑67, s. 1, effective July 1, 2010.

§ 130A‑309B.93: Repealed by Session Laws 2010‑67, s. 1, effective July 1, 2010

§ 130A‑309.94: Repealed by Session Laws 2010‑67, s. 1, effective July 1, 2010.

§ 130A‑309.95: Repealed by Session Laws 2010‑67, s. 1, effective July 1, 2010.

§ 130A‑309.96: Repealed by Session Laws 2010‑67, s. 1, effective July 1, 2010.

§ 130A‑309.97: Repealed by Session Laws 2010‑67, s. 1, effective July 1, 2010.

§ 130A‑309.98: Repealed by Session Laws 2010‑67, s. 1, effective July 1, 2010.

§ 130A‑309.99: Repealed by Session Laws 2010‑67, s. 1, effective July 1, 2010.

Part 2F. Management of Abandoned Manufactured Homes.
§ 130A‑309.111.  (Expired) Purpose.
Expired pursuant to Session Laws 2008-136, s. 6, effective October 1, 2023.  (2008‑136, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.112.  (Expired) Definitions.
Expired pursuant to Session Laws 2008-136, s. 6, effective October 1, 2023.  (2008‑136, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.113.  (Expired) Management of abandoned manufactured homes.
Expired pursuant to Session Laws 2008-136, s. 6, effective October 1, 2023.  (2008‑136, s. 1; 2013‑409, s. 6.)

§ 130A‑309.114.  (Expired) Process for the disposal of abandoned manufactured homes.
Expired pursuant to Session Laws 2008-136, s. 6, effective October 1, 2023.  (2008‑136, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.115.  (Expired) Grants to local governments.
Expired pursuant to Session Laws 2008-136, s. 6, effective October 1, 2023.  (2008‑136, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.116.  (Expired) Authority to adopt ordinances.
Expired pursuant to Session Laws 2008-136, s. 6, effective October 1, 2023.  (2008‑136, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.117.  (Expired) Reporting on the management of abandoned manufactured homes.
Expired pursuant to Session Laws 2008-136, s. 6, effective October 1, 2023.  (2008‑136, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.118.  (Expired) Effect on local ordinances.
Expired pursuant to Session Laws 2008-136, s. 6, effective October 1, 2023.  (2008‑136, s. 1; 2022‑62, s. 21.)

§ 130A-309.119: Reserved for future codification purposes.

Part 2G. Plastic Bag Management.
§§ 130A‑309.120 through 130A‑309.125: Repealed by Session Laws 2017‑209, s. 19(a), effective September 1, 2017.

Part 2H. Discarded Computer Equipment and Television Management.
§ 130A‑309.130.  Findings.
The General Assembly makes the following findings:
(1)	The computer equipment and television waste stream is growing rapidly in volume and complexity and can introduce toxic materials into solid waste landfills.
(2)	It is in the best interest of the citizens of this State to have convenient, simple, and free access to recycling services for discarded computer equipment and televisions.
(3)	Collection programs operated by manufacturers and local government and nonprofit agencies are an efficient way to divert discarded computer equipment and televisions from disposal and to provide recycling services to all citizens of this State.
(4)	The development of local and nonprofit collection programs is hindered by the high costs of recycling and transporting discarded computer equipment and televisions.
(5)	No comprehensive system currently exists, provided either by electronics manufacturers, retailers, or others, to adequately serve all citizens of the State and to divert large quantities of discarded computer equipment and televisions from disposal.
(6)	Manufacturer responsibility is an effective way to ensure that manufacturers of computer equipment and televisions take part in a solution to the electronic waste problem.
(7)	The recycling of certain discarded computer equipment and televisions recovers valuable materials for reuse and will create jobs and expand the tax base of the State.
(8)	While some computers and computer monitors can be refurbished and reused and other consumer electronics products contain valuable materials, some older and bulkier consumer electronic products, including some televisions, may not contain any valuable products but should nevertheless be recycled to prevent the release of toxic substances to the environment.
(9)	For the products covered by this Part, differences in product life expectancy, market economics, residual value, and product portability necessitate different approaches to recycling.
(10)	In order to ensure that end‑of‑life computer equipment and televisions are responsibly recycled, to promote conservation, and to protect public health and the environment, a comprehensive and convenient system for recycling and reuse of certain electronic equipment should be established on the basis of shared responsibility among manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and the State.  (2010‑67, s. 2(a).)

§ 130A‑309.131.  Definitions.
As used in this Part, the following definitions apply:
(1)	Business entity. – Defined in G.S. 55‑1‑40(2a).
(1a)	Computer. – An electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high‑speed data processing device that has all of the following features:
a.	Performs logical, arithmetic, and storage functions for general purpose needs that are met through interaction with a number of software programs contained in the computer.
b.	Is not designed to exclusively perform a specific type of limited or specialized application.
c.	Achieves human interface through a keyboard, display unit, and mouse or other pointing device.
d.	Is designed for a single user.
(2)	Computer equipment. – Any computer, monitor or video display unit for a computer system, and the peripheral equipment except keyboards and mice, and a printing device such as a printer, a scanner, a combination print‑scanner‑fax machine, or other device designed to produce hard paper copies from a computer. Computer equipment does not include an automated typewriter, professional workstation, server, ICI device, ICI system, mobile telephone, portable handheld calculator, portable digital assistant (PDA), MP3 player, or other similar device; an automobile; a television; a household appliance; a large piece of commercial or industrial equipment, such as commercial medical equipment, that contains a cathode ray tube, a cathode ray tube device, a flat panel display, or similar video display device that is contained within, and is not separate from, the larger piece of equipment, or other medical devices as that term is defined under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
(3)	Computer equipment manufacturer. – A person that manufactures or has manufactured computer equipment sold under its own brand or label; sells or has sold under its own brand or label computer equipment produced by other suppliers; imports or has imported into the United States computer equipment that was manufactured outside of the United States; or owns or has owned a brand that it licenses or has licensed to another person for use on computer equipment. Computer equipment manufacturer includes a business entity that acquires another business entity that manufactures or has manufactured computer equipment. Computer equipment manufacturer does not include any existing person that does not and has not manufactured computer equipment of the type that would be used by consumers.
(4)	Consumer. – Any of the following:
a.	An occupant of a single detached dwelling unit or a single unit contained within a multiple dwelling unit who used a covered device primarily for personal or home business use.
b.	A nonprofit organization with fewer than 10 employees that used a covered device in its operations.
(5)	Covered device. – Computer equipment and televisions used by consumers primarily for personal or home business use. The term does not include a device that is any of the following:
a.	Part of a motor vehicle or any component of a motor vehicle assembled by, or for, a vehicle manufacturer or franchised dealer, including replacement parts for use in a motor vehicle.
b.	Physically a part of or integrated within a larger piece of equipment designed and intended for use in an industrial, governmental, commercial, research and development, or medical setting.
c.	Equipment used for diagnostic, monitoring, or other medical products as that term is defined under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
d.	Equipment used for security, sensing, monitoring, antiterrorism purposes, or emergency services purposes.
e.	Contained within a household appliance, including, but not limited to, a clothes washer, clothes dryer, refrigerator, refrigerator and freezer, microwave oven, conventional oven or range, dishwasher, room air conditioner, dehumidifier, air purifier, or exercise equipment.
(6)	Recodified to subdivision (1a).
(7)	Discarded computer equipment. – Computer equipment that is solid waste generated by a consumer.
(8)	Discarded computer equipment or television collector. – A municipal or county government, nonprofit agency, recycler, or retailer that knowingly accepts for recycling discarded computer equipment or a television from a consumer.
(9)	Discarded television. – A television that is solid waste generated by a consumer.
(9a)	Electronic device. – Machinery that is powered by a battery or an electrical cord.
(10)	Market share. – A television manufacturer's obligation to recycle discarded televisions. A television manufacturer's market share is the television manufacturer's prior year's sales of televisions as calculated by the Department pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.138(4) divided by all manufacturers' prior year's sales for all televisions as calculated by the Department pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.138(4). Market share may be expressed as a percentage, a fraction, or a decimal fraction.
(11)	Repealed by Session Laws 2015‑1, s. 2(d), effective March 16, 2015.
(12)	Recover. – The process of reusing or recycling covered devices.
(13)	Recycle. – The processing, including disassembling, dismantling, and shredding, of covered devices or their components to recover a usable product. Recycle does not include any process that results in the incineration of a covered device.
(14)	Recycler. – A person that recycles covered devices.
(15)	Retailer. – A person that sells computer equipment or televisions in the State to a consumer. Retailer includes a computer equipment manufacturer or a television manufacturer that sells directly to a consumer through any means, including transactions conducted through sales outlets, catalogs, the Internet, or any similar electronic means, but does not include a person that sells computer equipment or televisions to a distributor or retailer through a wholesale transaction.
(16)	Television. – Any electronic device that contains a tuner that locks on to a selected carrier frequency and is capable of receiving and displaying of television or video programming via broadcast, cable, or satellite, including, without limitation, any direct view or projection television with a viewable screen of nine inches or larger whose display technology is based on cathode ray tube (CRT), plasma, liquid crystal display (LCD), digital light processing (DLP), liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS), silicon crystal reflective display (SXRD), light emitting diode (LED), or similar technology marketed and intended for use by a consumer primarily for personal purposes. The term does not include computer equipment.
(17)	Television manufacturer. – A person that: (i) manufactures for sale in this State a television under a brand that it licenses or owns; (ii) manufactures for sale in this State a television without affixing a brand; (iii) resells into this State a television under a brand it owns or licenses produced by other suppliers, including retail establishments that sell a television under a brand that the retailer owns or licenses; (iv) imports into the United States or exports from the United States a television for sale in this State; (v) sells at retail a television acquired from an importer that is the manufacturer as described in sub‑subdivision (iv) of this subdivision, and the retailer elects to register in lieu of the importer as the manufacturer of those products; (vi) manufactures a television for or supplies a television to any person within a distribution network that includes wholesalers or retailers in this State and that benefits from the sale in this State of the television through the distribution network; or (vii) assumes the responsibilities and obligations of a television manufacturer under this Part. In the event the television manufacturer is one that manufactures, sells, or resells under a brand it licenses, the licensor or brand owner of the brand shall not be considered to be a television manufacturer under (i) or (iii) of this subdivision.  (2010‑67, s. 2(a); 2010‑180, s. 20; 2015‑1, s. 2(d).)

§ 130A‑309.132.  Responsibility for recycling discarded computer equipment and televisions.
In addition to the specific requirements of this Part, discarded computer equipment and television collectors and computer equipment manufacturers and television manufacturers share responsibility for the recycling of discarded computer equipment and televisions and the education of citizens of the State as to recycling opportunities for discarded computer equipment and televisions.  (2010‑67, s. 2(a).)

§ 130A‑309.133.  Data security.
Computer equipment manufacturers, television manufacturers, discarded computer equipment and television collectors, recyclers, and retailers shall not be liable in any way for data or other information left on a covered device that is collected or recovered pursuant to the provisions of this Part.  (2010‑67, s. 2(a).)

§ 130A‑309.134.  Requirements for computer equipment manufacturers.
(a)	Registration Required. – Each computer equipment manufacturer, before selling or offering for sale computer equipment in North Carolina, shall register with the Department.
(b)	Manufacturer Label Required. – A computer equipment manufacturer shall not sell or offer to sell computer equipment in this State unless a visible, permanent label clearly identifying the manufacturer of that equipment is affixed to the equipment.
(c)	Computer Equipment Recycling Plan Required. – Each computer equipment manufacturer shall develop, submit to the Department, and implement one of the following plans to provide a free and reasonably convenient recycling program to take responsibility for computer equipment discarded by consumers:
(1)	Level I recycling plan. – A computer equipment manufacturer shall submit a recycling plan for reuse or recycling of computer equipment discarded by consumers in the State produced by the manufacturer. The manufacturer shall submit a proposed plan to the Department within 90 days of registration as required by subsection (a) of this section. The plan shall:
a.	Provide that the manufacturer will take responsibility for computer equipment discarded by consumers that it manufactured.
b.	Describe any direct take‑back program to be implemented by the manufacturer. Collection methods that are deemed to meet the requirements of this subdivision include one or more of the following:
1.	A process offered by the computer equipment manufacturer or the manufacturer's designee for consumers to return discarded computer equipment by mail.
2.	A physical collection site operated and maintained by the computer equipment manufacturer or the manufacturer's designee to receive discarded computer equipment from consumers, which is available to consumers during normal business hours.
3.	A collection event hosted by the computer equipment manufacturer or the manufacturer's designee at which a consumer may return computer equipment.
c.	Include a detailed description as to how the manufacturer will implement the plan.
d.	Provide for environmentally sound management practices to transport and recycle discarded computer equipment.
e.	Include a consumer recycling education program on the laws governing the recycling and reuse of discarded computer equipment under this Part and on the methods available to consumers to comply with those requirements. The manufacturer shall operate a toll‑free telephone number to answer questions from consumers about computer recycling options.
(2)	Level II recycling plan. – A computer equipment manufacturer shall submit a recycling plan for reuse or recycling of computer equipment discarded by consumers in the State produced by the manufacturer and by other manufacturers. The manufacturer shall submit a proposed plan to the Department within 90 days of registration as required by subsection (a) of this section. The plan may offer additional options to collect other types of electronic equipment that do not constitute discarded computer equipment, as that term is defined under G.S. 130A‑309.131, and may allow for assessment of a nominal fee for collection of these other types of electronic equipment that are not discarded computer equipment. The plan shall include all of the elements set forth in subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of this section. In addition the plan shall:
a.	Provide that the manufacturer will take responsibility for computer equipment discarded by consumers that was manufactured by other manufacturers, as well as computer equipment that it manufactured.
b.	Provide that the manufacturer shall: (i) maintain physical collection sites to receive discarded computer equipment from consumers in the 10 most populated municipalities in the State. The physical collection sites shall be available to consumers during normal business hours, at a minimum; and (ii) host at least two collection events annually within the State.
(3)	Level III recycling plan. – A computer equipment manufacturer shall submit a recycling plan for reuse or recycling of computer equipment discarded by consumers in the State produced by the manufacturer and by other manufacturers. The manufacturer shall submit a proposed plan to the Department within 90 days of registration as required by subsection (a) of this section. The plan may offer additional options to collect other types of electronic equipment that do not constitute discarded computer equipment, as that term is defined under G.S. 130A‑309.131, and may allow for assessment of a nominal fee for collection of these other types of electronic equipment that are not discarded computer equipment. The plan shall include all of the elements set forth in subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of this section. In addition the plan shall:
a.	Provide that the manufacturer will take responsibility for computer equipment discarded by consumers that was manufactured by other manufacturers, as well as computer equipment that it manufactured.
b.	Provide that the manufacturer shall: (i) maintain physical collection sites to receive discarded computer equipment from consumers in 50 of the State's counties, of which 10 of those counties shall be the most populated counties in the State. The physical collection sites shall be available to consumers during normal business hours, at a minimum; and (ii) host at least two collection events annually within the State.
(d)	Fee Required. – Within 90 days of registration as required in subsection (a) of this section, a computer equipment manufacturer shall pay an initial registration fee to the Department. A computer equipment manufacturer that has registered shall pay an annual renewal registration fee to the Department, which shall be paid each year no later than July 1. The proceeds of these fees shall be credited to the Electronics Management Fund established pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.137. A computer equipment manufacturer that sells 1,000 items of computer equipment or fewer per year is exempt from the requirement to pay the registration fee and the annual renewal fee imposed by this subsection. The amount of the fee a computer equipment manufacturer shall pay shall be determined on the basis of the plan the manufacturer develops, submits, and implements pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, as follows:
(1)	A computer equipment manufacturer who develops, submits, and implements a Level I recycling plan pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of this section shall pay an initial registration fee of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) and an annual renewal fee of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) to the Department.
(2)	A computer equipment manufacturer who develops, submits, and implements a Level II recycling plan pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (c) of this section shall pay an initial registration fee of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and an annual renewal fee of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) to the Department.
(3)	A computer equipment manufacturer who develops, submits, and implements a Level III recycling plan pursuant to subdivision (3) of subsection (c) of this section shall pay an initial registration fee of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and an annual renewal fee of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) to the Department.
(e)	Computer Equipment Recycling Plan Revision. – A computer equipment manufacturer may prepare a revised plan and submit it to the Department at any time as the manufacturer considers appropriate in response to changed circumstances or needs. The Department may require a manufacturer to revise or update a plan if the Department finds that the plan is inadequate or out of date.
(f)	Payment of Costs for Plan Implementation. – Each computer equipment manufacturer is responsible for all costs associated with the development and implementation of its plan. A computer equipment manufacturer shall not collect a fee from a consumer or a local government for the management of discarded computer equipment at the time the equipment is delivered for recycling.
(g)	Joint Computer Equipment Recycling Plans. – A computer equipment manufacturer may fulfill the requirements of subsection (c) of this section by participation in a joint recycling plan with other manufacturers. A joint plan shall meet the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.
(h)	Annual Report. – Each computer equipment manufacturer shall submit a report to the Department by October 1 of each year stating the total weight of all computer equipment collected for recycling or reuse in the previous fiscal year. The report shall also include a summary of actions taken to comply with the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.  (2010‑67, s. 2(a).)

§ 130A‑309.135.  Requirements for television manufacturers.
(a)	Registration and Fee Required. – Each television manufacturer, before selling or offering for sale televisions in the State, shall register with the Department and, at the time of registration, shall pay an initial registration fee of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) to the Department. An initial registration shall be valid from the day of registration through the last day of the fiscal year in which the registration fee was paid. A television manufacturer that has registered shall pay an annual renewal registration fee of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) to the Department. The annual renewal registration fee shall be paid to the Department each fiscal year no later than June 30 of the previous fiscal year. The proceeds of these fees shall be credited to the Electronics Management Fund. A television manufacturer that sells 1,000 televisions or fewer per year is exempt from the requirement to pay the registration fee and the annual renewal fee imposed by this subsection.
(b)	Manufacturer Label Required. – A television manufacturer shall not sell or offer to sell any television in this State unless a visible, permanent label clearly identifying the manufacturer of that device is affixed to the equipment.
(c)	Recycling of Market Share Required. – The obligation to recycle televisions shall be allocated to each television manufacturer based on the television manufacturer's market share. A television manufacturer must annually recycle or arrange for the recycling of its market share of televisions pursuant to this section.
(d)	Due Diligence and Compliance Assessments. – A television manufacturer shall conduct and document due diligence assessments of the recyclers the manufacturer contracts with, including an assessment of compliance with environmentally sound recovery standards adopted by the Department.
(e)	Contact Information Required. – A television manufacturer shall provide the Department with contact information for the manufacturer's designated agent or employee whom the Department may contact for information related to the manufacturer's compliance with the requirements of this section.
(f)	Joint Television Recycling Plans. – A television manufacturer may fulfill the requirements of this section either individually or in participation with other television manufacturers.
(g)	Annual Report. – A television manufacturer shall report to the Department by October 1 of each year the total weight of televisions the manufacturer collected and recycled in the State during the previous fiscal year.  (2010‑67, s. 2(a).)

§ 130A‑309.136.  Requirements applicable to retailers.
(a)	A manufacturer must not sell or offer for sale or deliver to retailers for subsequent sale new computer equipment or televisions unless: (i) the covered device is labeled with the manufacturer's brand, which label is permanently affixed and readily visible; and (ii) the manufacturer has filed a registration with the Department and is otherwise in compliance with the requirements of this Part, as indicated on the list developed and maintained by the Department pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.138(1).
(b)	A retailer that sells or offers for sale new computer equipment or televisions must: (i) determine that all new covered devices that the retailer is offering for sale are labeled with the manufacturer's brand, which label is permanently affixed and readily visible; and (ii) review the Department's Web site to confirm that the manufacturer of a new covered device is on the list developed and maintained by the Department pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.138(1).
(c)	A retailer is not responsible for an unlawful sale under this section if the manufacturer's registration expired or was revoked and the retailer took possession of the covered device prior to the expiration or revocation of the manufacturer's registration and the unlawful sale occurred within six months after the expiration or revocation.  (2010‑67, s. 2(a).)

§ 130A‑309.137.  Electronics Management Fund.
(a)	Creation. – The Electronics Management Fund is created as a special fund within the Department. The Fund consists of revenue credited to the Fund from the proceeds of the fee imposed on computer equipment manufacturers under G.S. 130A‑309.134 and television manufacturers under G.S. 130A‑309.135.
(b)	Use and Distribution. – Moneys in the Fund shall be used by the Department to implement the provisions of this Part concerning discarded computer equipment and televisions. The Department may use all of the proceeds of the fee imposed on television manufacturers pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.135 and may use up to ten percent (10%) of the proceeds of the fee imposed on computer equipment manufacturers under G.S. 130A‑309.134 for administration of the requirements of this Part. Funds remaining shall be distributed annually by the Department to eligible local governments pursuant to this section. The Department shall distribute such funds on or before February 15 of each year. Funds shall be distributed on a pro rata basis.
(c)	Eligibility. – Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, no more than one unit of local government per county, including the county itself, may receive funding pursuant to this section for a program to manage discarded computer equipment, televisions, and other electronic devices. A unit of local government shall submit a plan to include:
(1)	Information on existing programs within the jurisdiction to recycle or reuse discarded computer equipment, televisions, and other electronic devices, or information on a plan to begin such a program on a date certain. This information shall include a description of the implemented or planned practices for collection of the equipment and a description of the types of equipment to be collected and how the equipment will be marketed for recycling.
(2)	Information on a public awareness and education program concerning the recycling and reuse of discarded computer equipment, televisions, and other electronic devices.
(3)	Information on methods to track and report total tonnage of computer equipment, televisions, and other electronic devices collected and recycled in the jurisdiction.
(4)	Information on interactions with other units of local government to provide or receive services concerning disposal of discarded computer equipment, televisions, and other electronic devices.
(5)	Information on how the unit of local government will account for the expenditure of funds received pursuant to this section.
(6)	Proof of contract or agreement with a recycler that is certified as adhering to Responsible Recycling ("R2") practices or that is certified as an e‑Steward recycler adhering to the e‑Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment® to process the discarded computer equipment, televisions, and other electronic devices that the unit of local government collects.
(c1)	Submittal of Information for Distribution of Funding. – Documentation meeting the requirements of subdivision (6) of subsection (c) of this section, and other information required by subsection (c) of this section, including new plans or revisions to plans as necessary, must be submitted annually on or before December 31 in order to be eligible for funding during the next distribution by the Department.
(d)	Local Government Designation. – If more than one unit of local government in a county, including the county itself, requests funding pursuant to this section, the units of local government in question may enter into interlocal agreements for provision of services concerning disposal of discarded computer equipment and televisions, and distribution of funds received pursuant to this section among the parties to the agreement. If the units of local government do not enter into an interlocal agreement regarding funding under this section, the Department shall distribute funds to the eligible local governments based on the percentage of the county's population to be served under each eligible local government's program.
(e)	Report. – Information regarding permanent recycling programs for discarded computer equipment and televisions for which funds are received pursuant to this section, and information on operative interlocal agreements executed in conjunction with funds received, if any, shall be included in the annual report required under G.S. 130A‑309.09A.  (2010‑67, s. 2(a); 2013‑409, s. 7.)

§ 130A‑309.138.  Responsibilities of the Department.
In addition to its other responsibilities under this Part, the Department shall:
(1)	Develop and maintain a current list of manufacturers that are in compliance with the requirements of G.S. 130A‑309.134 and G.S. 130A‑309.135, post the list to the Department's Web site, and provide the current list to the Department of Information Technology each time that the list is updated.
(2)	Develop and implement a public education program on the laws governing the recycling and reuse of discarded computer equipment and televisions under this Part and on the methods available to consumers to comply with those requirements. The Department shall make this information available on the Internet and shall provide technical assistance to manufacturers to meet the requirements of G.S. 130A‑309.134(c)(1)e. The Department shall also provide technical assistance to units of local government on the establishment and operation of discarded computer equipment and television collection centers and in the development and implementation of local public education programs.
(3)	Maintain the confidentiality of any information that is required to be submitted by a manufacturer under this Part that is designated as a trade secret, as defined in G.S. 66‑152(3) and that is designated as confidential or as a trade secret under G.S. 132‑1.2.
(4)	The Department shall use national televisions sales data available from commercially available analytical sources to calculate the generation of discarded televisions and to determine each television manufacturer's recovery responsibilities for televisions based on the manufacturer's market share. The Department shall extrapolate data for the State from national data on the basis of the State's share of the national population.  (2010‑67, s. 2(a); 2015‑241, s. 7A.4(l).)

§ 130A‑309.139.  Enforcement.
This Part may be enforced as provided by Part 2 of Article 1 of this Chapter.  (2010‑67, s. 2(a).)

§ 130A‑309.140.  Annual report by Department of recycling under this Part; periodic report by Environmental Review Commission of electronic recycling programs in other states.
(a)	The Department shall include in the status of solid waste management report required to be submitted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.06(c) a report on the recycling of discarded computer equipment and televisions in the State under this Part. The report must include an evaluation of the recycling rates in the State for discarded computer equipment and televisions, a discussion of compliance and enforcement related to the requirements of this Part, and any recommendations for any changes to the system of collection and recycling of discarded computer equipment, televisions, or other electronic devices.
(b)	The Environmental Review Commission, with the assistance of the Department of Environmental Quality, shall monitor and review electronic recycling programs in other states on an ongoing basis and shall report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly periodically.  (2010‑67, ss. 2(a), 7; 2015‑241, s. 14.30(u); 2017‑10, s. 4.14(b); 2020‑74, s. 11(f); 2020‑78, s. 7.2(f).)

§ 130A‑309.141.  Local government authority not preempted.
Nothing in this Part shall be construed as limiting the authority of any local government to manage computer equipment and televisions that are solid waste.  (2010‑67, s. 2(a).)

§ 130A‑309.142.  Registration of facilities recovering or recycling electronics required.
Facilities that recover or recycle covered devices or other electronic devices diverted from the waste stream for transfer, treatment, or processing shall register annually with the Department on or before August 1 of each year upon such form as the Department may prescribe.  (2015‑1, s. 2(e).)

§ 130A‑309.143: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.144: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.145: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.146: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.147: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.148: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.149: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.150: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.151: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.152: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.153: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.154: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.155: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.156: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.157: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.158: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.159: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.160: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.161: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.162: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.163: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.164: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.165: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.166: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.167: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.168: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.169: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.170: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.171: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.172: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.173: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.174: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.175: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.176: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.177: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.178: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.179: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.180: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.181: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.182: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.183: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.184: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.185: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.186: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.187: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.188: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.189: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.190: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.191: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.192: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.193: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.194: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.195: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.196: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.197: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.198: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.199: Reserved for future codification purposes.

Part 2I. Coal Ash Management.
Subpart 1.  Short Title, Definitions, and General Provisions.
§ 130A‑309.200.  Title.
This Part may be cited as the "Coal Ash Management Act of 2014."  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

§ 130A‑309.201.  Definitions.
Unless a different meaning is required by the context, the definitions of G.S. 130A‑290 and the following definitions apply throughout this Part:
(1)	"Beneficial and beneficial use" means projects promoting public health and environmental protection, offering equivalent success relative to other alternatives, and preserving natural resources.
(2)	"Boiler slag" means the molten bottom ash collected at the base of slag tap and cyclone type furnaces that is quenched with water. It is made up of hard, black, angular particles that have a smooth, glassy appearance.
(3)	"Bottom ash" means the agglomerated, angular ash particles formed in pulverized coal furnaces that are too large to be carried in the flue gases and collect on the furnace walls or fall through open grates to an ash hopper at the bottom of the furnace.
(4)	"Coal combustion products" it means fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, or flue gas desulfurization materials that are beneficially used, including use for structural fill.
(5)	"Coal combustion residuals" has the same meaning as defined in G.S. 130A‑290.
(6)	"Coal combustion residuals surface impoundment" means a topographic depression, excavation, or diked area that is (i) primarily formed from earthen materials; (ii) without a base liner approved for use by Article 9 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes or rules adopted thereunder for a combustion products landfill or coal combustion residuals landfill, industrial landfill, or municipal solid waste landfill; and (iii) designed to hold accumulated coal combustion residuals in the form of liquid wastes, wastes containing free liquids, or sludges, and that is not backfilled or otherwise covered during periods of deposition. "Coal combustion residuals surface impoundment" shall only include impoundments owned by a public utility, as defined in G.S. 62‑3. "Coal combustion residuals surface impoundment" includes all of the following:
a.	An impoundment that is dry due to the deposited liquid having evaporated, volatilized, or leached.
b.	An impoundment that is wet with exposed liquid.
c.	Lagoons, ponds, aeration pits, settling ponds, tailings ponds, and sludge pits, when these structures are designed to hold accumulated coal combustion residuals.
d.	A coal combustion residuals surface impoundment that has been covered with soil or other material after the final deposition of coal combustion residuals at the impoundment.
(7)	Repealed by Session Laws 2016‑95, s. 1, effective July 14, 2016.
(8)	"Flue gas desulfurization material" means the material produced through a process used to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from the exhaust gas system of a coal‑fired boiler. The physical nature of these materials varies from a wet sludge to a dry powdered material, depending on the process, and their composition comprises either sulfites, sulfates, or a mixture thereof.
(9)	"Fly ash" means the very fine, powdery material, composed mostly of silica with nearly all particles spherical in shape, which is a product of burning finely ground coal in a boiler to produce electricity and is removed from the plant exhaust gases by air emission control devices.
(10)	"Minerals" means soil, clay, coal, phosphate, metallic ore, and any other solid material or substance of commercial value found in natural deposits on or in the earth.
(11)	"Open pit mine" means an excavation made at the surface of the ground for the purpose of extracting minerals, inorganic and organic, from their natural deposits, which excavation is open to the surface.
(12)	"Owner" or "owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment" means a public utility, as defined in G.S. 62‑3, that owns a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment.
(13)	"Receptor" means any human, plant, animal, or structure which is, or has the potential to be, affected by the release or migration of contaminants. Any well constructed for the purpose of monitoring groundwater and contaminant concentrations shall not be considered a receptor.
(14)	"Structural fill" means an engineered fill with a projected beneficial end use constructed using coal combustion products that are properly placed and compacted. For purposes of this Part, the term includes fill used to reclaim open pit mines and for embankments, greenscapes, foundations, construction foundations, and for bases or sub‑bases under a structure or a footprint of a paved road, parking lot, sidewalk, walkway, or similar structure.
(15)	"Use or reuse of coal combustion products" means the procedure whereby coal combustion products are directly used as either of the following:
a.	As an ingredient in an industrial process to make a product, unless distinct components of the coal combustion products are recovered as separate end products.
b.	In a function or application as an effective substitute for a commercial product or natural resource.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a); 2015‑1, s. 3.1(a); 2016‑95, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.202: Repealed by Session Laws 2016‑95, s. 1, effective July 14, 2016.

§ 130A‑309.203.  Expedited permit review.
(a)	The Department shall act as expeditiously as practicable, but no later than the deadlines established under subsection (b) of this section, except in compliance with subsection (c) of this section, to issue all permits necessary to conduct activities required by this Part.
(b)	Notwithstanding G.S. 130A‑295.8(e), the Department shall determine whether an application for any permit necessary to conduct activities required by this Part is complete within 30 days after the Department receives the application for the permit. A determination of completeness means that the application includes all required components but does not mean that the required components provide all of the information that is required for the Department to make a decision on the application. If the Department determines that an application is not complete, the Department shall notify the applicant of the components needed to complete the application. An applicant may submit additional information to the Department to cure the deficiencies in the application. The Department shall make a final determination as to whether the application is complete within the later of (i) 30 days after the Department receives the application for the permit less the number of days that the applicant uses to provide the additional information or (ii) 10 days after the Department receives the additional information from the applicant. The Department shall issue a draft permit decision on an application for a permit within 90 days after the Department determines that the application is complete. The Department shall hold a public hearing and accept written comment on the draft permit decision for a period of not less than 30 or more than 60 days after the Department issues a draft permit decision. The Department shall issue a final permit decision on an application for a permit within 60 days after the comment period on the draft permit decision closes. If the Department fails to act within any time period set out in this subsection, the applicant may treat the failure to act as a denial of the permit and may challenge the denial as provided in Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.
(c)	If the Department finds that compliance with the deadlines established under subsection (b) of this section would result in insufficient review of a permit application that would pose a risk to public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; or natural resources, the applicable deadline shall be waived for the application as necessary to allow for adequate review. If a deadline is waived pursuant to this subsection, the Secretary shall issue a written declaration, including findings of fact, documenting the need for the waiver.
(d)	Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or any other provision of law, the Department shall either issue or deny a permit required for dewatering of a retired impoundment within 90 days of receipt of a completed application, in such a form and including such information as the Department may prescribe, for the dewatering activities. The Department shall accept written comment on a draft permit decision for a period of not less than 30 days or more than 60 days prior to issuance or denial of such a permit. If the Department fails to act within any time period set out in this subsection, the applicant may treat the failure to act as a denial of the permit and may challenge the denial as provided in Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

§ 130A‑309.204.  Reports.
(a)	The Department shall submit quarterly written reports to the Environmental Review Commission on its operations, activities, programs, and progress with respect to its obligations under this Part concerning all coal combustion residuals surface impoundments. At a minimum, the report shall include information concerning the status of assessment, corrective action, prioritization, and closure for each coal combustion residuals surface impoundment and information on costs connected therewith. The report shall include an executive summary of each annual Groundwater Protection and Restoration Report submitted to the Department by the operator of any coal combustion residuals surface impoundments pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.211(d) and a summary of all groundwater sampling, protection, and restoration activities related to the impoundment for the preceding year. The report shall also include an executive summary of each annual Surface Water Protection and Restoration Report submitted to the Department by the operator of any coal combustion residuals surface impoundments pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.212(e) and a summary of all surface water sampling, protection, and restoration activities related to the impoundment for the preceding year, including the status of the identification, assessment, and correction of unpermitted discharges from coal combustion residuals surface impoundments to the surface waters of the State. The Department shall supplement the written reports required by this subsection with additional written and oral reports as may be requested by the Environmental Review Commission. The Department shall submit the written reports required by this subsection whether or not the General Assembly is in session at the time the report is due.
(b)	On or before October 1 of each year, the Department shall report to each member of the General Assembly who has a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment in the member's district. This report shall include the location of each impoundment in the member's district, the amount of coal combustion residuals known or believed to be located in the impoundment, the last action taken at the impoundment, and the date of that last action.
(c)	On or before October 1 of each year, a public utility generating coal combustion residuals and coal combustion products shall submit an annual summary to the Department. The annual summary shall be for the period of July 1 through June 30 and shall include all of the following:
(1)	The volume of coal combustion residuals and products produced.
(2)	The volume of coal combustion residuals disposed.
(3)	The volume of coal combustion products used in structural fill projects.
(4)	The volume of coal combustion products beneficially used, other than for structural fill.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a); 2016‑95, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.205.  Local ordinances regulating management of coal combustion residuals and coal combustion products invalid; petition to preempt local ordinance.
(a)	It is the intent of the General Assembly to maintain a uniform system for the management of coal combustion residuals and coal combustion products, including matters of disposal and beneficial use, and to place limitations upon the exercise by all units of local government in North Carolina of the power to regulate the management of coal combustion residuals and coal combustion products by means of ordinances, property restrictions, zoning regulations, or otherwise. Notwithstanding any authority granted to counties, municipalities, or other local authorities to adopt local ordinances, including those imposing taxes, fees, or charges or regulating health, environment, or land use, all provisions of local ordinances, including those regulating land use, adopted by counties, municipalities, or other local authorities that regulate or have the effect of regulating the management of coal combustion residuals and coal combustion products, including regulation of carbon burn‑out plants, within the jurisdiction of a local government are invalidated and unenforceable, to the extent necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Part, that do the following:
(1)	Place any restriction or condition not placed by this Part upon management of coal combustion residuals or coal combustion products within any county, city, or other political subdivision.
(2)	Conflict or are in any manner inconsistent with the provisions of this Part.
(a1)	As used in this section, "Commission" means the Environmental Management Commission.
(b)	If a local zoning or land‑use ordinance imposes requirements, restrictions, or conditions that are generally applicable to development, including, but not limited to, setback, buffer, and stormwater requirements, and coal combustion residuals and coal combustion products would be regulated under the ordinance of general applicability, the operator of the proposed activities may petition the Environmental Management Commission to review the matter. After receipt of a petition, the Commission shall hold a hearing in accordance with the procedures in subsection (c) of this section and shall determine whether or to what extent to preempt the local ordinance to allow for the management of coal combustion residuals and coal combustion products.
(c)	When a petition described in subsection (b) of this section has been filed with the Environmental Management Commission, the Commission shall hold a public hearing to consider the petition. The public hearing shall be held in the affected locality within 60 days after receipt of the petition by the Commission. The Commission shall give notice of the public hearing by both of the following means:
(1)	Publication in a newspaper or newspapers having general circulation in the county or counties where the activities are to be conducted, once a week for three consecutive weeks, the first notice appearing at least 30 days prior to the scheduled date of the hearing.
(2)	First‑class mail to persons who have requested notice. The Commission shall maintain a mailing list of persons who request notice in advance of the hearing pursuant to this section. Notice by mail shall be complete upon deposit of a copy of the notice in a postage‑paid wrapper addressed to the person to be notified at the address that appears on the mailing list maintained by the Commission in a post office or official depository under the exclusive care and custody of the United States Postal Service.
(d)	Any interested person may appear before the Environmental Management Commission at the hearing to offer testimony. In addition to testimony before the Commission, any interested person may submit written evidence to the Commission for the Commission's consideration. At least 20 days shall be allowed for receipt of written comment following the hearing.
(e)	A local zoning or land‑use ordinance is presumed to be valid and enforceable to the extent the zoning or land‑use ordinance imposes requirements, restrictions, or conditions that are generally applicable to development, including, but not limited to, setback, buffer, and stormwater requirements, unless the Environmental Management Commission makes a finding of fact to the contrary. The Commission shall determine whether or to what extent to preempt local ordinances so as to allow the project involving management of coal combustion residuals and coal combustion products no later than 60 days after conclusion of the hearing. The Commission shall preempt a local ordinance only if the Commission makes all of the following findings:
(1)	That there is a local ordinance that would regulate the management of coal combustion residuals and coal combustion products.
(2)	That all legally required State and federal permits or approvals have been issued by the appropriate State and federal agencies or that all State and federal permit requirements have been satisfied and that the permits or approvals have been denied or withheld only because of the local ordinance.
(3)	That local citizens and elected officials have had adequate opportunity to participate in the permitting process.
(4)	That the project involving management of coal combustion residuals and coal combustion products will not pose an unreasonable health or environmental risk to the surrounding locality and that the operator has taken or consented to take reasonable measures to avoid or manage foreseeable risks and to comply to the maximum feasible extent with applicable local ordinances.
(f)	If the Environmental Management Commission does not make all of the findings under subsection (e) of this section, the Commission shall not preempt the challenged local ordinance. The Commission's decision shall be in writing and shall identify the evidence submitted to the Commission plus any additional evidence used in arriving at the decision.
(g)	The decision of the Environmental Management Commission shall be final, unless a party to the action files a written appeal under Article 3 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, as modified by this section, within 30 days of the date of the decision. The record on appeal shall consist of all materials and information submitted to or considered by the Commission, the Commission's written decision, a complete transcript of the hearing, the specific findings required by subsection (e) of this section, and any minority positions on the specific findings required by subsection (e) of this section. The scope of judicial review shall be as set forth in G.S. 150B‑51, except as this subsection provides regarding the record on appeal.
(h)	If the court reverses or modifies the decision of the Environmental Management Commission, the judge shall set out in writing, which writing shall become part of the record, the reasons for the reversal or modification.
(i)	In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by the procedure in this section, the provisions of Rule 6(a) of the Rules of Civil Procedure, G.S. 1A‑1, shall apply.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a); 2015‑1, s. 3.1(b); 2015‑264, s. 56.2(b).)

§ 130A‑309.206.  Federal preemption; severability.
The provisions of this Part shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision is declared to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid or is preempted by federal law or regulation, the validity of the remainder of this Part shall not be affected thereby.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

§ 130A‑309.207.  General rule making for Part.
The Environmental Management Commission shall adopt rules as necessary to implement the provisions of the Part. Such rules shall be exempt from the requirements of G.S. 150B‑19.3.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

§ 130A‑309.208: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑309.209: Reserved for future codification purposes.

Subpart 2.  Management of Coal Ash Residuals; Closure of Coal Ash Impoundments.
§ 130A‑309.210.  Generation, disposal, and use of coal combustion residuals.
(a)	On or after October 1, 2014, the construction of new and expansion of existing coal combustion residuals surface impoundments is prohibited.
(b)	On or after October 1, 2014, the disposal of coal combustion residuals into a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment at an electric generating facility where the coal‑fired generating units are no longer producing coal combustion residuals is prohibited.
(c)	On or after December 31, 2018, the discharge of stormwater into a coal combustion surface impoundment at an electric generating facility where the coal‑fired generating units are no longer producing coal combustion residuals is prohibited.
(d)	On or after December 31, 2019, the discharge of stormwater into a coal combustion surface impoundment at an electric generating facility where the coal‑fired generating units are actively producing coal combustion residuals is prohibited.
(e)	On or before December 31, 2018, all electric generating facilities owned by a public utility shall convert to the disposal of "dry" fly ash or the facility shall be retired. For purposes of this subsection, the term "dry" means coal combustion residuals that are not in the form of liquid wastes, wastes containing free liquids, or sludges.
(f)	On or before December 31, 2019, all electric generating facilities owned by a public utility shall convert to the disposal of "dry" bottom ash or the facility shall be retired. For purposes of this subsection, the term "dry" means coal combustion residuals that are not in the form of liquid wastes, wastes containing free liquids, or sludges.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

§ 130A‑309.211.  Groundwater assessment and corrective action; drinking water supply well survey and provision of alternate water supply; reporting.
(a)	Groundwater Assessment of Coal Combustion Residuals Surface Impoundments. – The owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall conduct groundwater monitoring and assessment as provided in this subsection. The requirements for groundwater monitoring and assessment set out in this subsection are in addition to any other groundwater monitoring and assessment requirements applicable to the owners of coal combustion residuals surface impoundments:
(1)	No later than December 31, 2014, the owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall submit a proposed Groundwater Assessment Plan for the impoundment to the Department for its review and approval. The Groundwater Assessment Plan shall, at a minimum, provide for all of the following:
a.	A description of all receptors and significant exposure pathways.
b.	An assessment of the horizontal and vertical extent of soil and groundwater contamination for all contaminants confirmed to be present in groundwater in exceedance of groundwater quality standards.
c.	A description of all significant factors affecting movement and transport of contaminants.
d.	A description of the geological and hydrogeological features influencing the chemical and physical character of the contaminants.
e.	A schedule for continued groundwater monitoring.
f.	Any other information related to groundwater assessment required by the Department.
(2)	The Department shall approve the Groundwater Assessment Plan if it determines that the Plan complies with the requirements of this subsection and will be sufficient to protect public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources.
(3)	No later than 10 days from approval of the Groundwater Assessment Plan, the owner shall begin implementation of the Plan.
(4)	No later than 180 days from approval of the Groundwater Assessment Plan, the owner shall submit a Groundwater Assessment Report to the Department. The Report shall describe all exceedances of groundwater quality standards associated with the impoundment.
(b)	Corrective Action for the Restoration of Groundwater Quality. – The owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall implement corrective action for the restoration of groundwater quality as provided in this subsection. The requirements for corrective action for the restoration of groundwater quality set out in this subsection are in addition to any other corrective action for the restoration of groundwater quality requirements applicable to the owners of coal combustion residuals surface impoundments:
(1)	No later than 90 days from submission of the Groundwater Assessment Report required by subsection (a) of this section, or a time frame otherwise approved by the Department not to exceed 180 days from submission of the Groundwater Assessment Report, the owner of the coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall submit a proposed Groundwater Corrective Action Plan to the Department for its review and approval. The Groundwater Corrective Action Plan shall provide for the restoration of groundwater in conformance with the requirements of Subchapter L of Chapter 2 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code. The Groundwater Corrective Action Plan shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
a.	A description of all exceedances of the groundwater quality standards, including any exceedances that the owner asserts are the result of natural background conditions.
b.	A description of the methods for restoring groundwater in conformance with the requirements of Subchapter L of Chapter 2 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code and a detailed explanation of the reasons for selecting these methods.
c.	Specific plans, including engineering details, for restoring groundwater quality.
d.	A schedule for implementation of the Plan.
e.	A monitoring plan for evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed corrective action and detecting movement of any contaminant plumes.
f.	Any other information related to groundwater assessment required by the Department.
(2)	The Department shall approve the Groundwater Corrective Action Plan if it determines that the Plan complies with the requirements of this subsection and will be sufficient to protect public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources.
(3)	No later than 30 days from the approval of the Groundwater Corrective Action Plan, the owner shall begin implementation of the Plan in accordance with the Plan's schedule.
(c)	Drinking Water Supply Well Survey and Provision of Alternate Water Supply. – No later than October 1, 2014, the owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall conduct a Drinking Water Supply Well Survey that identifies all drinking water supply wells within one‑half mile down‑gradient from the established compliance boundary of the impoundment and submit the Survey to the Department. The Survey shall include well locations, the nature of water uses, available well construction details, and information regarding ownership of the wells. No later than December 1, 2014, the Department shall determine, based on the Survey, which drinking water supply wells the owner is required to sample and how frequently and for what period sampling is required. The Department shall require sampling for drinking water supply wells where data regarding groundwater quality and flow and depth in the area of any surveyed well provide a reasonable basis to predict that the quality of water from the surveyed well may be adversely impacted by constituents associated with the presence of the impoundment. No later than January 1, 2015, the owner shall initiate sampling and water quality analysis of the drinking water supply wells. A property owner may elect to have an independent third party selected from a laboratory certified by the Department's Wastewater/Groundwater Laboratory Certification program sample wells located on their property in lieu of sampling conducted by the owner of the coal combustion residuals surface impoundment. The owner of the coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall pay for the reasonable costs of such sampling. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to preclude or impair the right of any property owner to refuse such sampling of wells on their property. If the sampling and water quality analysis indicates that water from a drinking water supply well exceeds groundwater quality standards for constituents associated with the presence of the impoundment, the owner shall replace the contaminated drinking water supply well with an alternate supply of potable drinking water and an alternate supply of water that is safe for other household uses. The alternate supply of potable drinking water shall be supplied within 24 hours of the Department's determination that there is an exceedance of groundwater quality standards attributable to constituents associated with the presence of the impoundment. The alternate supply of water that is safe for other household uses shall be supplied within 30 days of the Department's determination that there is an exceedance of groundwater quality standards attributable to constituents associated with the presence of the impoundment. The requirement to replace a contaminated drinking water supply well with an alternate supply of potable drinking water and an alternate supply of water that is safe for other household uses set out in this subsection is in addition to any other requirements to replace a contaminated drinking water supply well with an alternate supply of potable drinking water or an alternate supply of water that is safe for other household uses applicable to the owners of coal combustion residuals surface impoundments.
(c1)	(See editor's note for applicability) Provision of Permanent Water Supply. – As soon as practicable, but no later than October 15, 2018, the owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall establish permanent replacement water supplies for (i) each household that has a drinking water supply well located within a one‑half mile radius from the established compliance boundary of a coal combustion residuals impoundment, and is not separated from the impoundment by the mainstem of a river, as that term is defined under G.S. 143‑215.22G, or other body of water that would prevent the migration of contaminants through groundwater from the impoundment to a well and (ii) each household that has a drinking water supply well that is located in an area in which contamination resulting from constituents associated with the presence of a coal combustion residuals impoundment is expected to migrate, as demonstrated by groundwater modeling and hydrogeologic, geologic, and geotechnical investigations of the site, conducted in accordance with the requirements of G.S. 130A‑309.214(a)(4), and the results of other modeling or investigations that may have been submitted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.213(b)(4). Preference shall be given to permanent replacement water supplies by connection to public water supplies; provided that (i) a household may elect to receive a filtration system in lieu of a connection to public water supplies and (ii) if the Department determines that connection to a public water supply to a particular household would be cost‑prohibitive, the Department shall authorize provision of a permanent replacement water supply to that household through installation of a filtration system. For households for which filtration systems are installed, the impoundment owner shall be responsible for periodic required maintenance of the filtration system. No later than December 15, 2016, an impoundment owner shall submit information on permanent replacement water supplies proposed to be provided to each household to the Department, including, at a minimum, the type of permanent water supply proposed; the location of the household and its proximity to the nearest connection point to a public water supply; projected cost of the permanent water supply option proposed for the household; and any proposal to connect to a public water supply. The Department shall evaluate information submitted by the impoundment owner and render a final decision to approve or disapprove the plan, including written findings of fact, no later than January 15, 2017. If disapproved, an impoundment owner shall resubmit a plan for the Department's approval within 30 days. No later than April 15, 2017, an impoundment owner shall notify all residents identified in the approved plan of their eligibility for establishment of a permanent water supply. Until such time as an impoundment owner has established a permanent water supply for each household required by this subsection, the impoundment owner shall supply the household with an alternate supply of potable drinking water and an alternate supply of water that is safe for other household uses. Nothing in this section shall be construed to (i) require an eligible household to connect to a public water supply or receive a filtration system or (ii) obviate the need for other federal, State, and local permits and approvals. All State entities and local governments shall expedite any permits and approvals required for such projects. The Department may grant an impoundment owner an extension of time, not to exceed one year, to establish permanent water supplies as required by this section, if the Department determines that it is infeasible for the impoundment owner to establish a permanent water supply for a household by October 15, 2018, based on limitations arising from local government resources, including limitations on water supply capacity and staffing limitations for permitting and construction activities.
(d)	Reporting. – In addition to any other reporting required by the Department, the owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall submit an annual Groundwater Protection and Restoration Report to the Department no later than January 31 of each year. The Report shall include a summary of all groundwater monitoring, protection, and restoration activities related to the impoundment for the preceding year, including the status of the Groundwater Assessment Plan, the Groundwater Assessment Report, the Groundwater Corrective Action Plan, the Drinking Water Supply Well Survey, and the replacement of any contaminated drinking water supply wells.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a); 2016‑95, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.212.  Identification and assessment of discharges; correction of unpermitted discharges.
(a)	Identification of Discharges from Coal Combustion Residuals Surface Impoundments. –
(1)	The owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall identify all discharges from the impoundment as provided in this subsection. The requirements for identifying all discharges from an impoundment set out in this subsection are in addition to any other requirements for identifying discharges applicable to the owners of coal combustion residuals surface impoundments.
(2)	No later than December 31, 2014, the owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall submit a topographic map that identifies the location of all (i) outfalls from engineered channels designed or improved for the purpose of collecting water from the toe of the impoundment and (ii) seeps and weeps discharging from the impoundment that are not captured by engineered channels designed or improved for the purpose of collecting water from the toe of the impoundment to the Department. The topographic map shall comply with all of the following:
a.	Be at a scale as required by the Department.
b.	Specify the latitude and longitude of each toe drain outfall, seep, and weep.
c.	Specify whether the discharge from each toe drain outfall, seep, and weep is continuous or intermittent.
d.	Provide an average flow measurement of the discharge from each toe drain outfall, seep, and weep including a description of the method used to measure average flow.
e.	Specify whether the discharge from each toe drain outfall, seep, and weep identified reaches the surface waters of the State. If the discharge from a toe drain outfall, seep, or weep reaches the surface waters of the State, the map shall specify the latitude and longitude of where the discharge reaches the surface waters of the State.
f.	Include any other information related to the topographic map required by the Department.
(b)	Assessment of Discharges from Coal Combustion Residuals Surface Impoundments to the Surface Waters of the State. – The owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall conduct an assessment of discharges from the coal combustion residuals surface impoundment to the surface waters of the State as provided in this subsection. The requirements for assessment of discharges from the coal combustion residuals surface impoundment to the surface waters of the State set out in this subsection are in addition to any other requirements for the assessment of discharges from coal combustion residuals surface impoundments to surface waters of the State applicable to the owners of coal combustion residuals surface impoundments:
(1)	No later than December 31, 2014, the owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall submit a proposed Discharge Assessment Plan to the Department. The Discharge Assessment Plan shall include information sufficient to allow the Department to determine whether any discharge, including a discharge from a toe drain outfall, seep, or weep, has reached the surface waters of the State and has caused a violation of surface water quality standards. The Discharge Assessment Plan shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
a.	Upstream and downstream sampling locations within all channels that could potentially carry a discharge.
b.	A description of the surface water quality analyses that will be performed.
c.	A sampling schedule, including the frequency and duration of sampling activities.
d.	Reporting requirements.
e.	Any other information related to the assessment of discharges required by the Department.
(2)	The Department shall approve the Discharge Assessment Plan if it determines that the Plan complies with the requirements of this subsection and will be sufficient to protect public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources.
(3)	No later than 30 days from the approval of the Discharge Assessment Plan, the owner shall begin implementation of the Plan in accordance with the Plan's schedule.
(c)	Corrective Action to Prevent Unpermitted Discharges from Coal Combustion Residuals Surface Impoundments to the Surface Waters of the State. – The owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall implement corrective action to prevent unpermitted discharges from the coal combustion residuals surface impoundment to the surface waters of the State as provided in this subsection. The requirements for corrective action to prevent unpermitted discharges from coal combustion residuals surface impoundments to the surface waters of the State set out in this subsection are in addition to any other requirements for corrective action to prevent unpermitted discharges from coal combustion residuals surface impoundments to the surface waters of the State applicable to the owners of coal combustion residuals surface impoundments:
(1)	If the Department determines, based on information provided pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) of this section, that an unpermitted discharge from a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment, including an unpermitted discharge from a toe drain outfall, seep, or weep, has reached the surface waters of the State, the Department shall notify the owner of the impoundment of its determination.
(2)	No later than 30 days from a notification pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection, the owner of the coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall submit a proposed Unpermitted Discharge Corrective Action Plan to the Department for its review and approval. The proposed Unpermitted Discharge Corrective Action Plan shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
a.	One of the following methods of proposed corrective action:
1.	Elimination of the unpermitted discharge.
2.	Application for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit amendment pursuant to G.S. 143‑215.1 and Subchapter H of Chapter 2 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code to bring the unpermitted discharge under permit regulations.
b.	A detailed explanation of the reasons for selecting the method of corrective action.
c.	Specific plans, including engineering details, to prevent the unpermitted discharge.
d.	A schedule for implementation of the Plan.
e.	A monitoring plan for evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed corrective action.
f.	Any other information related to the correction of unpermitted discharges required by the Department.
(3)	The Department shall approve the Unpermitted Discharge Corrective Action Plan if it determines that the Plan complies with the requirements of this subsection and will be sufficient to protect public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources.
(4)	No later than 30 days from the approval of the Unpermitted Discharge Corrective Action Plan, the owner shall begin implementation of the Plan in accordance with the Plan's schedule.
(d)	Identification of New Discharges. – No later than October 1, 2014, the owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall submit a proposed Plan for the Identification of New Discharges to the Department for its review and approval as provided in this subsection:
(1)	The proposed Plan for the Identification of New Discharges shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
a.	A procedure for routine inspection of the coal combustion residuals surface impoundment to identify indicators of potential new discharges, including toe drain outfalls, seeps, and weeps.
b.	A procedure for determining whether a new discharge is actually present.
c.	A procedure for notifying the Department when a new discharge is confirmed.
d.	Any other information related to the identification of new discharges required by the Department.
(2)	The Department shall approve the Plan for the Identification of New Discharges if it determines that the Plan complies with the requirements of this subsection and will be sufficient to protect public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources.
(3)	No later than 30 days from the approval of the Plan for the Identification of New Discharges, the owner shall begin implementation of the Plan in accordance with the Plan.
(e)	Reporting. – In addition to any other reporting required by the Department, the owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall submit an annual Surface Water Protection and Restoration Report to the Department no later than January 31 of each year. The Report shall include a summary of all surface water sampling, protection, and restoration activities related to the impoundment for the preceding year, including the status of the identification, assessment, and correction of unpermitted discharges from coal combustion residuals surface impoundments to the surface waters of the State.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a); 2016‑95, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.213.  Prioritization of coal combustion residuals surface impoundments.
(a)	As soon as practicable, but no later than December 31, 2015, the Department shall develop proposed classifications for all coal combustion residuals surface impoundments, including active and retired sites, for the purpose of closure and remediation based on these sites' risks to public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources and shall determine a schedule for closure and required remediation that is based on the degree of risk to public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources posed by the impoundments and that gives priority to the closure and required remediation of impoundments that pose the greatest risk. In assessing the risk, the Department shall evaluate information received pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.211 and G.S. 130A‑309.212 and any other information deemed relevant.
(b)	The Department shall issue a proposed classification for each coal combustion residuals surface impoundment based upon the assessment conducted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section as high‑risk, intermediate‑risk, or low‑risk. Within 30 days after a proposed classification has been issued, the Department shall issue a written declaration, including findings of fact, documenting the proposed classification. The Department shall provide for public participation on the proposed risk classification as follows:
(1)	The Department shall make copies of the written declaration issued pursuant to this subsection available for inspection as follows:
a.	A copy of the declaration shall be provided to the local health director.
b.	A copy of the declaration shall be provided to the public library located in closest proximity to the site in the county or counties in which the site is located.
c.	The Department shall post a copy of the declaration on the Department's Web site.
d.	The Department shall place copies of the declaration in other locations so as to assure the reasonable availability thereof to the public.
(2)	The Department shall give notice of the written declaration issued pursuant to this subsection as follows:
a.	A notice and summary of the declaration shall be published weekly for a period of three consecutive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the county or counties where the site is located.
b.	Notice of the written declaration shall be given by first‑class mail to persons who have requested such notice. Such notice shall include a summary of the written declaration and state the locations where a copy of the written declaration is available for inspection. The Department shall maintain a mailing list of persons who request notice pursuant to this section.
c.	Notice of the written declaration shall be given by electronic mail to persons who have requested such notice. Such notice shall include a summary of the written declaration and state the locations where a copy of the written declaration is available for inspection. The Department shall maintain a mailing list of persons who request notice pursuant to this section.
(3)	No later than 60 days after issuance of the written declaration, the Department shall conduct a public meeting in the county or counties in which the site is located to explain the written declaration to the public. The Department shall give notice of the hearing at least 15 days prior to the date thereof by all of the following methods:
a.	Publication as provided in subdivision (1) of this subsection, with first publication to occur not less than 30 days prior to the scheduled date of the hearing.
b.	First‑class mail to persons who have requested notice as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection.
c.	Electronic mail to persons who have requested notice as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection.
(4)	At least 30 days from the latest date on which notice is provided pursuant to subdivision (2) of this subsection shall be allowed for the receipt of written comment on the written declaration prior to issuance of a final risk classification. At least 20 days will be allowed for receipt of written comment following a hearing conducted pursuant to subdivision (3) of this subsection prior to issuance of a preliminary risk classification.
(c)	Repealed by Session Laws 2016‑95, s. 1, effective July 14, 2016.
(d)	No later than 30 days after expiration of the deadline set forth in G.S. 130A‑309.211(c1), or any applicable extension granted by the Secretary pursuant G.S. 130A‑309.211(c1), the Department shall issue a final classification for each impoundment as follows:
(1)	The Department shall classify an impoundment as low‑risk if the impoundment owner satisfies both of the following criteria:
a.	Has established permanent water supplies as required for the impoundment pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.211(c1).
b.	Has rectified any deficiencies identified by, and otherwise complied with the requirements of, any dam safety order issued by the Environmental Management Commission for the impoundment pursuant to G.S. 143‑215.32. No later than July 1, 2018, the Department shall conduct the annual inspection of each dam associated with a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment required for that year, to detect any deficiencies and to ascertain, at a minimum, whether the dam is sufficiently strong, maintained in good repair and operating condition, does not pose a danger to life or property, and satisfies minimum streamflow requirements. The Department shall issue written findings of fact for each inspection and present such findings to the Environmental Management Commission. If the Department detects any deficiencies, the Commission shall issue an order directing the owner of the dam to take action as may be deemed necessary by the Commission within a time limited by the order, but not later than 90 days after issuance of the order.
(2)	All other impoundments shall be classified as intermediate‑risk.
(e)	Parties aggrieved by a final decision of the Department issued pursuant to subsection (d) of this section may appeal the decision as provided under Article 3 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a); 2016‑95, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.214.  Closure of coal combustion residuals surface impoundments.
(a)	An owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall submit a proposed Coal Combustion Residuals Surface Impoundment Closure Plan for the Department's approval. If corrective action to restore groundwater has not been completed pursuant to the requirements of G.S. 130A‑309.211(b), the proposed closure plan shall include provisions for completion of activities to restore groundwater in conformance with the requirements of Subchapter L of Chapter 2 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code. In addition, the following requirements, at a minimum, shall apply to such plans:
(1)	High‑risk impoundments shall be closed as soon as practicable, but no later than December 31, 2019. A proposed closure plan for such impoundments must be submitted as soon as practicable, but no later than December 31, 2016. At a minimum, (i) impoundments located in whole above the seasonal high groundwater table shall be dewatered; (ii) impoundments located in whole or in part beneath the seasonal high groundwater table shall be dewatered to the maximum extent practicable; and (iii) the owner of an impoundment shall either:
a.	Convert the coal combustion residuals impoundment to an industrial landfill by removing all coal combustion residuals and contaminated soil from the impoundment temporarily, safely storing the residuals on‑site, and complying with the requirements for such landfills established by this Article and rules adopted thereunder. At a minimum, the landfills shall have a design with a leachate collection system, a closure cap system, and a composite liner system consisting of two components: the upper component shall consist of a minimum 30‑ml flexible membrane (FML), and the lower components shall consist of at least a two‑foot layer of compacted soil with a hydraulic conductivity of no more than 1 x 10-7 centimeters per second. FML components consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE) shall be at least 60 ml thick. The landfill shall otherwise comply with the construction requirements established by Section .1624 of Subchapter B of Chapter 13 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code, and the siting and design requirements for disposal sites established by Section .0503 of Subchapter B of Chapter 13 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code, except with respect to those requirements that pertain to buffers. In lieu of the buffer requirement established by Section .0503(f)(2)(iii) of Subchapter B of Chapter 13 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code, the owner of the impoundment shall establish and maintain a 300‑foot buffer between surface waters and disposal areas. After the temporarily displaced coal combustion residuals have been returned for disposal in the industrial landfill constructed pursuant to the requirements of this sub‑subdivision, the owner of the landfill shall comply with the closure and post‑closure requirements established by Section .1627 of Subchapter B of Chapter 13 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code. A landfill constructed pursuant to this sub‑subdivision shall otherwise be subject to all applicable requirements of this Chapter and rules adopted thereunder. Prior to closure, the Department may allow the disposal of coal combustion residuals, in addition to those originally contained in the impoundment, to the landfill constructed pursuant to this sub‑subdivision, if the Department determines that the site is suitable for additional capacity and that disposal of additional coal combustion residuals will not pose an unacceptable risk to public health, safety, welfare; the environment; and natural resources.
b.	Remove all coal combustion residuals from the impoundment, return the former impoundment to a nonerosive and stable condition and (i) transfer the coal combustion residuals for disposal in a coal combustion residuals landfill, industrial landfill, or municipal solid waste landfill or (ii) use the coal combustion products in a structural fill or other beneficial use as allowed by law. The use of coal combustion products (i) as structural fill shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of Subpart 3 of this Part and (ii) for other beneficial uses shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of Section .1700 of Subchapter B of Chapter 13 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code (Requirements for Beneficial Use of Coal Combustion By‑Products) and Section .1205 of Subchapter T of Chapter 2 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code (Coal Combustion Products Management).
(2)	Intermediate‑risk impoundments shall be closed as soon as practicable, but no later than December 31, 2024. A proposed closure plan for such impoundments must be submitted as soon as practicable, but no later than December 31, 2019. At a minimum, such impoundments shall be dewatered, and the owner of an impoundment shall close the impoundment in any manner allowed pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection, or, if applicable, as provided in G.S. 130A‑309.216.
(3)	Low‑risk impoundments shall be closed as soon as practicable, but no later than December 31, 2029. A proposed closure plan for such impoundments must be submitted as soon as practicable, but no later than December 31, 2019. At a minimum, (i) impoundments located in whole above the seasonal high groundwater table shall be dewatered; (ii) impoundments located in whole or in part beneath the seasonal high groundwater table shall be dewatered to the maximum extent practicable; and (iii) at the election of the Department, the owner of an impoundment shall either:
a.	Close in any manner allowed pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection;
b.	Comply with the closure and post‑closure requirements established by Section .1627 of Subchapter B of Chapter 13 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code, except that such impoundments shall not be required to install and maintain a leachate collection system. Specifically, the owner of an impoundment shall install and maintain a cap system that is designed to minimize infiltration and erosion in conformance with the requirements of Section .1624 of Subchapter B of Chapter 13 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code, and, at a minimum, shall be designed and constructed to (i) have a permeability no greater than 1 x 10-5 centimeters per second; (ii) minimize infiltration by the use of a low‑permeability barrier that contains a minimum 18 inches of earthen material; and (iii) minimize erosion of the cap system and protect the low‑permeability barrier from root penetration by use of an erosion layer that contains a minimum of six inches of earthen material that is capable of sustaining native plant growth. In addition, the owner of an impoundment shall (i) install and maintain a groundwater monitoring system; (ii) establish financial assurance that will ensure that sufficient funds are available for closure pursuant to this subdivision, post‑closure maintenance and monitoring, any corrective action that the Department may require, and satisfy any potential liability for sudden and nonsudden accidental occurrences arising from the impoundment and subsequent costs incurred by the Department in response to an incident, even if the owner becomes insolvent or ceases to reside, be incorporated, do business, or maintain assets in the State; and (iii) conduct post‑closure care for a period of 30 years, which period may be increased by the Department upon a determination that a longer period is necessary to protect public health, safety, welfare; the environment; and natural resources, or decreased upon a determination that a shorter period is sufficient to protect public health, safety, welfare; the environment; and natural resources. The Department may require implementation of any other measure it deems necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources, including imposition of institutional controls that are sufficient to protect public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources. The Department may not approve closure for an impoundment pursuant to sub‑subdivision b. of subdivision (3) of this subsection unless the Department finds that the proposed closure plan includes design measures to prevent, upon the plan's full implementation, post‑closure exceedances of groundwater quality standards beyond the compliance boundary that are attributable to constituents associated with the presence of the impoundment; or
c.	Comply with the closure requirements established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as provided in 40 CFR Parts 257 and 261, "Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System; Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities."
(4)	Closure Plans for all impoundments shall include all of the following:
a.	Facility and coal combustion residuals surface impoundment description. – A description of the operation of the site that shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
1.	Site history and history of site operations, including details on the manner in which coal combustion residuals have been stored and disposed of historically.
2.	Estimated volume of material contained in the impoundment.
3.	Analysis of the structural integrity of dikes or dams associated with impoundment.
4.	All sources of discharge into the impoundment, including volume and characteristics of each discharge.
5.	Whether the impoundment is lined, and, if so, the composition thereof.
6.	A summary of all information available concerning the impoundment as a result of inspections and monitoring conducted pursuant to this Part and otherwise available.
b.	Site maps, which, at a minimum, illustrate all of the following:
1.	All structures associated with the operation of any coal combustion residuals surface impoundment located on the site. For purposes of this sub‑subdivision, the term "site" means the land or waters within the property boundary of the applicable electric generating station.
2.	All current and former coal combustion residuals disposal and storage areas on the site, including details concerning coal combustion residuals produced historically by the electric generating station and disposed of through transfer to structural fills.
3.	The property boundary for the applicable site, including established compliance boundaries within the site.
4.	All potential receptors within 2,640 feet from established compliance boundaries.
5.	Topographic contour intervals of the site shall be selected to enable an accurate representation of site features and terrain and in most cases should be less than 20‑foot intervals.
6.	Locations of all sanitary landfills permitted pursuant to this Article on the site that are actively receiving waste or are closed, as well as the established compliance boundaries and components of associated groundwater and surface water monitoring systems.
7.	All existing and proposed groundwater monitoring wells associated with any coal combustion residuals surface impoundment on the site.
8.	All existing and proposed surface water sample collection locations associated with any coal combustion residuals surface impoundment on the site.
c.	The results of a hydrogeologic, geologic, and geotechnical investigation of the site, including, at a minimum, all of the following:
1.	A description of the hydrogeology and geology of the site.
2.	A description of the stratigraphy of the geologic units underlying each coal combustion residuals surface impoundment located on the site.
3.	The saturated hydraulic conductivity for (i) the coal combustion residuals within any coal combustion residuals surface impoundment located on the site and (ii) the saturated hydraulic conductivity of any existing liner installed at an impoundment, if any.
4.	The geotechnical properties for (i) the coal combustion residuals within any coal combustion residuals surface impoundment located on the site, (ii) the geotechnical properties of any existing liner installed at an impoundment, if any, and (iii) the uppermost identified stratigraphic unit underlying the impoundment, including the soil classification based upon the Unified Soil Classification System, in‑place moisture content, particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, specific gravity, effective friction angle, maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, and permeability.
5.	A chemical analysis of the coal combustion residuals surface impoundment, including water, coal combustion residuals, and coal combustion residuals‑affected soil.
6.	Identification of all substances with concentrations determined to be in excess of the groundwater quality standards for the substance established by Subchapter L of Chapter 2 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code, including all laboratory results for these analyses.
7.	Summary tables of historical records of groundwater sampling results.
8.	A map that illustrates the potentiometric contours and flow directions for all identified aquifers underlying impoundments (shallow, intermediate, and deep) and the horizontal extent of areas where groundwater quality standards established by Subchapter L of Chapter 2 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code for a substance are exceeded.
9.	Cross‑sections that illustrate the following: the vertical and horizontal extent of the coal combustion residuals within an impoundment; stratigraphy of the geologic units underlying an impoundment; and the vertical extent of areas where groundwater quality standards established by Subchapter L of Chapter 2 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code for a substance are exceeded.
d.	The results of groundwater modeling of the site that shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
1.	An account of the design of the proposed Closure Plan that is based on the site hydrogeologic conceptual model developed and includes (i) predictions on post‑closure groundwater elevations and groundwater flow directions and velocities, including the effects on and from the potential receptors and (ii) predictions at the compliance boundary for substances with concentrations determined to be in excess of the groundwater quality standards for the substance established by Subchapter L of Chapter 2 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code.
2.	Predictions that include the effects on the groundwater chemistry and should describe migration, concentration, mobilization, and fate for substances with concentrations determined to be in excess of the groundwater quality standards for the substance established by Subchapter L of Chapter 2 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code pre‑ and post‑closure, including the effects on and from potential receptors.
3.	A description of the groundwater trend analysis methods used to demonstrate compliance with groundwater quality standards for the substance established by Subchapter L of Chapter 2 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code and requirements for corrective action of groundwater contamination established by Subchapter L of Chapter 2 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code.
e.	A description of any plans for beneficial use of the coal combustion residuals in compliance with the requirements of Section .1700 of Subchapter B of Chapter 13 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code (Requirements for Beneficial Use of Coal Combustion By‑Products) and Section .1205 of Subchapter T of Chapter 2 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code (Coal Combustion Products Management).
f.	All engineering drawings, schematics, and specifications for the proposed Closure Plan. If required by Chapter 89C of the General Statutes, engineering design documents should be prepared, signed, and sealed by a professional engineer.
g.	A description of the construction quality assurance and quality control program to be implemented in conjunction with the Closure Plan, including the responsibilities and authorities for monitoring and testing activities, sampling strategies, and reporting requirements.
h.	A description of the provisions for disposal of wastewater and management of stormwater and the plan for obtaining all required permits.
i.	A description of the provisions for the final disposition of the coal combustion residuals. If the coal combustion residuals are to be removed, the owner must identify (i) the location and permit number for the coal combustion residuals landfills, industrial landfills, or municipal solid waste landfills in which the coal combustion residuals will be disposed and (ii) in the case where the coal combustion residuals are planned for beneficial use, the location and manner in which the residuals will be temporarily stored. If the coal combustion residuals are to be left in the impoundment, the owner must (i) in the case of closure pursuant to sub‑subdivision (a)(1)a. of this section, provide a description of how the ash will be stabilized prior to completion of closure in accordance with closure and post‑closure requirements established by Section .1627 of Subchapter B of Chapter 13 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code and (ii) in the case of closure pursuant to sub‑subdivision (a)(1)b. of this section, provide a description of how the ash will be stabilized pre‑ and post‑closure. If the coal combustion residuals are to be left in the impoundment, the owner must provide an estimate of the volume of coal combustion residuals remaining.
j.	A list of all permits that will need to be acquired or modified to complete closure activities.
k.	A description of the plan for post‑closure monitoring and care for an impoundment for a minimum of 30 years. The length of the post‑closure care period may be (i) proposed to be decreased or the frequency and parameter list modified if the owner demonstrates that the reduced period or modifications are sufficient to protect public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources and (ii) increased by the Department at the end of the post‑closure monitoring and care period if there are statistically significant increasing groundwater quality trends or if contaminant concentrations have not decreased to a level protective of public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources. If the owner determines that the post‑closure care monitoring and care period is no longer needed and the Department agrees, the owner shall provide a certification, signed and sealed by a professional engineer, verifying that post‑closure monitoring and care has been completed in accordance with the post‑closure plan. If required by Chapter 89C of the General Statutes, the proposed plan for post‑closure monitoring and care should be signed and sealed by a professional engineer. The plan shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
1.	A demonstration of the long‑term control of all leachate, affected groundwater, and stormwater.
2.	A description of a groundwater monitoring program that includes (i) post‑closure groundwater monitoring, including parameters to be sampled and sampling schedules; (ii) any additional monitoring well installations, including a map with the proposed locations and well construction details; and (iii) the actions proposed to mitigate statistically significant increasing groundwater quality trends.
l.	An estimate of the milestone dates for all activities related to closure and post‑closure.
m.	Projected costs of assessment, corrective action, closure, and post‑closure care for each coal combustion residuals surface impoundment.
n.	A description of the anticipated future use of the site and the necessity for the implementation of institutional controls following closure, including property use restrictions, and requirements for recordation of notices documenting the presence of contamination, if applicable, or historical site use.
(b)	The Department shall review a proposed Coal Combustion Residuals Surface Impoundment Closure Plan for consistency with the minimum requirements set forth in subsection (a) of this section and whether the proposed Closure Plan is protective of public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources and otherwise complies with the requirements of this Part. Prior to issuing a decision on a proposed Closure Plan, the Department shall provide for public participation on the proposed Closure Plan as follows:
(1)	The Department shall make copies of the proposed Closure Plan available for inspection as follows:
a.	A copy of the proposed Closure Plan shall be provided to the local health director.
b.	A copy of the proposed Closure Plan shall be provided to the public library located in closest proximity to the site in the county or counties in which the site is located.
c.	The Department shall post a copy of the proposed Closure Plan on the Department's Web site.
d.	The Department shall place copies of the declaration in other locations so as to assure the reasonable availability thereof to the public.
(2)	Before approving a proposed Closure Plan, the Department shall give notice as follows:
a.	A notice and summary of the proposed Closure Plan shall be published weekly for a period of three consecutive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the county or counties where the site is located.
b.	Notice that a proposed Closure Plan has been developed shall be given by first‑class mail to persons who have requested such notice. Such notice shall include a summary of the proposed Closure Plan and state the locations where a copy of the proposed Closure Plan is available for inspection. The Department shall maintain a mailing list of persons who request notice pursuant to this section.
c.	Notice that a proposed Closure Plan has been developed shall be given by electronic mail to persons who have requested such notice. Such notice shall include a summary of the proposed Closure Plan and state the locations where a copy of the proposed Closure Plan is available for inspection. The Department shall maintain a mailing list of persons who request notice pursuant to this section.
(3)	No later than 60 days after receipt of a proposed Closure Plan, the Department shall conduct a public meeting in the county or counties in which the site is located to explain the proposed Closure Plan and alternatives to the public. The Department shall give notice of the hearing at least 30 days prior to the date thereof by all of the following methods:
a.	Publication as provided in subdivision (1) of this subsection, with first publication to occur not less than 30 days prior to the scheduled date of the hearing.
b.	First‑class mail to persons who have requested notice as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection.
c.	Electronic mail to persons who have requested notice as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection.
(4)	At least 30 days from the latest date on which notice is provided pursuant to subdivision (2) of this subsection shall be allowed for the receipt of written comment on the proposed Closure Plan prior to its approval. At least 20 days will be allowed for receipt of written comment following a hearing conducted pursuant to subdivision (3) of this subsection prior to the approval of the proposed Closure Plan.
(c)	The Department shall disapprove a proposed Coal Combustion Residuals Surface Impoundment Closure Plan unless the Department finds that the Closure Plan is protective of public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources and otherwise complies with the requirements of this Part. The Department shall provide specific findings to support its decision to approve or disapprove a proposed Closure Plan. If the Department disapproves a proposed Closure Plan, the person who submitted the Closure Plan may seek review as provided in Article 3 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. If the Department fails to approve or disapprove a proposed Closure Plan within 120 days after a complete Closure Plan has been submitted, the person who submitted the proposed Closure Plan may treat the Closure Plan as having been disapproved at the end of that time period. The Department may require a person who proposes a Closure Plan to supply any additional information necessary for the Department to approve or disapprove the Closure Plan.
(d)	Repealed by Session Laws 2016‑95, s. 1, effective July 14, 2016.
(e)	As soon as practicable, but no later than 60 days after a Coal Combustion Residuals Surface Impoundment Closure Plan has been approved by the Department, the owner of the coal combustion residuals impoundment shall begin implementation of the approved plan. Modifications to an approved Closure Plan may only be allowed in conformance with the requirements of this Part, upon written request of an owner of an impoundment, with the written approval of the Department, and after public notice of the change in accordance with the requirements of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section. Provided, however, minor technical modifications may be made in accordance with standard Department procedures for such minor modifications and may be made without written approval of the Department or public notice of the change.
(f)	Nothing in this section shall be construed to obviate the need for sampling, remediation, and monitoring activities at the site as required by G.S. 130A‑309.211 and G.S. 130A‑309.310 [G.S. 130A‑309.212].  (2014‑122, s. 3(a); 2016‑95, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.215.  Variance authority.
(a)	In recognition of the complexity and magnitude of the issues surrounding the management of coal combustion residuals and coal combustion residuals surface impoundments, the General Assembly authorizes the Secretary to grant a variance to extend any deadline under this act, on the Secretary's own motion, or that of an impoundment owner, on the basis that compliance with the deadline cannot be achieved by application of best available technology found to be economically reasonable at the time and would produce serious hardship without equal or greater benefits to the public.
(a1)	For variances requested by an impoundment owner, the owner shall, no earlier than one year prior to the applicable deadline, submit an application in a form acceptable to the Department which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following information: identification of the site, applicable requirements, and applicable deadlines for which a variance is sought, and the site‑specific circumstances that support the need for the variance. The owner of the impoundment shall also provide detailed information that demonstrates (i) the owner has substantially complied with all other requirements and deadlines established by this Part; (ii) the owner has made good faith efforts to comply with the applicable deadline for closure of the impoundment; and (iii) that compliance with the deadline cannot be achieved by application of best available technology found to be economically reasonable at the time and would produce serious hardship without equal or greater benefits to the public. As soon as practicable, but no later than 60 days from receipt of an application, the Secretary shall evaluate the information submitted in conjunction with the application, and any other information the Secretary deems relevant, to determine whether the information supports issuance of a variance.
(a2)	The Department shall provide for public participation on a proposed variance in the manner provided by G.S. 130A‑309.214(b) and shall take the public input received through the process into account in its decision concerning issuance of a variance. The Department shall only approve a variance if it determines that compliance with the deadline cannot be achieved by application of best available technology found to be economically reasonable at the time and would produce serious hardship without equal or greater benefits to the public. The Department shall issue its determination in writing, including findings in support of its determination. If the Department fails to act on a variance request within 60 days of receipt, the variance shall be deemed denied.
(a3)	Parties aggrieved by a final decision of the Commission pursuant to this subsection may appeal the decision as provided under Article 3 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.
(b)	Repealed by Session Laws 2016‑95, s. 1, effective July 14, 2016.
(c)	Repealed by Session Laws 2016‑95, s. 1, effective July 14, 2016.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a); 2016‑95, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.216.  Ash beneficiation projects.
(a)	On or before January 1, 2017, an impoundment owner shall (i) identify, at a minimum, impoundments at two sites located within the State with ash stored in the impoundments on that date that is suitable for processing for cementitious purposes and (ii) enter into a binding agreement for the installation and operation of an ash beneficiation project at each site capable of annually processing 300,000 tons of ash to specifications appropriate for cementitious products, with all ash processed to be removed from the impoundment(s) located at the sites. As soon as legally practicable thereafter, the impoundment owner shall apply for all permits necessary for the ash beneficiation projects from the Department. The Department shall expedite any State permits and approvals required for such projects. No later than 24 months after issuance of all necessary permits, operation of both ash beneficiation projects shall be commenced. An impoundment owner shall use commercially reasonable efforts to produce 300,000 tons of ash to specifications appropriate for cementitious products from each project.
(b)	On or before July 1, 2017, an impoundment owner shall (i) identify an impoundment at an additional site located within the State with ash stored in the impoundment on that date that is suitable for processing for cementitious purposes and (ii) enter into a binding agreement for the installation and operation of an ash beneficiation project capable of annually processing 300,000 tons of ash to specifications appropriate for cementitious products, with all ash processed to be removed from the impoundment(s) located at the site. As soon as legally practicable thereafter, the impoundment owner shall apply for all permits necessary for the ash beneficiation project from the Department. The Department shall expedite any State permits and approvals required for such projects. No later than 24 months after issuance of all necessary permits, operation of the ash beneficiation project shall be commenced. An impoundment owner shall use commercially reasonable efforts to produce 300,000 tons of ash to specifications appropriate for cementitious products from the project.
(c)	Notwithstanding any deadline for closure provided by G.S. 130A‑309.214, any impoundment classified as intermediate‑ or low‑risk that is located at a site at which an ash beneficiation project is installed, operating, and processing at least 300,000 tons of ash annually from the impoundment, shall be closed no later than December 31, 2029.  (2016‑95, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑309.217: Reserved for future codification purposes.

Subpart 3.  Use of Coal Combustion Products in Structural Fill.
§ 130A‑309.218.  Applicability.
The provisions of this Subpart shall apply to the siting, design, construction, operation, and closure of projects that utilize coal combustion products for structural fill.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

§ 130A‑309.219.  Permit requirements for projects using coal combustion products for structural fill.
(a)	Permit Requirements. –
(1)	Projects using coal combustion products as structural fill involving the placement of less than 8,000 tons of coal combustion products per acre or less than 80,000 tons of coal combustion products in total per project, which proceed in compliance with the requirements of this section and rules adopted thereunder, are deemed permitted. Any person proposing such a project shall submit an application for a permit to the Department upon such form as the Department may prescribe, including, at a minimum, the information set forth in subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section.
(2)	No person shall commence or operate a project using coal combustion residuals as structural fill involving the placement of 8,000 or more tons of coal combustion products per acre or 80,000 or more tons of coal combustion products in total per project without first receiving an individual permit from the Department. Any person proposing such a project shall submit an application for a permit to the Department upon such form as the Department may prescribe, including, at a minimum, the information set forth in subdivisions (1) and (2) of subsection (b) of this section.
(b)	Information to Be Provided to the Department. – At least 60 days before initiation of a proposed project using coal combustion products as structural fill, the person proposing the project shall submit all of the following information to the Department on a form as prescribed by the Department:
(1)	For projects involving placement of less than 8,000 tons of coal combustion products per acre or less than 80,000 tons of coal combustion products in total per project, the person shall provide, at a minimum, the following information:
a.	The description of the nature, purpose, and location of the project.
b.	The estimated start and completion dates for the project.
c.	An estimate of the volume of coal combustion products to be used in the project.
d.	A Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure analysis from a representative sample of each different coal combustion product's source to be used in the project for, at a minimum, all of the following constituents: arsenic, barium, cadmium, lead, chromium, mercury, selenium, and silver.
e.	A signed and dated statement by the owner of the land on which the structural fill is to be placed, acknowledging and consenting to the use of coal combustion products as structural fill on the property and agreeing to record the fill in accordance with the requirements of G.S. 130A‑390.219 [130A‑309.223].
f.	The name, address, and contact information for the generator of the coal combustion products.
g.	Physical location of the project at which the coal combustion products were generated.
(2)	For projects involving placement of 8,000 or more tons of coal combustion products per acre or 80,000 or more tons of coal combustion products in total per project, the person shall provide all information required pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection and shall provide construction plans for the project, including a stability analysis as the Department may require. If required by the Department, a stability analysis shall be prepared, signed, and sealed by a professional engineer in accordance with sound engineering practices. A construction plan shall, at a minimum, include a groundwater monitoring system and an encapsulation liner system in compliance with the requirements of G.S. 130A‑309.220.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

§ 130A‑309.220.  Design, construction, and siting requirements for projects using coal combustion products for structural fill.
(a)	Design, Construction, and Operation of Structural Fill Sites. –
(1)	A structural fill site must be designed, constructed, operated, closed, and maintained in such a manner as to minimize the potential for harmful release of constituents of coal combustion residuals to the environment or create a nuisance to the public.
(2)	Coal combustion products shall be collected and transported in a manner that will prevent nuisances and hazards to public health and safety. Coal combustion products shall be moisture conditioned, as necessary, and transported in covered trucks to prevent dusting.
(3)	Coal combustion products shall be placed uniformly and shall be compacted to standards, including in situ density, compaction effort, and relative density, specified by a registered professional engineer for a specific end‑use purpose.
(4)	Equipment shall be provided that is capable of placing and compacting the coal combustion products and handling the earthwork required during the periods that coal combustion products are received at the fill project.
(5)	The coal combustion product structural fill project shall be effectively maintained and operated as a nondischarge system to prevent discharge to surface water resulting from the project.
(6)	The coal combustion product structural fill project shall be effectively maintained and operated to ensure no violations of groundwater standards adopted by the Environmental Management Commission pursuant to Article 21 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes due to the project.
(7)	Surface waters resulting from precipitation shall be diverted away from the active coal combustion product placement area during filling and construction activity.
(8)	Site development shall comply with the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973, as amended.
(9)	The structural fill project shall be operated with sufficient dust control measures to minimize airborne emissions and to prevent dust from creating a nuisance or safety hazard and shall not violate applicable air quality regulations.
(10)	Coal combustion products utilized on an exterior slope of a structural fill shall not be placed with a slope greater than 3.0 horizontal to 1.0 vertical.
(11)	Compliance with this subsection shall not insulate any of the owners or operators of a structural fill project from claims for damages to surface waters, groundwater, or air resulting from the operation of the structural fill project. If the project fails to comply with the requirements of this section, the constructor, generator, owner, or operator shall notify the Department and shall take any immediate corrective action as may be required by the Department.
(b)	Liners, Leachate Collection System, Cap, and Groundwater Monitoring System Required for Large Structural Fills. – For projects involving placement of 8,000 or more tons of coal combustion products per acre or 80,000 or more tons of coal combustion products in total per project shall have an encapsulation liner system. The encapsulation liner system shall be constructed on and around the structural fill and shall be designed to efficiently contain, collect, and remove leachate generated by the coal combustion products, as well as separate the coal combustion products from any exposure to surrounding environs. At a minimum, the components of the liner system shall consist of the following:
(1)	A base liner, which shall consist of one of the following designs:
a.	A composite liner utilizing a compacted clay liner. This composite liner is one liner that consists of two components: a geomembrane liner installed above and in direct and uniform contact with a compacted clay liner with a minimum thickness of 24 inches (0.61 m) and a permeability of no more than 1.0 x 10‑=ss 7 =ks centimeters per second.
b.	A composite liner utilizing a geosynthetic clay liner. This composite liner is one liner that consists of three components: a geomembrane liner installed above and in uniform contact with a geosynthetic clay liner overlying a compacted clay liner with a minimum thickness of 18 inches (0.46 m) and a permeability of no more than 1.0 x 10‑=ss 5 =ks centimeters per second.
(2)	A leachate collection system, which is constructed directly above the base liner and shall be designed to effectively collect and remove leachate from the project.
(3)	A cap system that is designed to minimize infiltration and erosion as follows:
a.	The cap system shall be designed and constructed to (i) have a permeability less than or equal to the permeability of any base liner system or the in situ subsoils underlying the structural fill, or the permeability specified for the final cover in the effective permit, or a permeability no greater than 1 x 10‑=ss 5 =ks centimeters per second, whichever is less; (ii) minimize infiltration through the closed structural fill by the use of a low‑permeability barrier that contains a minimum 18 inches of earthen material; and (iii) minimize erosion of the cap system and protect the low‑permeability barrier from root penetration by use of an erosion layer that contains a minimum of six inches of earthen material that is capable of sustaining native plant growth.
b.	The Department may approve an alternative cap system if the owner or operator can adequately demonstrate (i) the alternative cap system will achieve an equivalent or greater reduction in infiltration as the low‑permeability barrier specified in sub‑subdivision a. of this subdivision and (ii) the erosion layer will provide equivalent or improved protection as the erosion layer specified in sub‑subdivision a. of this subdivision.
(4)	A groundwater monitoring system, that shall be approved by the Department and, at a minimum, consists of all of the following:
a.	A sufficient number of wells, installed at appropriate locations and depths, to yield groundwater samples from the uppermost aquifer that represent the quality of groundwater passing the relevant point of compliance as approved by the Department. A down‑gradient monitoring system shall be installed at the relevant point of compliance so as to ensure detection of groundwater contamination in the uppermost aquifer.
b.	A proposed monitoring plan, which shall be certified by a licensed geologist or professional engineer to be effective in providing early detection of any release of hazardous constituents from any point in a structural fill or leachate surface impoundment to the uppermost aquifer, so as to be protective of public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources.
c.	A groundwater monitoring program, which shall include consistent sampling and analysis procedures that are designed to ensure monitoring results that provide an accurate representation of groundwater quality at the background and down‑gradient wells. Monitoring shall be conducted through construction and the post‑closure care period. The sampling procedures and frequency shall be protective of public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources.
d.	A detection monitoring program for all Appendix I constituents. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "Appendix I" means Appendix I to 40 C.F.R. Part 258, "Appendix I Constituents for Detection Monitoring," including subsequent amendments and editions.
e.	An assessment monitoring program and corrective action plan if one or more of the constituents listed in Appendix I is detected in exceedance of a groundwater protection standard.
(c)	Siting for Structural Fill Facilities. – Coal combustion products used as a structural fill shall not be placed:
(1)	Within 50 feet of any property boundary.
(2)	Within 300 horizontal feet of a private dwelling or well.
(3)	Within 50 horizontal feet of the top of the bank of a perennial stream or other surface water body.
(4)	Within four feet of the seasonal high groundwater table.
(5)	Within a 100‑year floodplain except as authorized under G.S. 143‑215.54A(b). A site located in a floodplain shall not restrict the flow of the 100‑year flood, reduce the temporary water storage capacity of the floodplain or result in washout of solid waste so as to pose a hazard to human life, wildlife or land or water resources.
(6)	Within 50 horizontal feet of a wetland, unless, after consideration of the chemical and physical impact on the wetland, the United States Army Corps of Engineers issues a permit or waiver for the fill.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a); 2015‑1, s. 3.1(c).)

§ 130A‑309.221.  Financial assurance requirements for large projects using coal combustion products for structural fill.
(a)	For projects involving placement of 8,000 or more tons of coal combustion products per acre or 80,000 or more tons of coal combustion products in total per project, the applicant for a permit or a permit holder to construct or operate a structural fill shall establish financial assurance that will ensure that sufficient funds are available for facility closure, post‑closure maintenance and monitoring, any corrective action that the Department may require, and to satisfy any potential liability for sudden and nonsudden accidental occurrences, and subsequent costs incurred by the Department in response to an incident at a structural fill project, even if the applicant or permit holder becomes insolvent or ceases to reside, be incorporated, do business, or maintain assets in the State.
(b)	To establish sufficient availability of funds under this section, the applicant for a permit or a permit holder may use insurance, financial tests, third‑party guarantees by persons who can pass the financial test, guarantees by corporate parents who can pass the financial test, irrevocable letters of credit, trusts, surety bonds, or any other financial device, or any combination of the foregoing shown to provide protection equivalent to the financial protection that would be provided by insurance if insurance were the only mechanism used.
(c)	The applicant for a permit or a permit holder and any parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the applicant, permit holder, or parent, including any joint venturer with a direct or indirect interest in the applicant, permit holder, or parent shall be a guarantor of payment for closure, post‑closure maintenance and monitoring, any corrective action that the Department may require, and to satisfy any potential liability for sudden and nonsudden accidental occurrences arising from the operation of the hazardous waste facility.
(d)	Assets used to meet the financial assurance requirements of this section shall be in a form that will allow the Department to readily access funds for the purposes set out in this section. Assets used to meet financial assurance requirements of this section shall not be accessible to the permit holder except as approved by the Department.
(e)	The Department may provide a copy of any filing that an applicant for a permit or a permit holder submits to the Department to meet the financial responsibility requirements under this section to the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall review the filing and provide the Department with a written opinion as to the adequacy of the filing to meet the purposes of this section, including any recommended changes.
(f)	In order to continue to hold a permit for a structural fill, a permit holder must maintain financial responsibility as required by this Part and must provide any information requested by the Department to establish that the permit holder continues to maintain financial responsibility.
(g)	An applicant for a permit or a permit holder shall satisfy the Department that the applicant or permit holder has met the financial responsibility requirements of this Part before the Department is required to otherwise review the application.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

§ 130A‑309.222.  Closure of projects using coal combustion products for structural fill.
(a)	Closure of Structural Fill Projects. –
(1)	No later than 30 working days or 60 calendar days, whichever is less, after coal combustion product placement has ceased, the final cover shall be applied over the coal combustion product placement area.
(2)	The final surface of the structural fill shall be graded and provided with drainage systems that do all of the following:
a.	Minimize erosion of cover materials.
b.	Promote drainage of area precipitation, minimize infiltration, and prevent ponding of surface water on the structural fill.
(3)	Other erosion control measures, such as temporary mulching, seeding, or silt barriers shall be installed to ensure no visible coal combustion product migration to adjacent properties until the beneficial end use of the project is realized.
(4)	The constructor or operator shall submit a certification to the Department signed and sealed by a registered professional engineer or signed by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation or the Secretary's designee certifying that all requirements of this Subpart have been met. The report shall be submitted within 30 days of application of the final cover.
(b)	Additional Closure and Post‑Closure Requirements for Large Structural Fill Projects. – For projects involving placement of 8,000 or more tons of coal combustion products per acre or 80,000 or more tons of coal combustion products in total per project, a constructor or operator shall conduct post‑closure care. Post‑closure care shall be conducted for 30 years, which period may be increased by the Department upon a determination that a longer period is necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources, or decreased upon a determination that a shorter period is sufficient to protect public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources. Additional closure and post‑closure requirements include, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1)	Submit a written closure plan that includes all of the following:
a.	A description of the cap liner system and the methods and procedures used to install the cap that conforms to the requirement in G.S. 130A‑309.220(b).
b.	An estimate of the largest area of the structural fill project ever requiring the cap liner system at any time during the overall construction period that is consistent with the drawings prepared for the structural fill.
c.	An estimate of the maximum inventory of coal combustion products ever on‑site over the construction duration of the structural fill.
d.	A schedule for completing all activities necessary to satisfy the closure criteria set forth in this section.
(2)	Submit a written post‑closure plan that includes all of the following:
a.	A description of the monitoring and maintenance activities required for the project and the frequency at which these activities must be performed.
b.	The name, address, and telephone number of the person or office responsible for the project during the post‑closure period.
c.	A description of the planned uses of the property during the post‑closure period. Post‑closure use of the property must not disturb the integrity of the cap system, base liner system, or any other components of the containment system or the function of the monitoring systems, unless necessary to comply with the requirements of this subsection. The Department may approve disturbance if the constructor or operator demonstrates that disturbance of the cap system, base liner system, or other component of the containment system will not increase the potential threat to public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources.
d.	The cost estimate for post‑closure activities required under this section.
(3)	Maintain the integrity and effectiveness of any cap system, including repairing the system as necessary to correct the defects of settlement, subsidence, erosion, or other events and preventing run‑on and runoff from eroding or otherwise damaging the cap system.
(4)	Maintain and operate the leachate collection system. The Department may allow the constructor or operator to stop managing leachate upon a satisfactory demonstration that leachate from the project no longer poses a threat to human health and the environment.
(5)	Monitor and maintain the groundwater monitoring system in accordance with G.S. 130A‑309.220 and monitor the surface water in accordance with 15A NCAC 13B .0602.
(c)	Completion of Post‑Closure Care. – Following completion of the post‑closure care period, the constructor or operator shall submit a certification, signed by a registered professional engineer, to the Department, verifying that post‑closure care has been completed in accordance with the post‑closure plan, and include the certification in the operating record.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

§ 130A‑309.223.  Recordation of projects using coal combustion products for structural fill.
(a)	The owner of land where coal combustion products have been used in volumes of more than 1,000 cubic yards shall file a statement of the volume and locations of the coal combustion residuals with the Register of Deeds in the county or counties where the property is located. The statement shall identify the parcel of land according to the complete legal description on the recorded deed, either by metes and bounds or by reference to a recorded plat map. The statement shall be signed and acknowledged by the landowners in the form prescribed by G.S. 47‑38 through G.S. 47‑43.
(b)	Recordation shall be required within 90 days after completion of a structural fill project using coal combustion residuals.
(c)	The Register of Deeds, in accordance with G.S. 161‑14, shall record the notarized statement and index it in the Grantor Index under the name of the owner of the land. The original notarized statement with the Register's seal and the date, book, and page number of recording shall be returned to the Department after recording.
(d)	When property with more than 1,000 cubic yards of coal combustion products is sold, leased, conveyed, or transferred in any manner, the deed or other instrument of transfer shall contain in the description section in no smaller type than used in the body of the deed or instrument a statement that coal combustion products have been used as structural fill material on the property.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

§ 130A‑309.224.  Department of Transportation projects.
The Department and the Department of Transportation may agree on specific design, construction, siting, operation, and closure criteria that may apply to the Department of Transportation structural fill projects.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

§ 130A‑309.225.  Inventory and inspection of certain structural fill projects.
No later than July 1, 2015, the Department shall prepare an inventory of all structural fill projects with a volume of 10,000 cubic yards or more. The Department shall update the structural fill project inventory at least annually. The Department shall inspect each structural fill project with a volume of 10,000 cubic yards or more at least annually to determine if the project or facility has been constructed and operated in compliance with Section .1700 of Subchapter B of Chapter 13 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code (Requirements for Beneficial Use of Coal Combustion By‑Products) and Section .1200 of Subchapter T of Chapter 2 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code (Coal Combustion Products Management), as applicable.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

§ 130A‑309.226.  Amendments required to rules.
Requirements under existing rules governing the use of coal combustion products for structural fill that do not conflict with the provisions of this Subpart shall continue to apply to such projects. The Environmental Management Commission shall amend existing rules governing the use of coal combustion products for structural fill as necessary to implement the provisions of this Subpart. Such rules shall be exempt from the requirements of G.S. 150B‑19.3.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

§130A‑309.227: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§130A‑309.228: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§130A‑309.229: Reserved for future codification purposes.

Subpart 4.  Enforcement.
§ 130A‑309.230.  General enforcement.
Except as otherwise provided in this Subpart, the provisions of this Part shall be enforced as provided in Article 1 of this Chapter.  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

§ 130A‑309.231.  Penalties for making false statements.
Any person who knowingly makes any false statement, representation, or certification in any application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or required to be maintained under this Part or a rule implementing this Part shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor, which may include a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000).  (2014‑122, s. 3(a).)

Part 2J. Management of Solar Energy Equipment.
§ 130A‑309.240.  Decommissioning and restoration requirements for utility‑scale solar projects; recycling of project components required; financial assurance requirements.
(a)	Definitions. – For purposes of this Part, the following definitions apply:
(1)	"Cessation of operations" means a utility‑scale solar project has not produced power for a period of 12 months. This 12‑month period shall not, however, include a period in which the (i) project fails to produce power due to an event of force majeure or (ii) owner has retained legal control of the project's footprint and has commenced rebuilding the facility.
(2)	"Expansion" or "expanded," when used in reference to a utility‑scale solar project, means adding 2 megawatts AC (MW AC) or more of directly connected solar energy generating capacity to the local or regional electrical grid with the ability to deliver power to the electrical grid, or increasing the ability of the project to deliver power to the electrical grid by thirty‑five percent (35%), whichever is larger.
(3)	"Photovoltaic module" or "PV module" means the smallest nondivisible, environmentally protected assembly of photovoltaic cells or other photovoltaic collector technology and ancillary parts intended to generate electrical power under sunlight, which is part of a utility‑scale solar project.
(4)	"Rebuild" or "rebuilt" when used in reference to a utility‑scale solar project means a utility‑scale solar project for which more than fifty percent (50%) of the original photovoltaic modules have been replaced with a different type of photovoltaic module or other fuel source and the project is deemed to be new for income tax purposes.
(5)	"Recycle" means the processing, including disassembling, dismantling, and shredding of PV modules or other equipment from utility‑scale solar projects, or their components, to recover a usable product. Recycle does not include any process that results in the incineration of such equipment. PV modules determined to be hazardous shall comply with applicable hazardous waste requirements even when recycled.
(6)	"Utility‑scale solar project" means a ground‑mounted PV, concentrating PV (CPV), or concentrating solar power (CSP or solar thermal) project capable of generating 2 megawatts AC (MW AC) or more directly connected to the local or regional electrical grid with the ability to deliver power to the electrical grid. The term includes the solar arrays, accessory buildings, battery storage facilities, transmission facilities, and any other infrastructure necessary for the operation of the project. For purposes of this section, a utility‑scale solar project does not include renewable energy facilities owned or leased by a retail electric customer intended primarily for the customer's own use or to offset the customer's own retail electrical energy consumption at the premises or for net metering.
(b)	(For effective date, see note) Decommissioning Requirement. – The owner of a utility‑scale solar project shall be responsible for proper decommissioning of the project upon cessation of operations and restoration of the property in compliance with subdivision (3) of this subsection, including all costs associated therewith, no later than one year following cessation of operations. The owner shall notify the Department within 30 days of cessation of operations, which notice shall include a detailed description of the steps to be taken to properly decommission the project and for restoration of the site. At a minimum, an owner shall take all of the following steps in decommissioning a project:
(1)	Disconnect the solar project from the power grid.
(2)	Remove all equipment from the solar project, and collect and ship equipment for reuse, or recycle all of the components thereof practicably capable of being recycled, including the PV modules; the entire solar module racking system; aboveground electrical interconnection and distribution cables that are no longer deemed necessary; subsurface cable no longer deemed necessary; any metal fencing; electrical and electronic devices, including transformers and inverters; and energy storage system batteries, as that term is defined under subsection (a) of this section. Components that will not be shipped for reuse, are incapable of being recycled, and do not meet the definition of hazardous waste shall be properly disposed of in (i) an industrial landfill or (ii) a municipal solid waste landfill. PV modules that meet the definition of a hazardous waste shall comply with hazardous waste requirements for recycling and disposal as applicable.
(3)	Restore the property (i) as nearly as practicable to its condition before the utility‑scale solar project was sited or (ii) to an alternative condition agreed upon in a written contract or lease agreement between the landowner and the project owner. A copy of the agreement signed by both parties shall be provided to the Department prior to decommissioning. The condition of the property shall otherwise comply with any applicable statutory requirements, rules adopted thereunder, and requirements in local ordinance. Land that was cleared of trees for the solar project may be revegetated or reforested with seedlings.
(c)	(For effective date, see note) Decommissioning Plan. – The owner of a utility‑scale solar project shall submit a decommissioning plan to the Department for approval, which shall be prepared, signed, and sealed by a professional engineer licensed in the State and shall contain all of the following information:
(1)	The name, address, and contact information for the owner of the project, and name, address, and contact information for the landowner of the property on which the project is sited, if different than the owner.
(2)	A narrative description of how the decommissioning will be conducted, including the decommissioning sequencing; the disposition of materials to be used upon decommissioning, such as landfilling, reuse, or recycling of project equipment, which shall specifically delineate methods to be used for solid and hazardous waste; and a schedule for completion of the decommissioning activities.
(3)	Information on equipment proposed to be salvaged, including estimated salvage value of the equipment for the purpose of determining financial assurance.
(4)	Information on steps to be taken to restore the property in compliance with subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of this section.
(5)	A cost estimate for decommissioning the project and restoration of the property in compliance with subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of this section.
(6)	The proposed mechanism to satisfy the financial assurance requirements established under subsection (d) of this section, including information on which legal entity will establish the mechanism, when it will be established in accordance with the requirements of this section, and how the Department will access the funds from the mechanism if needed.
(d)	(For effective date, see note) Financial Assurance Requirement. –
(1)	The owner of a utility‑scale solar project shall establish financial assurance in an amount acceptable to the Department that will ensure that sufficient funds are available for decommissioning of the project and restoration of the property in compliance with subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of this section, even if the owner becomes insolvent or ceases to reside in, be incorporated, do business, or maintain assets in the State. To establish sufficient availability of funds under this section, the owner of a utility‑scale solar project may use insurance, financial tests, third‑party guarantees by persons who can pass the financial test, guarantees by corporate parents who can pass the financial test, irrevocable letters of credit, trusts, surety bonds, or any other financial device, or any combination of the foregoing, shown to provide protection equivalent to the financial protection that would be provided by insurance if insurance were the only mechanism used.
(2)	Financial assurance shall be established by an owner of a utility‑scale solar project and maintained until such time as the project is decommissioned and restoration of the property has been completed in compliance with this section. Documentation of financial assurance established shall be submitted to the Department at the time of registration and at the time of required update every five years, as required by subsection (e) of this section.
(e)	(For effective date, see note) Registration. – Each owner of a utility‑scale solar project shall register with the Department and update such registration every five years. At the time of registration, or periodic required update, the owner shall provide all of the following information:
(1)	Identification of the owner and any other legal entity that will be responsible for (i) decommissioning the project and (ii) establishment of financial assurance, if applicable.
(2)	Summary of project equipment that will be subject to decommissioning requirements under this section, including the location, size, number, and type of PV modules, as well as identification of any per‑ and poly‑fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) associated with the project, and a determination as to whether the PV modules are likely to be characterized as hazardous waste upon decommissioning. The hazardous waste determination must be made in compliance with rules adopted by the Department of Environmental Quality or the Environmental Management Commission.
(3)	Summary of project time line, including actual or anticipated initiation and completion of construction, initiation of operations, and expected service life of the project.
(4)	Estimates of costs to decommission the project and restore the property.
(5)	Proposed financial assurance mechanism to be used to meet the requirements of this section, if applicable.
(6)	Copies of any decommissioning plan executed, or documentation of financial assurance established, pursuant to local government ordinance or agreement with a landowner, prior to registration under this subsection.
(7)	Any other information the Department may require.
(f)	Annual List. – The Utilities Commission shall develop and maintain a list of all utility‑scale solar projects operating within the State and shall provide the Department with an updated list annually on or before July 1 of each year.
(g)	Landowner and Local Authority Not Preempted for Adoption of More Stringent Requirements. – Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the authority of any:
(1)	Local government to establish and implement requirements that are more stringent than those set forth in this section for decommissioning and financial assurance for utility‑scale solar projects located within its jurisdiction.
(2)	Landowner to enter into an agreement with an owner to lease property on which a utility‑scale solar project will be sited that expressly establishes requirements that are more stringent than those set forth in this section for decommissioning and financial assurance for utility‑scale solar projects to be located on the landowner's property.
(h)	Fees. – The Department shall collect fees from the owner of a utility‑scale solar project subject to the requirements of this section at the time of registration and periodic update, as required by subsection (e) of this section. Fees collected under this subsection shall be applied to the Department's cost of administering the program.
(i)	Department Report. – Information regarding implementation of the requirements of this section shall be included in the annual report required under G.S. 130A‑309.06(c).
(j)	Rules Required. – The Department of Environmental Quality shall adopt rules establishing criteria to set the amount of financial assurance required for utility‑scale solar projects as set forth in subsection (d) of this section. These rules shall consider, at a minimum, the solar technology to be employed, i.e., PV, CPV, CSP, or other technology; the approximate number and size of PV modules included in the solar arrays to be constructed; any ancillary facilities to be constructed in association with the project; the condition of the property prior to construction of a utility‑scale solar project; the amount of acreage that would be impacted by the proposed project; and any other factors designed to enable establishment of adequate financial assurance for decommissioning and restoration on a site‑by‑site basis. In establishing requirements for financial assurance for a utility‑scale solar project, the Department shall consider the salvage value of the project's equipment. The rules shall require periodic updates to be provided by owners with respect to financial assurance maintained. In addition, the Department shall adopt rules as necessary to implement other requirements of this section, including rules to address the following matters:
(1)	Requirements for decommissioning plans, including required information, and processes for submittal and review of plans.
(2)	Fees to be assessed upon registration.
(3)	Any other matter the Department deems necessary.  (2023‑58, s. 2(a).)

§ 130A‑309.241.  Grants and incentives for recycling of solar panels.
The Department of Commerce, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Quality, shall identify existing incentives and grant programs that may be used to encourage research and development on recycling and reuse of PV modules and to facilitate growth of the State's PV module recycling and reuse industry.  (2023‑58, s. 2(a).)

§ 130A‑309.242.  Utility‑Scale Solar Management Fund.
(a)	Creation. – The Utility‑Scale Solar Management Fund is created as a special fund within the Department. The Fund consists of revenue credited to the Fund from the proceeds of the fee imposed on owners of utility‑scale solar projects under G.S. 130A‑309.240.
(b)	Use and Distribution. – Moneys in the Fund shall be used by the Department to implement the provisions of this Part concerning proper decommissioning of utility‑scale solar projects.  (2023‑58, s. 2(a).)

§ 130A‑309.243.  Enforcement and appeals.
(a)	This Part may be enforced as provided by Part 2 of Article 1 of this Chapter.
(b)	Appeals concerning the enforcement of rules, the imposition of administrative penalties, or any other action taken by the Department under authority of this Part shall be governed by the provisions for appeals set forth in Part 2 of Article 1 of this Chapter.  (2023‑58, s. 2(a).)

Part 3.  Inactive Hazardous Sites.
§ 130A‑310.  Definitions.
Unless a different meaning is required by the context, the following definitions shall apply throughout this Part:
(1)	"CERCLA/SARA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, Pub. L. 96‑510, 94 Stat. 2767, 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq., as amended, and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99‑499, 100 Stat. 1613, as amended.
(2)	"Hazardous substance" means hazardous substance as defined in CERCLA/SARA.
(3)	"Inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site" or "site" means any facility, as defined in CERCLA/SARA. These sites do not include hazardous waste facilities permitted or in interim status under this Article.
(4)	"Operator" means the person responsible for the overall operation of an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site.
(5)	"Owner" means any person who owns an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site, or any part thereof.
(6)	"Release" means release as defined in the CERCLA/SARA.
(7)	"Remedy" or "Remedial Action" means remedy or remedial action as defined in CERCLA/SARA.
(8)	"Remove" or "Removal" means remove or removal as defined in CERCLA/SARA.
(9)	"Responsible party" means any person who is liable pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.7. (1987, c. 574, s. 2; 1989, c. 286, s. 2; 1999‑83, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑310.1.  Identification, inventory, and monitoring of inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal sites; duty of owners, operators, and responsible parties to provide information and access; remedies.
(a)	The Department shall develop and implement a program for locating, cataloguing, and monitoring all inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal sites in North Carolina. The Secretary shall compile and maintain an inventory of all inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal sites based on information submitted by owners, operators, and responsible parties, and on data obtained directly by the Secretary. The Secretary shall maintain records of any evidence of contamination to the air, surface water, groundwater, surface or subsurface soils, or waste streams for inventoried sites. The records shall include all available information on the extent of any actual damage or potential danger to public health or to the environment resulting from the contamination.
(b)	The Commission shall develop and make available a format and checklist for submission of data relevant to inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal sites. Within 90 days of the date on which an owner, operator, or responsible party knows or should know of the existence of an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site, the owner, operator, or responsible party shall submit to the Secretary all site data that is known or readily available to the owner, operator, or responsible party. The owner, operator, or responsible party shall certify under oath that, to the best of his knowledge and belief, the data is complete and accurate.
(c)	Whenever the Secretary determines that there is a release, or substantial threat of a release, into the environment of a hazardous substance from an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site, the Secretary may, in addition to any other powers he may have, order any responsible party to conduct any monitoring, testing, analysis, and reporting that the Secretary deems reasonable and necessary to ascertain the nature and extent of any hazard posed by the site. Written notice of any order issued pursuant to this section shall be given to all persons subject to the order as set out in G.S. 130A‑310.3(c). The Secretary, prior to the entry of any order, shall solicit the cooperation of the responsible party.
(d)	If a person fails to submit data as required in subsection (b) of this section or violates the requirements or schedules in an order issued pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the Secretary may institute an action for injunctive relief, irrespective of all other remedies at law, in the superior court of the county where the violation occurred or where a defendant resides.
(e)	Whenever a person ordered to take any action pursuant to this section is unable or fails to do so, or if the Secretary, after making a reasonable attempt, is unable to locate any responsible party, the Secretary may take the action. The cost of any action by the Secretary pursuant to this section may be paid from the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund, subject to a later action for reimbursement pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.7. The provisions of subdivisions (a)(1) to (a)(3) of G.S.130A‑310.6 shall apply to any action taken by the Secretary pursuant to this section.
(f)	Upon reasonable notice, the Secretary may require any person to furnish to the Secretary any information, document, or record in that person's possession or under that person's control that relates to:
(1)	The identification, nature, and quantity of material that has been or is generated, treated, stored, or disposed of at an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site or that is transported to an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site.
(2)	The nature and extent of a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance or hazardous waste at or from an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site.
(3)	Information relating to the ability of a person to pay for or to perform a cleanup.
(g)	A person who is required to furnish any information, document, or record under subsection (f) of this section shall either allow the Secretary to inspect and copy all information, documents, and records or shall copy and furnish to the Secretary all information, documents, and records at the expense of the person.
(h)	To collect information to administer this Part, the Secretary may subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documents, records, reports, answers to questions, and any other information that the Secretary deems necessary. Witnesses shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid to witnesses in proceedings in the General Court of Justice. In the event that a person fails to comply with a subpoena issued under this subsection, the Secretary may seek enforcement of the subpoena in the superior court in any county where the inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site is located, in the county where the person resides, or in the county where the person has his or her principal place of business.
(i)	A person who owns or has control over an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site shall grant the Secretary access to the site at reasonable times. If a person fails to grant the Secretary access to the site, the Secretary may obtain an administrative search and inspection warrant as provided by G.S. 15‑27.2. (1987, c. 574, s. 2; 1989, c. 286, s. 3; 1997‑53, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑310.2.  Inactive Hazardous Waste Sites Priority List.
(a)	No later than six months after July 1, 1987, the Commission shall develop a system for the prioritization of inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal sites based on the extent to which such sites endanger the public health and the environment. The Secretary shall apply the prioritization system to the inventory of sites to create and maintain an Inactive Hazardous Waste Site Priority List, which shall rank all inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal sites in decreasing order of danger. This list shall identify the location of each site and the type and amount of hazardous substances or waste known or believed to be located on the site. The first such list shall be published within two years after July 1, 1987, with subsequent lists to be published at intervals of not more than two years thereafter. The Secretary shall notify owners, operators, and responsible parties of sites listed on the Inactive Hazardous Waste Sites Priority List of their ranking on the list. The Inactive Hazardous Sites Priority List shall be used by the Department in determining budget requests and in allocating any State appropriation which may be made for remedial action, but shall not be used so as to impede any other action by the Department, or any remedial or other action for which funds are available.
(b)	Repealed by Session Laws 2012‑200, s. 21(e), effective August 1, 2012.  (1987, c. 574, s. 2; 2008‑107, s. 12.1A(a); 2012‑200, s. 21(e).)

§ 130A‑310.3.  Remedial action programs for inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal sites.
(a)	The Secretary may issue a written declaration, based upon findings of fact, that an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site endangers the public health or the environment. After issuing such a declaration, and at any time during which the declaration is in effect, the Secretary shall be responsible for:
(1)	Monitoring the inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site;
(2)	Developing a plan for public notice and for community and local government participation in any inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site remedial action program to be undertaken;
(3)	Approving an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site remedial action program for the site;
(4)	Coordinating the inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site remedial action program for the site; and
(5)	Ensuring that the hazardous substance or waste disposal site remedial action program is completed.
(b)	Where possible, the Secretary shall work cooperatively with any owner, operator, responsible party, or any appropriate agency of the State or federal government to develop and implement the inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site remedial action program. The Secretary shall not take action under this section to the extent that the Commission, the Commissioner of Agriculture, or the Pesticide Board has assumed jurisdiction pursuant to Articles 21 or 21A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes.
(c)	Whenever the Secretary has issued such a declaration, and at any time during which the declaration is in effect, the Secretary may, in addition to any other powers he may have, order any responsible party:
(1)	To develop an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site remedial action program for the site subject to approval by the Department, and
(2)	To implement the program within reasonable time limits specified in the order.
Written notice of such an order shall be provided to all persons subject to the order personally or by certified mail. If given by certified mail, notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date appearing in the return of the receipt. If giving of notice cannot be accomplished either personally or by certified mail, notice shall be given as provided in G.S. 1A‑1, Rule 4(j).
(d)	In any inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site remedial action program implemented hereunder, the Secretary shall ascertain the most nearly applicable cleanup standard as would be applied under CERCLA/SARA, and may seek federal approval of any such program to insure concurrent compliance with federal standards. State standards may exceed and be more comprehensive than such federal standards. The Secretary shall assure concurrent compliance with applicable standards set by the Commission.
(e)	For any removal or remedial action conducted entirely on‑site under this Part, to the extent that a permit would not be required under 42 U.S.C. § 9621(e) for a removal or remedial action conducted entirely on‑site under CERCLA/SARA, the Secretary may grant a waiver from any State law or rule that requires that an environmental permit be obtained from the Department. The Secretary shall not waive any requirement that a permit be obtained unless either the removal or remedial action is being conducted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.3(c), 130A‑310.5, or 130A‑310.6, or the owner, operator, or other responsible party has entered into an agreement with the Secretary to implement a voluntary remedial action plan under G.S. 130A‑310.9(b). The Secretary shall invite public participation in the development of the remedial action plan in the manner set out in G.S. 130A‑310.4 prior to granting a permit waiver, except for a removal or remedial action conducted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.5.
(f)	In order to reduce or eliminate the danger to public health or the environment posed by an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site, an owner, operator, or other responsible party may impose restrictions on the current or future use of the real property comprising any part of the site if the restrictions meet the requirements of this subsection. The restrictions must be agreed to by the owner of the real property, included in a remedial action plan for the site that has been approved by the Secretary, and implemented as a part of the remedial action program for the site. The Secretary may approve restrictions included in a remedial action plan in accordance with standards determined as provided in subsection (d) of this section or pursuant to rules adopted under Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. Restrictions may apply to activities on, over, or under the land, including, but not limited to, use of groundwater, building, filling, grading, excavating, and mining. Any approved restriction shall be enforced by any owner, operator, or other party responsible for the inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site. Any land‑use restriction may also be enforced by the Department through the remedies provided in Part 2 of Article 1 of this Chapter or by means of a civil action. The Department may enforce any land‑use restriction without first having exhausted any available administrative remedies. A land‑use restriction may also be enforced by any unit of local government having jurisdiction over any part of the site. A land‑use restriction shall not be declared unenforceable due to lack of privity of estate or contract, due to lack of benefit to particular land, or due to lack of any property interest in particular land. Any person who owns or leases a property subject to a land‑use restriction under this Part shall abide by the land‑use restriction.  (1987, c. 574, s. 2; 1989, c. 727, s. 145; 1991, c. 281, ss. 1, 2; 1997‑394, s. 1; 2002‑154, s. 2; 2014‑122, s. 11(f).)

§ 130A‑310.4.  Public participation in the development of the remedial action plan.
(a)	Within 10 days after the Secretary issues a declaration pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.3, he shall notify in writing the local board of health and the local health director having jurisdiction in the county or counties in which an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site is located that the site may endanger the public health or environment and that a remedial action plan is being developed. The Secretary shall involve the local health director in the development of the remedial action plan.
(b)	Before approving any remedial action plan, the Secretary shall make copies of the proposed plan available for inspection as follows:
(1)	A copy of the plan shall be provided to the local health director.
(2)	Repealed by Session Laws 2010‑180, s. 3, effective August 2, 2010.
(3)	A copy of the plan shall be provided to the public library located in closest proximity to the site in the county or counties in which the site is located.
(4)	The Secretary may place copies of the plan in other locations so as to assure the availability thereof to the public.
In addition, copies of the plan shall be available for inspection and copying at cost by the public during regular business hours in the offices of the agency within the Department with responsibility for the administration of the remedial action program.
(c)	Before approving any remedial action plan, the Secretary shall give notice of the proposed plan as follows:
(1)	A notice and summary of the proposed plan shall be published weekly for a period of three consecutive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the county or counties where the site is located.
(2)	Notice that a proposed remedial action plan has been developed shall be given by first class mail to persons who have requested such notice. Such notice shall state the locations where a copy of the remedial action plan is available for inspection. The Department shall maintain a mailing list of persons who request notice pursuant to this section.
(d)	The Secretary may conduct a public meeting to explain the proposed plan and alternatives to the public.
(e)	At least 45 days from the latest date on which notice is provided pursuant to subsection (c)(1) of this section shall be allowed for the receipt of written comment on the proposed remedial action plan prior to its approval. If a public hearing is held pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, at least 20 days will be allowed for receipt of written comment following the hearing prior to the approval of the remedial action plan.
(f)	If the Secretary determines that significant public interest exists, he shall conduct a public hearing on the proposed plan and alternatives. The Department shall give notice of the hearing at least 30 days prior to the date thereof by:
(1)	Publication as provided in subdivision (c)(1) of this section, with first publication to occur not less than 30 days prior to the scheduled date of the hearing; and
(2)	First class mail to persons who have requested notice as provided in subdivision (c)(2) of this section.
(g)	The Commission shall adopt rules prescribing the form and content of the notices required by this section. The proposed remedial action plan shall include a summary of all alternatives considered in the development of the plan. A record shall be maintained of all comment received by the Department regarding the remedial action plan.  (1987, c. 574, s. 2; 1997‑28, s. 2; 2010‑180, s. 3; 2014‑122, s. 11(g).)

§ 130A‑310.5.  Authority of the Secretary with respect to sites which pose an imminent hazard.
(a)	An imminent hazard exists whenever the Secretary determines, that there exists a condition caused by an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site, including a release or a substantial threat of a release into the environment of a hazardous substance from the site, which is causing serious harm to the public health or environment, or which is likely to cause such harm before a remedial action plan can be developed.  Whenever the Secretary determines that an imminent hazard exists he may, in addition to any other powers he may have, without notice or hearing, order any known responsible party to take immediately any action necessary to eliminate or correct the condition, or the Secretary, in his discretion, may take such action without issuing an order.  Written notice of any order issued pursuant to this section shall be provided to all persons subject to the order as set out in G.S. 130A‑310.3(c).  Unless the time required to do so would increase the harm to the public health or the environment, the Secretary shall solicit the cooperation of responsible parties prior to the entry of any such order.  The provisions of subdivisions (1) to (3) of G.S. 130A‑310.6(a) shall apply to any action taken by the Secretary pursuant to this section, and any such action shall be considered part of a remedial action program, the cost of which may be recovered from any responsible party.
(b)	If a person violates the requirements or schedules in an order issued pursuant to this section, the Secretary may institute an action for injunctive relief, irrespective of all other remedies at law, in the superior court of the county where the violation occurred or where a defendant resides.
(c)	The cost of any action by the Secretary pursuant to this section may be paid from the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund, or the Emergency Response Fund established pursuant to G.S. 130A‑306, subject to a later action for reimbursement pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.7. (1987, c. 574, s. 2; 1989, c. 286, s. 4; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1004, s. 9, c. 1024, s. 30(a); 1991, c. 342, s. 8.)

§ 130A‑310.6.  State action upon default of responsible parties or when no responsible party can be located.
(a)	Whenever a person ordered to develop and implement an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site remedial action program is unable or fails to do so within the time specified in the order, the Secretary may develop and implement or cause to be developed and implemented such a program. The cost of developing and implementing a remedial action program pursuant to this section may be paid from the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund, subject to a later action for reimbursement pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.7.
(1)	The Department is authorized and empowered to use any staff, equipment or materials under its control or provided by other cooperating federal, State or local agencies and to contract with any agent or contractor it deems appropriate to develop and implement the remedial action program. State agencies shall provide to the maximum extent feasible such staff, equipment, and materials as may be available for developing and implementing a remedial action program.
(2)	Upon completion of any inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal remedial action program, any State or local agency that has provided personnel, equipment, or material shall deliver to the Department a record of expenses incurred by the agency. The amount of the incurred expenses shall be disbursed by the Secretary to each such agency. The Secretary shall keep a record of all expenses incurred for the services of State personnel and for the use of the State's equipment and material.
(3)	As soon as feasible or after completion of any inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site remedial action program, the Secretary shall prepare a statement of all expenses and costs of the program expended by the State and issue an order demanding payment from responsible parties. Written notice of such an order shall be provided to all persons subject to the order personally or by certified mail. If given by certified mail, notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date appearing on the return of the receipt. If giving of notice cannot be accomplished either personally or by certified mail, notice shall then be given as provided in G.S. 1A‑1, Rule 4(j).
(b)	If the Secretary, after declaring that an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site may endanger the public health or the environment, is unable, after making a reasonable attempt, to locate any responsible party, the Department may develop and implement a remedial action program for the site as provided in subsection (a)(1) and (2) of this section. If responsible parties are subsequently located, the Secretary may issue an order demanding payment from such persons in the manner set forth in subdivision (a)(3) of this section for the necessary expenses incurred by the Department for developing and implementing the remedial action program. If the persons subject to such an order refuse to pay the sum expended, or fail to pay such sum within the time specified in the order, the Secretary shall bring an action in the manner set forth in G.S. 130A‑310.7.
(c)	The Secretary shall use funds allocated to the Department under G.S. 130A‑295.9 to assess pre‑1983 landfills, to determine the priority for remediation of pre‑1983 landfills, and to develop and implement a remedial action plan for each pre‑1983 landfill that requires remediation. Environmental and human health risks posed by a pre‑1983 landfill may be mitigated using a risk‑based approach for assessment and remediation. The Secretary shall develop a program to permit owners of property containing a pre‑1983 landfill to suspend the further application of requirements of the program authorized by this subsection for as long as the owner continues to own the property if the owner complies with all of the following requirements:
(1)	The property owner signs an assumption of liability agreement agreeing to accept all liability for potential on‑site and off‑site impacts caused by the pre‑1983 landfill.
(2)	The property owner provides financial assurance for any future impacts. The Department shall set the financial assurance requirement in a reasonable manner based on the information on current site conditions and historical disposal records or other information provided by the property owner. The requirement for financial assurance of this subdivision shall not apply where (i) the pre‑1983 landfill served as the municipal landfill for a unit of local government and (ii) the unit of local government provided no financial compensation for the waste disposal to the owner of the landfill site.
(d)	The Secretary shall not seek cost recovery from a unit of local government for assessment and remedial action performed under subsection (c) of this section at a pre‑1983 landfill. The Secretary shall not seek cost recovery for assessment and remedial action performed under subsection (c) of this section at a pre‑1983 landfill from any other potentially responsible party if the Secretary develops and implements a remedial action plan for that pre‑1983 landfill. If any potentially responsible party fails to cooperate with assessment of a site and implementation of control and mitigation measures at any site which the potentially responsible party owns or over which the potentially responsible party exercises control through a lease or other property interest, the Secretary may seek cost recovery for assessment and remedial action. Cooperation with assessment of a site and implementation of control and mitigation measures includes, but is not limited to, granting access to the site, allowing installation of monitoring wells, allowing installation and maintenance of improvements to the landfill cap, allowing installation of security measures, agreeing to record and implement land‑use restrictions, and providing access to any records regarding the pre‑1983 landfill. Nothing in this section shall alter any right, duty, obligation, or liability between a unit of local government and a third party. Nothing in this section shall alter any right, duty, obligation, or liability between any other potentially responsible party and a unit of local government, a third party, or, except as provided in this subsection, to the State.
(e)	The Secretary shall develop and implement remedial action plans for pre‑1983 landfills in the order of their priority determined as provided in subsection (c) of this section. The Secretary shall not develop or implement a remedial action plan for a pre‑1983 landfill unless the Secretary determines that sufficient funds will be available from the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund to pay the costs of development and implementation of a remedial action plan for that pre‑1983 landfill.
(f)	A unit of local government that voluntarily undertakes assessment or remediation of a pre‑1983 landfill may request that the Department reimburse the costs of assessment of the pre‑1983 landfill and implementation of measures necessary to remediate the site to eliminate an imminent hazard. The Department shall provide reimbursement under this subsection if the Department finds all of the following:
(1)	The unit of local government undertakes assessment and remediation under a plan approved by the Department.
(2)	The unit of local government provides a certified accounting of costs incurred for assessment and remediation.
(3)	Each contract for assessment and remediation complies with the requirements of Articles 3D and 8 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes.
(4)	Remedial action is limited to measures necessary to abate the imminent hazard.
(g)	The Department may undertake any additional action necessary to remediate a pre‑1983 landfill based on the priority ranking of the site under subsection (c) of this section.  (1987, c. 574, s. 2; 1989, c. 286, s. 5; 2007‑550, s. 14(c); 2017‑57, s. 13.4(a).)

§ 130A‑310.7.  Action for reimbursement; liability of responsible parties; notification of completed remedial action.
(a)	Notwithstanding any other provision or rule of law, and subject only to the defenses set forth in this subsection, any person who:
(1)	Discharges or deposits; or
(2)	Contracts or arranges for any discharge or deposit; or
(3)	Accepts for discharge or deposit; or
(4)	Transports or arranges for transport for the purpose of discharge or deposit
any hazardous substance, the result of which discharge or deposit is the existence of an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site, shall be considered a responsible party. Neither an innocent landowner who is a bona fide purchaser of the inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site without knowledge or without a reasonable basis for knowing that hazardous substance or waste disposal had occurred nor a person whose interest or ownership in the inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site is based on or derived from a security interest in the property shall be considered a responsible party. A responsible party shall be directly liable to the State for any or all of the reasonably necessary expenses of developing and implementing a remedial action program for such site. The Secretary shall bring an action for reimbursement of the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund in the name of the State in the superior court of the county in which the site is located to recover such sum and the cost of bringing the action. The State must show that a danger to the public health or the environment existed and that the State complied with the provisions of this Part.
(b)	There shall be no liability under this section for a person who can establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the danger to the public health or the environment caused by the site was caused solely by:
(1)	An act of God; or
(2)	An act of war; or
(3)	An intentional act or omission of a third party (but this defense shall not be available if the act or omission is that of an employee or agent of the defendant, or if the act or omission occurs in connection with a contractual relationship with the defendant); or
(4)	Any combination of the above causes.
(b1)	Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, there shall be no liability under this section for a person who arranges for recycling of recyclable materials with respect to such materials if that person has complied with all standards, requirements, and criteria set forth in the Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1999, 42 U.S.C. § 9627, as amended.
(c)	The definitions set out in G.S. 130A‑310.31(b) apply to this subsection. Any person may submit a written request to the Department for a determination that a site that is subject to this Part has been remediated to unrestricted use standards as provided in Part 5 of Article 9 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes. A request for a determination that a site has been remediated to unrestricted use standards shall be accompanied by the fee required by G.S. 130A‑310.39(a)(2). If the Department determines that the site has been remediated to unrestricted use standards, the Department shall issue a written notification that no further remediation will be required at the site. The notification shall state that no further remediation will be required at the site unless the Department later determines, based on new information or information not previously provided to the Department, that the site has not been remediated to unrestricted use standards or that the Department was provided with false or incomplete information. Under any of those circumstances, the Department may withdraw the notification and require responsible parties to remediate the site to unrestricted use standards.  (1987, c. 574, s. 2; 1989, c. 286, s. 6; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1004, s. 10; c. 1024, s. 30(b); 1997‑357, s. 5; 2001‑384, s. 11; 2017‑163, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑310.8.  Recordation of notices of environmental contamination and notices of restricted use.
(a)	After determination by the Department of the location and general extent of contamination of an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site, the owner of the real property on which the site is located, within 90 days after official notice to the owner to do so, shall submit to the Department a survey plat of areas designated by the Department that has been prepared and certified by a professional land surveyor, and entitled "NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION." If the Notice is submitted pursuant to a remedial action plan approved by the Department for the property, the Notice may be entitled "NOTICE OF RESTRICTED USE." Where an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site is located on more than one parcel or tract of land, a composite map or plat showing all parcels or tracts may be recorded. The Notice shall include a legal description of the site that would be sufficient as a description in an instrument of conveyance, shall meet the requirements of G.S. 47‑30 for maps and plats, and shall identify:
(1)	The location of areas exceeding unrestricted use standards as defined in G.S. 130A‑310.65 with respect to permanently surveyed benchmarks.
(2)	The type, location, and quantity of hazardous substances known to exist on the site.
(3)	Any restrictions approved by the Department on the current or future use of the site.
(b)	After the Department approves and certifies the Notice, the owner of the site shall file the certified copy of the Notice in the register of deeds' office in the county or counties in which the land is located within 15 days of the date on which the owner receives approval of the Notice from the Department.
(c)	Repealed by Session Laws 2012‑18, s. 1.18, effective July 1, 2012.
(d)	In the event that the owner of the site fails to submit and file the Notice required by this section within the time specified, the Secretary may prepare and file such Notice. The costs thereof may be recovered by the Secretary from any responsible party. In the event that an owner of a site who is not a responsible party submits and files the Notice required by this section, he may recover the reasonable costs thereof from any responsible party.
(e)	When property that contains, or is a portion of, an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site is sold, leased, conveyed, or transferred, the deed or other instrument of transfer shall contain in the description section, in no smaller type than that used in the body of the deed or instrument, a statement that hazardous substances are present in environmental media at the property and, if applicable, that the property has been remediated under this Part with the approval of the Department by use of land use controls and shall reference by book and page the recordation of the Notice.
(f)	A Notice of Environmental Contamination or Notice of Restricted Use filed pursuant to this section may, at the request of the owner of the land, be cancelled by the Secretary after the hazards have been eliminated. If requested in writing by the owner of the land and if the Secretary concurs with the request, the Secretary shall send to the register of deeds of each county where the Notice is recorded a statement that the hazards have been eliminated and request that the Notice be cancelled of record. The Secretary's statement shall contain the names of the owners of the land as shown in the Notice and reference the plat book and page where the Notice is recorded.
(g)	Recordation under this section is not required for any inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site that is undergoing voluntary remedial action pursuant to this Part unless the Secretary determines that either:
(1)	A concentration of a hazardous substance or hazardous waste that poses a danger to public health or the environment will remain following implementation of the voluntary remedial action program.
(2)	The voluntary remedial action program is not being implemented in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary and in compliance with the agreement between the Secretary and the owner, operator, or other responsible party.
(h)	The Secretary may waive recordation under this section with respect to any residential real property that is contaminated solely because a hazardous substance or hazardous waste migrated to the property from other property by means of groundwater flow if disclosure of the contamination is required under Chapter 47E of the General Statutes. An owner of residential real property whose recordation requirement is waived by the Secretary under this subsection and who fails to disclose contamination as required by Chapter 47E of the General Statutes is subject to both the penalties and remedies under this Chapter applicable to a person who fails to comply with the recordation requirements of this section as though those requirements had not been waived and to the remedies available under Chapter 47E of the General Statutes.
(i)	If a site subject to the requirements of this section is remediated pursuant to the requirements of Part 8 of Article 9 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes, a Notice of Restricted Use may be prepared and filed in accordance with G.S. 130A‑310.71(e) in lieu of a Notice of Residual Contamination.  (1987, c. 574, s. 2; 1989, c. 727, s. 219(34); 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1004, s. 19(b); 1997‑394, s. 2; 1997‑443, ss. 11A.119(a), (b); 1997‑528, s. 1; 2012‑18, s. 1.18; 2015‑286, s. 4.7(c); 2021‑158, s. 7(a).)

§ 130A‑310.9.  Voluntary remedial actions; limitation of liability; agreements; implementation and oversight by private engineering and consulting firms.
(a)	No one owner, operator, or other responsible party who voluntarily participates in the implementation of a remedial action program under G.S. 130A‑310.3 or G.S. 130A‑310.5 may be required to pay in excess of five million dollars ($5,000,000) for the cost of implementing a remedial action program at a single inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site. The owner, operator, or other responsible party who voluntarily participates in the implementation of a remedial action program under G.S. 130A‑310.3 or G.S. 130A‑310.5 shall be required to pay in addition to the cost of implementing the remedial action program a fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000) to be used for the Department's cost of monitoring and enforcing the remedial action program. The limitation of liability contained in this subsection applies to the cost of implementing the program and to the fee under this subsection. The limitation of liability contained in this subsection does not apply to the cost of developing the remedial action plan.
(b)	The Secretary may enter into an agreement with an owner, operator, or other responsible party that provides for implementation of a voluntary remedial action program in accordance with a remedial action plan approved by the Department. Investigations, evaluations, and voluntary remedial actions are subject to the provisions of G.S. 130A‑310.1(c), 130A‑310.1(d), 130A‑310.3(d), 130A‑310.3(f), 130A‑310.5, 130A‑310.8, and any other requirement imposed by the Department. A voluntary remedial action and all documents that relate to the voluntary remedial action shall be fully subject to inspection and audit by the Department. At least 30 days prior to entering into any agreement providing for the implementation of a voluntary remedial action program, the Secretary shall mail notice of the proposed agreement as provided in G.S. 130A‑310.4(c)(2). Sites undergoing voluntary remedial actions shall be so identified as a separate category in the inventory of sites maintained pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.1 but shall not be included on the Inactive Hazardous Waste Sites Priority List required by G.S. 130A‑310.2.
(c)	The Department may approve a private environmental consulting and engineering firm to implement and oversee a voluntary remedial action by an owner, operator, or other responsible party. An owner, operator, or other responsible party who enters into an agreement with the Secretary to implement a voluntary remedial action may hire a private environmental consulting or engineering firm approved by the Department to implement and oversee the voluntary remedial action. A voluntary remedial action that is implemented and overseen by a private environmental consulting or engineering firm shall be implemented in accordance with all federal and State laws, regulations, and rules that apply to remedial actions generally and is subject to rules adopted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.12(b). The Department may revoke its approval of the oversight of a voluntary remedial action by a private environmental consulting or engineering firm and assume direct oversight of the voluntary remedial action whenever it appears to the Department that the voluntary remedial action is not being properly implemented or is not being adequately overseen. The Department may require the owner, operator, other responsible party, or private environmental consulting or engineering firm to take any action necessary to bring the voluntary remedial action into compliance with applicable requirements.  (1987, c. 574, s. 2; 1989, c. 286, s. 7; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 598, s. 1; 1995, c. 327, s. 2; 1997‑394, s. 3; 2007‑107, s. 1.1(g); 2009‑451, s. 13.3C(a).)

§ 130A‑310.10.  Annual reports.
(a)	The Secretary shall include in the status of solid waste management report required to be submitted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.06(c) a report on inactive hazardous sites that includes at least the following:
(1)	The Inactive Hazardous Waste Sites Priority List.
(2)	A list of remedial action plans requiring State funding through the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund.
(3)	A comprehensive budget to implement these remedial action plans and the adequacy of the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund to fund the cost of these plans.
(4)	A prioritized list of sites that are eligible for remedial action under CERCLA/SARA together with recommended remedial action plans and a comprehensive budget to implement these plans. The budget for implementing a remedial action plan under CERCLA/SARA shall include a statement as to any appropriation that may be necessary to pay the State's share of the plan.
(5)	A list of sites and remedial action plans undergoing voluntary cleanup with Departmental approval.
(6)	A list of sites and remedial action plans that may require State funding, a comprehensive budget if implementation of these possible remedial action plans is required, and the adequacy of the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund to fund the possible costs of these plans.
(7)	A list of sites that pose an imminent hazard.
(8)	A comprehensive budget to develop and implement remedial action plans for sites that pose imminent hazards and that may require State funding, and the adequacy of the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund.
(8a)	Repealed by Session Laws 2015‑286, s. 4.7(f), effective October 22, 2015.
(9)	Any other information requested by the General Assembly or the Environmental Review Commission.
(a1)	On or before April 15 of each year, the Department shall report to each member of the General Assembly who has an inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site in the member's district. This report shall include the location of each inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal site in the member's district, the type and amount of hazardous substances or waste known or believed to be located on each of these sites, the last action taken at each of these sites, and the date of that last action. The Department shall include this information in the status of solid waste management report required to be submitted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.06(c).
(b)	Repealed by Session Laws 2001‑452, s. 2.3, effective October 28, 2001.  (1987, c. 574, s. 2; 1989, c. 286, s. 8; 1997‑28, s. 1; 2001‑452, s. 2.3; 2010‑31, s. 13.9(b); 2011‑186, s. 4; 2012‑200, s. 22; 2015‑286, s. 4.7(f); 2017‑10, s. 4.14(d); 2020‑74, s. 11(g); 2020‑78, s. 7.2(g).)

§ 130A‑310.11.  Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund created.
(a)	There is established under the control and direction of the Department the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund. This fund shall be a revolving fund consisting of any monies appropriated for such purpose by the General Assembly or available to it from grants, taxes, and other monies paid to it or recovered by or on behalf of the Department. The Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund shall be treated as a nonreverting special trust fund pursuant to G.S. 147‑69.2 and G.S. 147‑69.3, except that interest and other income received on the Fund balance shall be treated as set forth in G.S. 147‑69.1(d).
(b)	Funds credited to the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund pursuant to G.S. 130A‑295.9 shall be used only as provided in G.S. 130A‑295.9(1) and G.S. 130A‑310.6(c).  (1987, c. 574, s. 2; 1989, c. 286, s. 9; 2007‑550, s. 14(d); 2009‑484, s. 11; 2010‑142, s. 12; 2014‑100, s. 14.21(i).)

§ 130A‑310.12.  Administrative procedure; adoption of rules.
(a)	The provisions of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes apply to this Part.  The Commission shall adopt rules for the implementation of this Part.
(b)	The Commission shall adopt rules governing the selection and use of private environmental consulting and engineering firms to implement and oversee voluntary remedial actions by owners, operators, or other responsible parties under G.S. 130A‑310.9(c). Rules adopted under this subsection shall specify:
(1)	Standards applicable to private environmental consulting and engineering firms.
(2)	Criteria and procedures for approval of firms by the Department.
(3)	Requirements and procedures under which the Department monitors and audits a voluntary remedial action to ensure that the voluntary remedial action complies with applicable federal and State law, regulations, and under which the owner, operator, or other responsible party reimburses the Department for the cost of monitoring and auditing the voluntary remedial action.
(4)	Any financial assurances that may be required of an owner, operator, or other responsible party.
(5)	Requirements for the preparation, maintenance, and public availability of work plans and records, reports of data collection including sampling, sample analysis, and other site testing, and other records and reports that are consistent with the requirements applicable to remedial actions generally. (1987, c. 574, ss. 2, 5; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 598, s. 2; 1995, c. 327, s. 3.)

§ 130A‑310.13.  Short title.
This Part shall be known and may be cited as the Inactive Hazardous Sites Response Act of 1987. (1991, c. 281, s. 3)

§ 130A‑310.14.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑310.15.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑310.16.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑310.17.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑310.18.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑310.19.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

Part 4. Superfund Program.
§ 130A‑310.20.  Definitions.
Unless a different meaning is required by the context, the following definitions shall apply throughout this Part:
(1)	"CERCLA/SARA" or "Superfund" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, Pub. L. No. 96‑510, 94 Stat. 2767, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq., as amended, and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99‑499, 100 Stat. 1613, as amended. (1989, c. 286, s. 10.)

§ 130A‑310.21.  Administration of the Superfund program.
The Department shall maintain an appropriate administrative subunit within the solid waste management unit authorized by G.S. 130A‑291 to carry out those activities in which the State is authorized to engage under CERCLA/SARA. (1989, c. 286, s. 10.)

§ 130A‑310.22.  Contracts authorized.
(a)	The Department is authorized to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with the United States and to engage in any activity otherwise authorized by law to identify, investigate, evaluate, and clean up any site or facility covered by CERCLA/SARA including but not limited to performing preliminary assessments, site investigations, remedial investigations, and feasibility studies; preparation of records of decision; conducting emergency response, remedial, and removal actions; and engaging in enforcement activities in accordance with the provisions of CERCLA/SARA.
(b)	The Department may make all assurances required by federal law or regulation including but not limited to assuring that the State will assume responsibility for the operation and maintenance of any remedial action for the anticipated duration of the remedial action; assuring that the State will provide its share of the cost of any remedial action at a site or facility which was privately owned or operated; assuring that the State will provide its share of the cost of any removal, remedial planning, and remedial action at a site or facility owned or operated by the State or a political subdivision of the State; assuring the availability of off‑site treatment, storage, or disposal capacity needed to effectuate a remedial action; assuring that the State will take title to, acquire an interest in, or accept transfer of any interest in real property needed to effectuate a remedial action; assuring that the State has adequate capacity to meet the assurances required by CERCLA/SARA (42 U.S.C. § 9604(c)(9)); assuring access to the facility and any adjacent property including the securing of any right‑of‑way or easement needed to effectuate a remedial action; and assuring that the State will satisfy all federal, State, and local requirements for permits and approvals necessary to effectuate a remedial action.
(c)	Each contract entered into by the Department under this section shall stipulate that all obligations of the State are subject to the availability of funds.  Neither this section nor any contract entered into under authority of this section shall be construed to obligate the General Assembly to make any appropriation to implement this Part or any contract entered into under this section.  The Department shall implement this Part and any contract entered into under this section from funds otherwise available or appropriated to the Department for such purpose. (1989, c. 286, s. 10; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1004, s. 11, c. 1024, s. 30(c).)

§ 130A‑310.23.  Filing notices of CERCLA/SARA (Superfund) liens.
Notices of liens and certificates of notices affecting liens for obligations payable to the United States under CERCLA/SARA (Superfund) (42 U.S.C. § 9607(l)) shall be filed in accordance with Article 11A of Chapter 44 of the General Statutes. (1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1047, s. 1.1; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 890, s. 11.)

§ 130A‑310.24.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑310.25.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑310.26.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑310.27.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑310.28.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑310.29.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

Part 5.  Brownfields Property Reuse Act.
§ 130A‑310.30.  Short title.
This Part may be cited as The Brownfields Property Reuse Act of 1997. (1997‑357, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑310.31.  Definitions.
(a)	Unless a different meaning is required by the context or unless a different meaning is set out in subsection (b) of this section, the definitions in G.S. 130A‑2 and G.S. 130A‑310 apply throughout this Part.
(b)	Unless a different meaning is required by the context:
(1)	"Affiliate" has the same meaning as in 17 Code of Federal Regulations § 240.12b‑2 (1 April 1996 Edition).
(2)	"Brownfields agreement" means an agreement between the Department and a prospective developer that meets the requirements of G.S. 130A‑310.32.
(3)	"Brownfields property" or "brownfields site" means abandoned, idled, or underused property at which expansion or redevelopment is hindered by actual environmental contamination or the possibility of environmental contamination and that is or may be subject to remediation under any State remedial program or that is or may be subject to remediation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 9601, et seq.) except for a site listed on the National Priorities List pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 9605.
(4)	"Contaminant" means a regulated substance released into the environment.
(5)	"Unrestricted use standards" when used in connection with "cleanup", "remediated", or "remediation" means contaminant concentrations for each environmental medium that are considered acceptable for all uses and that comply with generally applicable standards, guidance, or established methods governing the contaminants that are established by statute or adopted, published, or implemented by the Commission or the Department instead of the site‑specific contaminant levels established pursuant to this Part.
(6)	"Environmental contamination" means contaminants at the property requiring remediation and that are to be remediated under the brownfields agreement including, at a minimum, hazardous waste, as defined in G.S. 130A‑290; a hazardous substance, as defined in G.S. 130A‑310; a hazardous substance, as defined in G.S. 143‑215.77; or oil, as defined in G.S. 143‑215.77.
(7)	"Local government" means a town, city, or county.
(8)	"Parent" has the same meaning as in 17 Code of Federal Regulations § 240.12b‑2 (1 April 1996 Edition).
(9)	"Potentially responsible party" means a person who is or may be liable for remediation under a remedial program.
(10)	"Prospective developer" means any person with a bona fide, demonstrable desire to develop or redevelop a brownfields property and who did not cause or contribute to the contamination at the brownfields property.
(11)	"Regulated substance" means a hazardous waste, as defined in G.S 130A‑290; a hazardous substance, as defined in G.S. 143‑215.77A; oil, as defined in G.S. 143‑215.77; or other substance regulated under any remedial program implemented by the Department.
(12)	"Remedial program" means a program implemented by the Department for the remediation of any contaminant, including the Inactive Hazardous Sites Response Act of 1987 under Part 3 of this Article, the Superfund Program under Part 4 of this Article, and the Oil Pollution and Hazardous Substances Control Act of 1978 under Part 2 of Article 21A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes.
(13)	"Remediation" means action to clean up, mitigate, correct, abate, minimize, eliminate, control, or prevent the spreading, migration, leaking, leaching, volatilization, spilling, transport, or further release of a contaminant into the environment in order to protect public health or the environment.
(14)	"Subsidiary" has the same meaning as in 17 Code of Federal Regulations § 240.12b‑2 (1 April 1996 Edition).  (1997‑357, s. 2; 1997‑392, ss. 4.2‑4.4; 2001‑384, s. 11; 2006‑71, ss. 1, 2, 3; 2013‑108, s. 1; 2014‑122, s. 11(h); 2015‑286, s. 4.10(a).)

§ 130A‑310.32.  Brownfields agreement.
(a)	The Department may, in its discretion, enter into a brownfields agreement with a prospective developer who satisfies the requirements of this section. A prospective developer shall provide the Department with any information necessary to demonstrate that:
(1)	The prospective developer, and any parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the prospective developer has substantially complied with:
a.	The terms of any brownfields agreement or similar agreement to which the prospective developer or any parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate of the prospective developer has been a party.
b.	The requirements applicable to any remediation in which the applicant has previously engaged.
c.	Federal and state laws, regulations, and rules for the protection of the environment.
(2)	As a result of the implementation of the brownfields agreement, the brownfields property will be suitable for the uses specified in the agreement while fully protecting public health and the environment instead of being remediated to unrestricted use standards.
(3)	There is a public benefit commensurate with the liability protection provided under this Part.
(4)	The prospective developer has or can obtain the financial, managerial, and technical means to fully implement the brownfields agreement and assure the safe use of the brownfields property.
(5)	The prospective developer has complied with or will comply with all applicable procedural requirements.
(b)	In negotiating a brownfields agreement, parties may rely on land‑use restrictions that will be included in a Notice of Brownfields Property required under G.S. 130A‑310.35. A brownfields agreement may provide for remediation standards that are based on those land‑use restrictions.
(c)	A brownfields agreement shall contain a description of the brownfields property that would be sufficient as a description of the property in an instrument of conveyance and, as applicable, a statement of:
(1)	Any remediation to be conducted on the property, including:
a.	A description of specific areas where remediation is to be conducted.
b.	The remediation method or methods to be employed.
c.	The resources that the prospective developer will make available.
d.	A schedule of remediation activities.
e.	Applicable remediation standards.
f.	A schedule and the method or methods for evaluating the remediation.
(2)	Any land‑use restrictions that will apply to the brownfields property.
(3)	The desired results of any remediation or land‑use restrictions with respect to the brownfields property.
(4)	The guidelines, including parameters, principles, and policies within which the desired results are to be accomplished.
(5)	The consequences of achieving or not achieving the desired results.
(d)	Any failure of the prospective developer or the prospective developer's agents and employees to comply with the brownfields agreement constitutes a violation of this Part by the prospective developer. (1997‑357, s. 2; 2001‑384, s. 11.)

§ 130A‑310.33.  Liability protection.
(a)	A prospective developer who enters into a brownfields agreement with the Department and who is complying with the brownfields agreement shall not be held liable for remediation of areas of contaminants identified in the brownfields agreement except as specified in the brownfields agreement, so long as the activities conducted on the brownfields property by or under the control or direction of the prospective developer do not increase the risk of harm to public health or the environment and the prospective developer is not required to undertake additional remediation to unrestricted use standards pursuant to subsection (c) of this section. The liability protection provided under this Part applies to all of the following persons to the same extent as to a prospective developer, so long as these persons are not otherwise potentially responsible parties or parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates of potentially responsible parties and the person is not required to undertake additional remediation to unrestricted use standards pursuant to subsection (c) of this section:
(1)	Any person under the direction or control of the prospective developer who directs or contracts for remediation or redevelopment of the brownfields property.
(2)	Any future owner of the brownfields property.
(3)	A person who develops or occupies the brownfields property.
(4)	A successor or assign of any person to whom the liability protection provided under this Part applies.
(5)	Any lender or fiduciary that provides financing for remediation or redevelopment of the brownfields property.
(b)	A person who conducts an environmental assessment or transaction screen on a brownfields property and who is not otherwise a potentially responsible party is not a potentially responsible party as a result of conducting the environmental assessment or transaction screen unless that person increases the risk of harm to public health or the environment by failing to exercise due diligence and reasonable care in performing the environmental assessment or transaction screen.
(c)	If a land‑use restriction set out in the Notice of Brownfields Property required under G.S. 130A‑310.35 is violated, the owner of the brownfields property at the time the land‑use restriction is violated, the owner's successors and assigns, and the owner's agents who direct or contract for alteration of the brownfields property in violation of a land‑use restriction shall be liable for remediation to unrestricted use standards. A prospective developer who completes the remediation or redevelopment required under a brownfields agreement or other person who receives liability protection under this Part shall not be required to undertake additional remediation at the brownfields property unless any of the following apply:
(1)	The prospective developer knowingly or recklessly provides false information that forms a basis for the brownfields agreement or that is offered to demonstrate compliance with the brownfields agreement or fails to disclose relevant information about contamination at the brownfields property.
(2)	New information indicates the existence of previously unreported contaminants or an area of previously unreported contamination on or associated with the brownfields property that has not been remediated to unrestricted use standards, unless the brownfields agreement is amended to include any previously unreported contaminants and any additional areas of contamination. If the brownfields agreement sets maximum concentrations for contaminants, and new information indicates the existence of previously unreported areas of these contaminants, further remediation shall be required only if the areas of previously unreported contaminants raise the risk of the contamination to public health or the environment to a level less protective of public health and the environment than that required by the brownfields agreement.
(3)	The level of risk to public health or the environment from contaminants is unacceptable at or in the vicinity of the brownfields property due to changes in exposure conditions, including (i) a change in land use that increases the probability of exposure to contaminants or in the vicinity of the brownfields property or (ii) the failure of remediation to mitigate risks to the extent required to make the brownfields property fully protective of public health and the environment as planned in the brownfields agreement.
(4)	The Department obtains new information about a contaminant associated with the brownfields property or exposures at or around the brownfields property that raises the risk to public health or the environment associated with the brownfields property beyond an acceptable range and in a manner or to a degree not anticipated in the brownfields agreement. Any person whose use, including any change in use, of the brownfields property causes an unacceptable risk to public health or the environment may be required by the Department to undertake additional remediation measures under the provisions of this Part.
(5)	A prospective developer fails to file a timely and proper Notice of Brownfields Development under this Part. (1997‑357, s. 2; 2001‑384, s. 11.)

§ 130A‑310.34.  Public notice and community involvement.
(a)	A prospective developer who desires to enter into a brownfields agreement shall notify the public and the community in which the brownfields property is located of planned remediation and redevelopment activities. The prospective developer shall submit a Notice of Intent to Redevelop a Brownfields Property and a summary of the Notice of Intent to the Department. The Notice of Intent shall provide, to the extent known, a legal description of the location of the brownfields property, a map showing the location of the brownfields property, a description of the contaminants involved and their concentrations in the media of the brownfields property, a description of the intended future use of the brownfields property, any proposed investigation and remediation, and a proposed Notice of Brownfields Property prepared in accordance with G.S. 130A‑310.35. Both the Notice of Intent and the summary of the Notice of Intent shall state the time period and means for submitting written comment and for requesting a public meeting on the proposed brownfields agreement. The summary of the Notice of Intent shall include a statement as to the public availability of the full Notice of Intent. After approval of the Notice of Intent and summary of the Notice of Intent by the Department, the prospective developer shall provide a copy of the Notice of Intent to all local governments having jurisdiction over the brownfields property. The prospective developer shall publish the summary of the Notice of Intent in a newspaper of general circulation serving the area in which the brownfields property is located. The prospective developer shall conspicuously post a copy of the summary of the Notice of Intent at the brownfields property, and the prospective developer shall mail or deliver a copy of the summary to each owner of property contiguous to the brownfields property. The prospective developer shall submit documentation of the public notices to the Department prior to the Department entering into a brownfields agreement.
(b)	Publication of the approved summary of the Notice of Intent in a newspaper of general circulation, posting the summary at the brownfields property, and mailing or delivering the summary to each owner of property contiguous to the brownfields property shall begin a public comment period of at least 30 days from the latest date of publication, posting, and mailing or delivering. During the public comment period, members of the public, residents of the community in which the brownfields property is located, and local governments having jurisdiction over the brownfields property may submit comment on the proposed brownfields agreement, including methods and degree of remediation, future land uses, and impact on local employment.
(c)	Any person who desires a public meeting on a proposed brownfields agreement shall submit a written request for a public meeting to the Department within 21 days after the public comment period begins. The Department shall consider all requests for a public meeting and shall hold a public meeting if the Department determines that there is significant public interest in the proposed brownfields agreement. If the Department decides to hold a public meeting, the Department shall, at least 15 days prior to the public meeting, mail written notice of the public meeting to all persons who requested the public meeting and to each owner of property contiguous to the brownfields property. The Department shall also direct the prospective developer to publish, at least 15 days prior to the date of the public meeting, a notice of the public meeting at least one time in a newspaper having general circulation in such county where the brownfields property is located. In any county in which there is more than one newspaper having general circulation, the Department shall direct the prospective developer to publish a copy of the notice in as many newspapers having general circulation in the county as the Department in its discretion determines to be necessary to assure that the notice is generally available throughout the county. The Department shall prescribe the form and content of the notice to be published. The Department shall prescribe the procedures to be followed in the public meeting. The Department shall take detailed minutes of the meeting. The minutes shall include any written comments, exhibits, or documents presented at the meeting.
(d)	Prior to entering into a brownfields agreement, the Department shall take into account the comment received during the comment period and at the public meeting if the Department holds a public meeting. The Department shall incorporate into the brownfields agreement provisions that reflect comment received during the comment period and at the public meeting to the extent practical. The Department shall give particular consideration to written comment that is supported by valid scientific and technical information and analysis and to written comment from the units of local government that have taxing jurisdiction over the brownfields property.  (1997‑357, s. 2; 2000‑158, s. 2; 2006‑71, ss. 4, 5; 2009‑181, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑310.35.  Notice of Brownfields Property; land‑use restrictions in deed.
(a)	In order to reduce or eliminate the danger to public health or the environment posed by a brownfields property being addressed under this Part, a prospective developer who desires to enter into a brownfields agreement with the Department shall submit to the Department a proposed Notice of Brownfields Property. A Notice of Brownfields Property shall be entitled "Notice of Brownfields Property", shall include a survey plat of areas designated by the Department that has been prepared and certified by a professional land surveyor and that meets the requirements of G.S. 47‑30, shall include a legal description of the brownfields property that would be sufficient as a description of the property in an instrument of conveyance, and shall identify all of the following:
(1)	The location and dimensions of the areas of potential environmental concern with respect to permanently surveyed benchmarks.
(2)	The type, location, and quantity of regulated substances and contaminants known to exist on the brownfields property.
(3)	Any restrictions on the current or future use of the brownfields property or, with the owner's permission, other property that are necessary or useful to maintain the level of protection appropriate for the designated current or future use of the brownfields property and that are designated in the brownfields agreement. These land‑use restrictions may apply to activities on, over, or under the land, including, but not limited to, use of groundwater, building, filling, grading, excavating, and mining. Where a brownfields property encompasses more than one parcel or tract of land, a composite map or plat showing all parcels or tracts may be recorded.
(b)	After the Department approves and certifies the Notice of Brownfields Property under subsection (a) of this section, a prospective developer who enters into a brownfields agreement with the Department shall file a certified copy of the Notice of Brownfields Property in the register of deeds' office in the county or counties in which the land is located. The prospective developer shall file the Notice of Brownfields Property within 15 days of the prospective developer's receipt of the Department's approval of the notice or the prospective developer's entry into the brownfields agreement, whichever is later.
(c)	Repealed by Session Laws 2012‑18, s. 1.19, effective July 1, 2012.
(d)	When a brownfields property is sold, leased, conveyed, or transferred, the deed or other instrument of transfer shall contain in the description section, in no smaller type than that used in the body of the deed or instrument, a statement that the brownfields property has been classified and, if appropriate, cleaned up as a brownfields property under this Part.
(e)	A Notice of Brownfields Property filed pursuant to this section may, at the request of the owner of the land, be cancelled by the Secretary after the hazards have been eliminated. If requested in writing by the owner of the land and if the Secretary concurs with the request, the Secretary shall send to the register of deeds of each county where the notice is recorded a statement that the hazards have been eliminated and request that the notice be cancelled of record. The Secretary's statement shall contain the names of the owners of the land as shown in the notice and reference the plat book and page where the notice is recorded.
(f)	Any land‑use restriction filed pursuant to this section shall be enforced by any owner of the land. Any land‑use restriction may also be enforced by the Department through the remedies provided in Part 2 of Article 1 of this Chapter or by means of a civil action. The Department may enforce any land‑use restriction without first having exhausted any available administrative remedies. A land‑use restriction may also be enforced by any unit of local government having jurisdiction over any part of the brownfields property by means of a civil action without the unit of local government having first exhausted any available administrative remedy. A land‑use restriction may also be enforced by any person eligible for liability protection under this Part who will lose liability protection if the land‑use restriction is violated. A land‑use restriction shall not be declared unenforceable due to lack of privity of estate or contract, due to lack of benefit to particular land, or due to lack of any property interest in particular land. Any person who owns or leases a property subject to a land‑use restriction under this section shall abide by the land‑use restriction.
(g)	This section shall apply in lieu of the provisions of G.S. 130A‑310.8 for brownfields properties remediated under this Part.  (1997‑357, s. 2; 1997‑443, s. 11A.119(b); 2012‑18, s. 1.19.)

§ 130A‑310.36.  Appeals.
A decision by the Department as to whether or not to enter into a brownfields agreement including the terms of any brownfields agreement is reviewable under Article 3 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. (1997‑357, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑310.37.  Construction of Part.
(a)	This Part is not intended and shall not be construed to:
(1)	Affect the ability of local governments to regulate land use under Chapter 160D of the General Statutes. The use of the identified brownfields property and any land‑use restrictions in the brownfields agreement shall be consistent with local land‑use controls adopted under those statutes.
(2)	Amend, modify, repeal, or otherwise alter any provision of any remedial program or other provision of this Chapter, Chapter 143 of the General Statutes, or any other provision of law relating to civil and criminal penalties or enforcement actions and remedies available to the Department, except as may be provided in a brownfields agreement.
(3)	Prevent or impede the immediate response of the Department or responsible party to an emergency that involves an imminent or actual release of a regulated substance that threatens public health or the environment.
(4)	Relieve a person receiving liability protection under this Part from any liability for contamination later caused by that person on a brownfields property.
(5)	Affect the right of any person to seek any relief available against any party to the brownfields agreement who may have liability with respect to the brownfields property, except that this Part does limit the relief available against any party to a brownfields agreement with respect to remediation of the brownfields property to the remediation required under the brownfields agreement.
(6)	Affect the right of any person who may have liability with respect to the brownfields property to seek contribution from any other person who may have liability with respect to the brownfields property and who neither received nor has liability protection under this Part.
(7)	Prevent the State from enforcing specific numerical remediation standards, monitoring, or compliance requirements specifically required to be enforced by the federal government as a condition to receive program authorization, delegation, primacy, or federal funds.
(8)	Create a defense against the imposition of criminal and civil fines or penalties or administrative penalties otherwise authorized by law and imposed as the result of the illegal disposal of waste or for the pollution of the land, air, or waters of this State on a brownfields property.
(9)	Relieve a person of any liability for failure to exercise due diligence and reasonable care in performing an environmental assessment or transaction screen.
(b)	Notwithstanding the provisions of the Tort Claims Act, G.S. 143‑291 through G.S. 143‑300.1 or any other provision of law waiving the sovereign immunity of the State of North Carolina, the State, its agencies, officers, employees, and agents shall be absolutely immune from any liability in any proceeding for any injury or claim arising from negotiating, entering, monitoring, or enforcing a brownfields agreement or a Notice of Brownfields Property under this Part or any other action implementing this Part.
(c)	The Department shall not enter into a brownfields agreement for a site listed on the National Priorities List pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 9605.  (1997‑357, s. 2; 1997‑392, s. 4.5; 2006‑71, s. 6; 2022‑62, s. 22.)

§ 130A‑310.38.  Brownfields Property Reuse Act Implementation Account.
The Brownfields Property Reuse Act Implementation Account is created as a nonreverting account in the Office of the State Treasurer. The Account shall consist of fees and interest collected under G.S. 130A‑310.39, moneys appropriated to it by the General Assembly, moneys received from the federal government, moneys contributed by private organizations, and moneys received from any other source. Funds in the Account shall be used by the Department to defray the costs of implementing this Part. The Department may contract with a private entity for any services necessary to implement this Part.  (1997‑357, s. 2; 1999‑360, s. 17.2; 2014‑100, s. 14.21(j).)

§ 130A‑310.39.  Fees.
(a)	The Department shall collect the following fees:
(1)	A prospective developer who submits a proposed brownfields agreement for review by the Department shall pay an initial fee of two thousand dollars ($2,000).
(2)	A prospective developer who enters into a brownfields agreement with the Department shall pay a fee in an amount equal to the full cost to the Department and the Department of Justice of all activities related to the brownfields agreement, including but not limited to negotiation of the brownfields agreement, public notice and community involvement, and monitoring the implementation of the brownfields agreement. The procedure by which the amount of this fee is determined shall be established by agreement between the prospective developer and the Department and shall be set out as a part of the brownfields agreement. The fee imposed by this subdivision shall be paid in two installments. The first installment shall be due at the time the prospective developer and the Department enter into the brownfields agreement and shall equal all costs that have been incurred by the Department and the Department of Justice at that time less the amount of the initial fee paid pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection. The Department shall not enter into the brownfields agreement unless the first installment is paid in full when due. The second installment shall be due at the time the prospective developer submits a final report certifying completion of remediation under the brownfields agreement and shall include any additional costs that have been incurred by the Department and the Department of Justice, including all costs of monitoring the implementation of the brownfields agreement.
(b)	Fees and interest imposed under this section shall be credited to the Brownfields Property Reuse Act Implementation Account.
(c)	If a prospective developer fails to pay the full amount of any fee due under this section, interest on the unpaid portion of the fee shall accrue from the time the fee is due until paid at the rate established by the Secretary of Revenue pursuant to G.S. 105‑241.21. A lien for the amount of the unpaid fee plus interest shall attach to the real and personal property of the prospective developer and to the brownfields property until the fee and interest is paid. The Department may collect unpaid fees and interest in any manner that a unit of local government may collect delinquent taxes. (1997‑357, s. 2; 1999‑360, s. 17.3; 2007‑491, s. 44(1)(a).)

§ 130A‑310.40.  Legislative reports.
The Department shall include in the status of solid waste management report required to be submitted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑309.06(c) an evaluation of the effectiveness of this Part in facilitating the remediation and reuse of existing industrial and commercial properties. This evaluation shall include any recommendations for additional incentives or changes, if needed, to improve the effectiveness of this Part in addressing these properties. This evaluation shall also include a report on receipts by and expenditures from the Brownfields Property Reuse Act Implementation Account.  (1997‑357, s. 2; 2017‑10, s. 4.14(c); 2020‑74, s. 11(h); 2020‑78, s. 7.2(h).)

§ 130A-310.41: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A-310.42: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A-310.43: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A-310.44: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A-310.45: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A-310.46: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A-310.47: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A-310.48: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A-310.49: Reserved for future codification purposes.

Part 6. Mercury Switch Removal.
§ 130A‑310.50.  (Repealed effective June 30, 2031) Definitions.
As used in this Part:
(1)	Repealed by Session Laws 2007‑142, s. 1, effective June 29, 2007.
(2)	"End‑of‑life vehicle" means a vehicle that is sold, given, or otherwise conveyed to a vehicle crusher, vehicle dismantler, vehicle recycler, or scrap vehicle processing facility for the purpose of recycling.
(2a)	"Inaccessible", when used in connection with mercury switch, means that, due to the condition of the vehicle, the mercury switch cannot be removed from a vehicle without a significant risk of a release of mercury into the environment.
(3)	(4) Repealed by Session Laws 2007‑142, s. 1, effective June 29, 2007.
(4a)	"Mercury recovery performance ratio" means the ratio of the number of pounds of mercury recovered from mercury switches from the State in a calendar year to the estimated number of pounds of mercury available to be recovered from mercury switches from the State in the same calendar year.
(5)	"Mercury switch" means each capsule or assembly containing mercury that is part of a convenience light switch installed in a vehicle.
(5a)	Reserved for future codification purposes.
(5b)	"National mercury recovery performance ratio" means the ratio of the number of pounds of mercury recovered from mercury switches from the United States in a calendar year to the estimated number of pounds of mercury available to be recovered from mercury switches from the United States in the same calendar year.
(5c)	"NVMSRP" means the Memorandum of Understanding to establish the National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program dated 11 August 2006.
(6)	"Scrap vehicle processing facility" means a fixed location where machinery and equipment are used to process scrap vehicles into specification grade commodities including facilities where a shredder or fragmentizer is used to process scrap vehicles into shredded scrap and facilities where end‑of‑life vehicles are prepared to be shredded.
(7)	"Vehicle" means any passenger automobile or passenger car, station wagon, truck, van, or sport utility vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 12,000 pounds.
(7a)	"Vehicle crusher" means a person who engages in the business of flattening, crushing, or otherwise processing end‑of‑life vehicles for recycling. Vehicle crusher includes, but is not limited to, a person who uses fixed or mobile equipment to flatten or crush end‑of‑life vehicles for a vehicle recycler or a scrap vehicle processing facility.
(7b)	"Vehicle dismantler" has the same meaning as "vehicle recycler."
(7c)	"Vehicle manufacturer" means a person, firm, association, partnership, corporation, governmental entity, organization, combination, or joint venture that is the last person in the production or assembly process of a motor vehicle that contains one or more mercury switches, or in the case of an imported vehicle, the importer or domestic distributor of the vehicle. "Vehicle manufacturer" does not include any person engaged in the business of selling new motor vehicles at retail or any person who converts or modifies new motor vehicles after the production or assembly process.
(8)	"Vehicle recycler" means a person or entity engaged in the business of acquiring, dismantling, or destroying six or more end‑of‑life vehicles in a calendar year for the primary purpose of resale of parts of the vehicle, including scrap metal.  (2005‑384, s. 1; 2006‑255, s. 5; 2007‑142, s. 1; 2016‑94, s. 14.1(a); 2017‑57, s. 13.21(a); 2020‑74, s. 7(a).)

§ 130A‑310.51.  (Repealed effective June 30, 2031) Purpose.
The purpose of this Part is to reduce the quantity of mercury that is released into the environment by removing mercury switches from end‑of‑life vehicles and by creating a removal, collection, and recovery program for mercury switches that are removed from end‑of‑life vehicles in this State.  (2005‑384, s. 1; 2006‑255, s. 5; 2016‑94, s. 14.1(a); 2017‑57, s. 13.21(a); 2020‑74, s. 7(a).)

§ 130A‑310.52: Repealed by Session Laws 2007‑142, s. 2, as amended by Session Laws 2016‑94, s. 14.1(a), effective June 29, 2007.

§ 130A‑310.53.  (Repealed effective June 30, 2031) Removal of mercury switches from end‑of‑life vehicles.
(a)	A vehicle crusher, vehicle dismantler, vehicle recycler, or scrap vehicle processing facility shall not flatten, crush, bale, or shred an end‑of‑life vehicle that contains accessible mercury switches. Except as provided in this subsection, a vehicle crusher, vehicle dismantler, vehicle recycler, or scrap vehicle processing facility shall remove all accessible mercury switches from end‑of‑life vehicles before the vehicle is flattened, crushed, baled, or shredded, or before the vehicle is conveyed to another vehicle crusher, vehicle dismantler, vehicle recycler, or scrap vehicle processing facility. If a vehicle crusher, vehicle dismantler, vehicle recycler, or scrap vehicle processing facility conveys an end‑of‑life vehicle to another vehicle crusher, vehicle dismantler, vehicle recycler, or scrap vehicle processing facility without removing accessible mercury switches, the receiving vehicle crusher, vehicle dismantler, vehicle recycler, or scrap vehicle processing facility must agree to accept the end‑of‑life vehicle and assume responsibility for the proper removal of all accessible mercury switches. The agreement to assume responsibility for the proper removal of all accessible mercury switches shall be documented on an invoice that is provided by the vehicle crusher, vehicle dismantler, vehicle recycler, or scrap vehicle processing facility to the person to whom the vehicle is conveyed.
(b)	A vehicle crusher, vehicle dismantler, vehicle recycler, or scrap vehicle processing facility that removes all accessible mercury switches from an end‑of‑life vehicle shall mark the vehicle to indicate that all accessible mercury switches have been removed. The vehicle crusher, vehicle dismantler, vehicle recycler, or scrap vehicle processing facility shall certify to any person to whom the vehicle is conveyed, in a form acceptable to the Department, that all accessible mercury switches have been removed from the vehicle.
(c),	(d) Repealed by Session Laws 2007‑142, s. 3, effective July 1, 2007.
(e)	Mercury switches that are removed from end‑of‑life vehicles are considered "universal waste" as defined in 40 Code of Federal Regulations § 273.9 (July 1, 2006 Edition). Mercury switches that are removed from end‑of‑life vehicles shall be collected, transported, treated, stored, disposed of, and otherwise handled in accordance with rules adopted by the Commission governing universal waste.
(f)	Vehicle manufacturers, in cooperation with the Department, shall develop, implement, and bear the costs of a mercury switch collection system in accordance with the NVMSRP. This system shall be developed and implemented so as to enhance vehicle recyclability, promote public education and outreach, and provide for the proper removal, collection, and disposal of mercury switches from end‑of‑life vehicles.  (2005‑384, s. 1; 2006‑255, s. 5; 2007‑142, s. 3; 2016‑94, s. 14.1(a); 2017‑57, s. 13.21(a); 2020‑74, s. 7(a).)

§ 130A‑310.54.  (Repealed effective June 30, 2031) Mercury Pollution Prevention Fund.
(a)	The Mercury Pollution Prevention Fund is established in the Department. Revenue is credited to the Fund from the certificate of title fee under G.S. 20‑85.
(b)	Revenue in the Mercury Pollution Prevention Fund shall be used for the following purposes:
(1)	To reimburse the Department and others for costs incurred in implementing the mercury switch removal program.
(2)	To establish and implement recycling programs for products containing mercury, including at least recycling programs for light bulbs and thermostats.
(b1)	The reimbursable costs under subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section are:
(1)	Five dollars ($5.00) for each mercury switch removed by a vehicle crusher, vehicle dismantler, vehicle recycler, or scrap vehicle processing facility pursuant to this Article and sent to destination facilities in accordance with the NVMSRP for recycling or disposal.
(2)	Costs incurred by the Department in administering the program.
(c)	The Department shall reimburse vehicle crushers, vehicle dismantlers, vehicle recyclers, and scrap vehicle processing facilities based on a reimbursement request that attests to the number of switches sent to destination facilities for recycling or disposal in accordance with the NVMSRP. Each reimbursement request shall be verified against information posted on the Internet site provided by the vehicle manufacturers in accordance with the NVMSRP, or against other information that verifies the reimbursement requested to the satisfaction of the Department. The vehicle crusher, vehicle dismantler, vehicle recycler, or scrap vehicle processing facility shall provide the Department with any information requested by the Department to verify the accuracy of a reimbursement request. Each vehicle crusher, vehicle dismantler, vehicle recycler, or scrap vehicle processing facility shall maintain accurate records that support each reimbursement request for a minimum of three years from the date the reimbursement request is approved.  (2005‑384, s. 1; 2006‑255, s. 5; 2007‑142, ss. 4, 9; 2011‑145, s. 13.10B(a); 2016‑94, s. 14.1(a); 2017‑57, s. 13.21(a), (b); 2020‑74, s. 7(a), (b).)

§ 130A‑310.55.  (Repealed effective June 30, 2031) Violations of Article; enforcement.
(a)	It is unlawful for a person to do any of the following:
(1)	Knowingly flatten, crush, bale, shred, or otherwise alter the condition of a vehicle from which accessible mercury switches have not been removed, in any manner that would prevent or significantly hinder the removal of a mercury switch.
(2)	Willfully fail to remove a mercury switch when the person is required to do so.
(3)	Knowingly make a false report that a mercury switch has been removed from an end‑of‑life vehicle.
(4)	Obtain a mercury switch from another source and falsely report that it was removed from a vehicle processed for recycling.
(b)	Any person who violates subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of this section shall be punished as provided in G.S. 14‑3.
(c)	Any person who violates subdivision (3) or (4) of subsection (a) of this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished as provided in G.S. 130A‑26.2.
(d)	A violation of any provision of this Part, any rule adopted pursuant to this Part, or any rule governing universal waste may be enforced by an administrative or civil action as provided in Part 2 of Article 1 of this Chapter.  (2005‑384, s. 1; 2006‑255, s. 5; 2007‑142, ss. 5, 9; 2016‑94, s. 14.1(a); 2017‑57, s. 13.21(a); 2020‑74, s. 7(a).)

§ 130A‑310.56: Repealed by Session Laws 2007‑142, s. 6, as amended by Session Laws 2016‑94, s. 14.1(a), effective June 29, 2007.

§ 130A‑310.57:  Repealed by Session Laws 2012‑200, s. 21(f), effective August 1, 2012.

§ 130A‑310.58.  (Repealed effective June 30, 2031) Adoption of rules; administrative procedure.
(a)	The Department may adopt rules to implement this Part.
(b)	Chapter 150B of the General Statutes governs implementation of this Part.  (2005‑384, s. 1; 2006‑255, s. 5; 2016‑94, s. 14.1(a); 2017‑57, s. 13.21(a); 2020‑74, s. 7(a).)

§ 130A-310.59: Reserved for future codification purposes.

Part 7. Management of Certain Products That Contain Mercury.
§ 130A‑310.60.  Recycling required by public agencies.
(a)	Each State agency, including the General Assembly, the General Court of Justice, universities, community colleges, public schools, and political subdivisions using State funds for the construction or operation of public buildings shall establish a program in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Administration for the collection and recycling of all spent fluorescent lights and thermostats that contain mercury generated in public buildings owned by each respective entity. The program shall include procedures for convenient collection, safe storage, and proper recycling of spent fluorescent lights and thermostats that contain mercury and contractual or other arrangements with buyers of the recyclable materials.
(b)	Each State agency, including the General Assembly, the General Court of Justice, universities, community colleges, the Department of Public Instruction on behalf of the public schools, and political subdivisions shall submit a report on or before December 1, 2011, that documents the entity's compliance with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section to the Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Administration. The Departments shall compile the information submitted and jointly shall submit a report to the Environmental Review Commission on or before January 15, 2012, concerning the activities required by subsection (a) of this section. The information provided shall also be included in the report required by G.S. 130A‑309.06(c).
(c)	For purposes of this section, a political subdivision is using State funds when it receives grant funding from the State for the construction or operation of a public building.  (2010‑180, s. 14(a); 2011‑394, s. 5; 2015‑241, s. 14.30(u).)

§ 130A‑310.61.  Removal and recycling of mercury‑containing products from structures to be demolished.
Prior to demolition of any building or structure in the State, the contractor responsible for the demolition activity or the owner of the building or structure to be demolished shall remove all fluorescent lights and thermostats that contain mercury from the building or structure to be demolished.  (2010‑180, s. 14(a).)

§ 130A-310.62: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A-310.63: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A-310.64: Reserved for future codification purposes.

Part 8. Risk‑Based Environmental Remediation of Sites.
§ 130A‑310.65.  Definitions.
As used in this Part:
(1)	"Background standard" means the naturally occurring concentration of a substance in the absence of the release of a contaminant.
(2)	Repealed by Session Laws 2014‑122, s. 11(i), effective September 20, 2014.
(3)	"Contaminant" means any substance regulated under any program listed in G.S. 130A‑310.67(a).
(3a)	"Contaminated off‑site property" or "off‑site property" means property under separate ownership from the contaminated site that is contaminated as a result of a release or migration of contaminants at the contaminated site. This term includes publicly owned property, including rights‑of‑way for public streets, roads, or sidewalks.
(4)	"Contaminated site," "source site," or "site" means any real property that is contaminated, and is the property from which the contamination originated, and may be subject to remediation under any of the programs or requirements set out in G.S. 130A‑310.67(a).
(5)	"Contamination" means a contaminant released into an environmental medium that has resulted in or has the potential to result in an increase in the concentration of the contaminant in the environmental medium in excess of unrestricted use standards.
(6)	"Fund" means the Risk‑Based Remediation Fund established pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.76.
(7)	"Institutional controls" means nonengineered measures used to prevent unsafe exposure to contamination, such as land‑use restrictions.
(8)	"Registered environmental consultant" means an environmental consulting or engineering firm approved to implement and oversee voluntary remedial actions pursuant to Part 3 of Article 9 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes and rules adopted to implement the Part.
(9)	"Remedial action plan" means a plan for eliminating or reducing contamination or exposure to contamination.
(10)	"Remediation" means all actions that are necessary or appropriate to clean up, mitigate, correct, abate, minimize, eliminate, control, or prevent the spreading, migration, leaking, leaching, volatilization, spilling, transport, or further release of a contaminant into the environment in order to protect public health, safety, or welfare or the environment.
(11)	"Systemic toxicant" means any substance that may enter the body and have a harmful effect other than causing cancer.
(12)	"Unrestricted use standards" means contaminant concentrations for each environmental medium that are acceptable for all uses; that are protective of public health, safety, and welfare and the environment; and that comply with generally applicable standards, guidance, or methods established by statute or adopted, published, or implemented by the Commission or the Department.  (2011‑186, s. 2; 2014‑122, s. 11(i); 2015‑286, s. 4.7(a).)

§ 130A‑310.66.  Purpose.
It is the purpose of this Part to authorize the Department to approve the remediation of contaminated sites based on site‑specific remediation standards in circumstances where site‑specific remediation standards are adequate to protect public health, safety, and welfare and the environment and are consistent with protection of current and anticipated future use of groundwater and surface water affected or potentially affected by the contamination.  (2011‑186, s. 2; 2015‑286, s. 4.7(a).)

§ 130A‑310.67.  Applicability.
(a)	This Part applies to contaminated sites subject to remediation pursuant to any of the following programs or requirements:
(1)	The Inactive Hazardous Sites Response Act of 1987 under Part 3 of Article 9 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes, including voluntary actions under G.S. 130A‑310.9 of that act, and rules promulgated pursuant to those statutes.
(2)	The hazardous waste management program administered by the State pursuant to the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, Public Law 94‑580, 90 Stat. 2795, 42 U.S.C. § 6901, et seq., as amended, and Article 9 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes.
(3)	The solid waste management program administered pursuant to Article 9 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes.
(4)	The federal Superfund program administered in part by the State pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, Public Law 96‑510, 94 Stat. 2767, 42 U.S.C. § 9601, et seq., as amended, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Public Law 99‑499, 100 Stat. 1613, as amended, and under Part 4 of Article 9 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes.
(5)	The groundwater protection corrective action requirements adopted by the Commission pursuant to Article 21 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes.
(6)	Oil Pollution and Hazardous Substances Control Act of 1978, Parts 1 and 2 of Article 21A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes, except with respect to those sites identified in subdivision (1a) of subsection (b) of this section.
(b)	This Part shall not apply to contaminated sites subject to remediation pursuant to any of the following programs or requirements:
(1)	The Leaking Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Cleanup program under Part 2A of Article 21A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes and rules promulgated pursuant to that statute.
(1a)	Leaking petroleum aboveground storage tanks and other sources of petroleum releases governed by Part 7 of Article 21A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes and rules promulgated pursuant to that Part.
(2)	The Dry‑Cleaning Solvent Cleanup program under Part 6 of Article 21A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes and rules promulgated pursuant to that statute.
(3)	The pre‑1983 landfill assessment and remediation program established under G.S. 130A‑310.6(c) through (g).
(4)	The Coal Ash Management Act of 2014 under Part 2I of Article 9 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes and rules promulgated pursuant to that Part.
(5)	Animal waste management systems permitted under Part 1 or Part 1A of Article 21 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes.
(c)	Repealed by Session Laws 2015‑286 s. 4.7(a), effective October 22, 2015.  (2011‑186, s. 2; 2015‑286, s. 4.7(a).)

§ 130A‑310.68.  Remediation standards.
(a)	When conducting remediation activities pursuant to this Part, a person who proposes to or is required to respond to the release of a contaminant at a contaminated industrial site shall comply with one of the following standards:
(1)	The unrestricted use standards applicable to each affected medium.
(2)	The background standard, if the background standard exceeds the unrestricted use standards.
(3)	A site‑specific remediation standard developed in accordance with subsection (b) of this section that is approved by the Department.
(4)	Any combination of remediation standards described in this subsection that is approved by the Department.
(b)	Site‑specific remediation standards shall be developed for each medium as provided in this subsection to achieve remediation that eliminates or reduces to protective levels any substantial present or probable future risk to human health, including sensitive subgroups, and the environment based upon the present or currently planned future use of the property comprising the site. Site‑specific remediation standards shall be developed in accordance with all of the following:
(1)	Remediation methods and technologies that result in emissions of air pollutants shall comply with applicable air quality standards adopted by the Commission.
(2)	The site‑specific remediation standard for surface waters shall be the water quality standards adopted by the Commission.
(3)	The current and probable future use of groundwater shall be identified and protected. Site‑specific sources of contaminants and potential receptors shall be identified. Potential receptors must be protected, controlled, or eliminated whether the receptors are located on or off the site where the source of contamination is located. Natural environmental conditions affecting the fate and transport of contaminants, such as natural attenuation, shall be determined by appropriate scientific methods.
(4)	Permits for facilities located at sites covered by any of the programs or requirements set out in G.S. 130A‑310.67(a) shall contain conditions to avoid exceedances of applicable groundwater standards adopted by the Commission pursuant to Article 21 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes due to operation of the facility.
(5)	Soil shall be remediated to levels that no longer constitute a continuing source of groundwater contamination in excess of the site‑specific groundwater remediation standards approved under this Part.
(6)	Soil shall be remediated to unrestricted use standards on residential property with the following exceptions:
a.	For mixed‑use developments where the ground level uses are nonresidential and where all potential exposure to contaminated soil has been eliminated, the Department may allow soil to remain on the site in excess of unrestricted use standards.
b.	If soil remediation is impracticable because of the presence of preexisting structures or impracticability of removal, all areas of the real property at which a person may come into contact with soil shall be remediated to unrestricted use standards, and, on all other areas of the real property, engineering and institutional controls that are sufficient to protect public health, safety, and welfare and the environment shall be implemented and maintained.
(7)	The potential for human inhalation of contaminants from the outdoor air and other site‑specific indoor air exposure pathways shall be considered, if applicable.
(8)	The site‑specific remediation standard shall protect against human exposure to contamination through the consumption of contaminated fish or wildlife and through the ingestion of contaminants in surface water or groundwater supplies.
(9)	For known or suspected carcinogens, site‑specific remediation standards shall be established at exposures that represent an excess lifetime cancer risk of one in 1,000,000. The site‑specific remediation standard may depart from the one‑in‑1,000,000 risk level based on the criteria set out in 40 Code of Federal Regulations § 300.430(e)(9)(July 1, 2003 Edition). The cumulative excess lifetime cancer risk to an exposed individual shall not be greater than one in 10,000 based on the sum of carcinogenic risk posed by each contaminant present.
(10)	For systemic toxicants, site‑specific remediation standards shall represent levels to which the human population, including sensitive subgroups, may be exposed without any adverse health effect during a lifetime or part of a lifetime. Site‑specific remediation standards for systemic toxicants shall incorporate an adequate margin of safety and shall take into account cases where two or more systemic toxicants affect the same organ or organ system.
(11)	The site‑specific remediation standards for each medium shall be adequate to avoid foreseeable adverse effects to other media or the environment that are inconsistent with the risk‑based approach under this Part.  (2011‑186, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑310.69.  Remedial investigation report; remedial action plans.
(a)	A person who proposes to conduct remediation pursuant to this Part shall submit a remedial investigation report to the Department prior to submitting a remedial action plan. The remedial investigation report shall include, but is not limited to, a legal description of the location of the site; a map showing the location of the site; a description of the contaminants involved and their concentration in the media of the site; a narrative description of the methodology used in the investigation; a description of all on‑site releases of contamination; a site map, drawn to scale, showing benchmarks, directional arrow, location of property boundaries, buildings, structures, all perennial and nonperennial surface water features, drainage ditches, dense vegetation, contaminant spill or disposal areas, underground utilities, storage vessels, and existing on‑site wells; identification of adjacent property owners and adjacent land uses; description of local geologic and hydrologic conditions; an evaluation of the site and adjacent properties for the existence of environmentally sensitive areas; a description of groundwater monitoring well design and installation procedures; a map, drawn to scale, that shows all groundwater sample locations; a description of field and laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures followed during the remedial investigation; a description of methods used to manage investigation‑derived wastes; tabulation of analytical results for all sampling; copies of all laboratory reports; a description of procedures and the results of any special assessments; and any other information required by the Department or considered relevant by the investigator. The remedial investigation shall assess all contaminated areas of the site, including types and levels of contamination, and the risk that the contamination poses to public health, safety, and welfare and to the environment.
(b)	A person who proposes to conduct remediation pursuant to this Part shall develop and submit a proposed remedial action plan to the Department. A remedial action plan shall provide for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare and the environment. A remedial action plan shall do all of the following:
(1)	Identify actions required to remove, treat, or otherwise appropriately mitigate or isolate the source of contamination to ensure that the source will not cause unrestricted use standards to be exceeded in any medium.
(2)	Address contamination that moves from one medium to another in order to prevent a violation of the remediation standards established under G.S. 130A‑310.68. A more stringent remediation standard may be required for a particular medium to control impact on other media.
(3)	Identify the current and anticipated future uses of property comprising the contaminated site and address any concerns raised in public comment on the proposed remedial action plan as to the proposed future uses of the property.
(4)	Identify the current and anticipated future uses of groundwater in the contaminated site and address any concerns raised in public comment on the proposed remedial action plan as to the future uses of groundwater.
(5)	Determine the appropriate method of remediation to achieve the site‑specific remediation standards.
(6)	Specify any measures that may be necessary to prevent adverse effects to the environment that may occur at levels of contamination that are lower than the standard necessary to protect human health.
(7)	Specify any measures that may be necessary to prevent any discharge into surface waters during implementation of the remedial action plan that violates applicable surface water quality standards adopted by the Commission.
(8)	Specify any measures that may be necessary to prevent any air emission during implementation of the remedial action plan that violates applicable air quality standards adopted by the Commission.
(9)	Provide for attainment and maintenance of the remediation standards established under G.S. 130A‑310.68.
(10)	Provide for methods and procedures to verify that the quantity, concentration, range, or other measure of each contaminant remaining at the contaminated site at the conclusion of the contaminant‑reduction phase of remediation meets the remediation standards established for the site, that an acceptable level of risk has been achieved, and that no further remediation is required.
(11)	Provide for the imposition and recordation of land‑use restrictions as provided in G.S. 143B‑279.9, 143B‑279.10, 130A‑310.3(f), 130A‑310.8, 130A‑310.35, 143‑215.84(f), and 143‑215.85A if the remedial action plan allows contamination in excess of the greater of unrestricted use standards or background standards to remain on any real property or in groundwater that underlies any real property.
(12)	Provide for submission of an annual certification to the Department by the property owner that land use at the site is in compliance with land‑use restrictions recorded pursuant to this Part and that the land‑use restrictions are still properly recorded in the chain of title for the property.
(13)	Provide a detailed description of the proposed remedial action to be taken; the results of any treatability studies and additional site characterization needed to support the proposed remedial action; plans for postremedial and confirmatory sampling; a project schedule; a schedule for progress reports to the Department; and any other information required by the Department or considered relevant by the person who submits the proposed remedial action plan.
(14)	Provide a description of measures that will be employed to ensure that the safety and health of persons on properties in the vicinity of the site and persons visiting or doing business on the site will not be adversely affected by any remediation activity.
(15)	Provide a reasonable estimate of the probable cost of the remedial action sufficient for the Department to determine an acceptable level of financial assurance.
(16)	Provide proof of financial assurance as required by G.S. 130A‑310.72.
(c)	A remedial action plan shall also include an analysis of each of the following factors:
(1)	Long‑term risks and effectiveness of the proposed remediation, including an evaluation of all of the following:
a.	The magnitude of risks remaining after completion of the remediation.
b.	The type, degree, frequency, and duration of any postremediation activity that may be required, including, but not limited to, operation and maintenance, monitoring, inspection, reports, and other activities necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare and the environment.
c.	Potential for exposure of human and environmental receptors to contaminants remaining at the site.
d.	Long‑term reliability of any engineering and voluntary institutional controls, including repair, maintenance, or replacement of components.
e.	Time required to achieve remediation standards.
(2)	Toxicity, mobility, and volume of contaminants, including the amount of contaminants that will be removed, contained, treated, or destroyed; the degree of expected reduction in toxicity, mobility, and volume; and the type, quantity, toxicity, and mobility of contaminants that will remain after implementation of the remedial action plan.
(3)	Short‑term risks and effectiveness of the remediation, including the short‑term risks that may be posed to the community, workers, or the environment during implementation of the remedial action plan, and the effectiveness and reliability of protective measures to address short‑term risks.
(4)	The ease or difficulty of implementing the remedial action plan, including commercially available remedial measures; expected operational reliability; available capacity and location of needed treatment, storage, and disposal services for wastes; time to initiate remediation; and approvals necessary to implement the remediation.
(d)	The development of a remedial action plan may require supplemental submissions and revisions based on Department review, remedial action pilot studies, and public comment from local government and citizens.  (2011‑186, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑310.70.  Notice of intent to remediate.
In addition to the public participation requirements of the individual programs listed in G.S. 130A‑310.67(a), the person who proposes to remediate a site under this Part shall send a notice of intent to remediate to all local governments having taxing or land‑use jurisdiction over the site, and to all adjoining landowners. The notice shall include all of the information required in G.S. 130A‑310.69(a) and include a statement of intent to clean up the site to site‑specific remediation standards. The person shall submit to the Department a copy of the notice of intent provided to local governments and adjoining landowners, a certification that the notice of intent to remediate was so provided to those parties, and all information and comments that the person received in response to the notice. In addition, the person shall, when appropriate, describe how the remedial action plan was modified to address comments received in response to the notice.  (2011‑186, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑310.71.  Review and approval of proposed remedial action plans.
(a)	The Department shall review and approve a proposed remedial action plan consistent with the remediation standards set out in G.S. 130A‑310.68 and the procedures set out in this section. In its review of a proposed remedial action plan, the Department shall do all of the following:
(1)	Determine whether site‑specific remediation standards are appropriate for a particular contaminated site. In making this determination, the Department shall consider proximity of the contamination to water supply wells or other receptors; current and probable future reliance on the groundwater as a water supply; current and anticipated future land use; environmental impacts; and the feasibility of remediation to unrestricted use standards.
(2)	Determine whether the party conducting the remediation has adequately demonstrated through modeling or other scientific means acceptable to the Department that no contamination will migrate to off‑site property at levels above unrestricted use standards, except as may remain pursuant to a cleanup conducted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.73A(a)(2).
(3)	Determine whether the proposed remedial action plan meets the requirements of G.S. 130A‑310.69.
(4)	Determine whether the proposed remedial action plan meets the requirements of any other applicable remediation program except those pertaining to remediation standards.
(5)	Establish the acceptable level or range of levels of risk to public health, safety, and welfare and to the environment.
(6)	Establish, for each contaminant, the maximum allowable quantity, concentration, range, or other measures of contamination that will remain at the contaminated site at the conclusion of the contaminant‑reduction phase of the remediation.
(7)	Consider the technical performance, effectiveness, and reliability of the proposed remedial action plan in attaining and maintaining compliance with applicable remediation standards.
(8)	Consider the ability of the person who proposes to remediate the site to implement the proposed remedial action plan within a reasonable time and without jeopardizing public health, safety, or welfare or the environment.
(9)	Determine whether the proposed remedial action plan adequately provides for the imposition and maintenance of engineering and institutional controls and for sampling, monitoring, and reporting requirements necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare and the environment. In making this determination, the Department may consider, in lieu of land‑use restrictions authorized under G.S. 130A‑310.69, reliance on other State or local land‑use controls. Any land‑use controls implemented shall adequately protect public health, safety, and welfare and the environment and provide adequate notice to current and future property owners of any residual contamination and the land‑use controls in place.
(10)	Approve the circumstances under which no further remediation is required.
(b)	The person who proposes a remedial action plan has the burden of demonstrating with reasonable assurance that contamination from the site will not migrate to off‑site property above unrestricted use levels, except as may remain pursuant to a cleanup conducted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.73A(a)(2), and that the remedial action plan is protective of public health, safety, and welfare and the environment by virtue of its compliance with this Part. The demonstration shall (i) take into account actions proposed in the remedial action plan that will prevent contamination from migrating off the site; and (ii) use scientifically valid site‑specific data.
(c)	The Department may require a person who proposes a remedial action plan to supply any additional information necessary for the Department to approve or disapprove the plan.
(d)	In making a determination on a proposed remedial action plan, the Department shall consider the information provided by the person who proposes the remedial action plan as well as information provided by local governments and adjoining landowners pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.70. The Department shall disapprove a proposed remedial action plan unless the Department finds that the plan is protective of public health, safety, and welfare and the environment and complies with the requirements of this Part. If the Department disapproves a proposed remedial action plan, the person who submitted the plan may seek review as provided in Article 3 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. If the Department fails to approve or disapprove a proposed remedial action plan within 120 days after a complete plan has been submitted, the person who submitted the plan may treat the plan as having been disapproved at the end of that time period.
(e)	If, pursuant to subdivision (9) of subsection (a) of this section, reliance on other State or local land‑use controls is approved by the Department in lieu of land‑use restrictions, a "Notice of Residual Contamination" shall be prepared and filed in the chain of title of each contaminated site or contaminated off‑site property where any contamination has or will in the future exceed unrestricted use standards. The Notice shall identify the type of contamination on the site or property and the land‑use controls that address the contamination and may be filed by the person who proposes to remediate the site. Provided, however, the Department may only approve imposition of land‑use controls on contaminated off‑site property with the written consent of the owner of the property in conformance with G.S. 130A‑310.73A(a)(2).  (2011‑186, s. 2; 2015‑286, s. 4.7(a).)

§ 130A‑310.72.  Financial assurance requirement.
The person conducting remediation of a contaminated site pursuant to the provisions of this Part shall establish financial assurance that will ensure that sufficient funds are available to implement and maintain the actions or controls specified in the remedial action plan for the site. The person conducting remediation of a site may establish financial assurance through one of the following mechanisms, or any combination of the following mechanisms, in a form specified or approved by the Department: insurance products issued from entities having no corporate or ownership association with the person conducting the remediation; funded trusts; surety bonds; certificates of deposit; letters of credit; corporate financial tests; local government financial tests; corporate guarantees; local government guarantees; capital reserve funds; or any other financial mechanism authorized for the demonstration of financial assurance under (i) 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 264, Subpart H (July 1, 2010 Edition) and (ii) Section.1600 of Subchapter B of Chapter 13 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code. Proof of financial assurance shall be provided in the remedial action plan and annually thereafter on the anniversary date of the approval of the plan. The Department may waive the requirement for a person conducting remediation of a contaminated site pursuant to the provisions of this Part to establish or maintain financial assurance if the Department finds that the only actions or controls to be implemented or maintained as part of the remedial action plan for the site include either or both of the following:
(1)	Annual reporting of land‑use controls.
(2)	The maintenance of durable or low‑maintenance covers for contaminated soil.  (2011‑186, s. 2; 2017‑209, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑310.73.  Attainment of the remediation standards.
(a)	Compliance with the approved remediation standards is attained for a site or portion of a site when a remedial action plan approved by the Department has been implemented and applicable soil, groundwater, surface water, and air emission standards have been attained. The remediation standards may be attained through a combination of remediation activities that can include treatment, removal, engineering, or institutional controls, except that the person conducting the remediation may not demonstrate attainment of a remediation standard through the use of institutional controls that result in an incompatible use of the property relative to surrounding land uses. When the remedial action plan has been fully implemented, the person conducting the remediation shall submit a final report to the Department, with notice to all local governments with taxing and land‑use jurisdiction over the site, that demonstrates that the remedial action plan has been fully implemented, that any land‑use restrictions have been certified on an annual basis, and that the remediation standards have been attained. The final report shall be accompanied by a request that the Department issue a determination that no further remediation beyond that specified in the approved remedial action plan is required.
(b)	The person conducting the remediation has the burden of demonstrating that the remedial action plan has been fully implemented and that the remediation standards have been attained in compliance with the requirements of this Part. The Department may require a person who implements the remedial action plan to supply any additional information necessary for the Department to determine whether the remediation standards have been attained.
(c)	The Department shall review the final report, and, upon determining that the person conducting the remediation has completed remediation to the approved remediation standard and met all the requirements of the approved remedial action plan, the Department shall issue a determination that no further remediation beyond that specified in the approved remedial action plan is required at the site. Once the Department has issued a no further action determination, the Department may require additional remedial action by the responsible party only upon finding any of the following:
(1)	Monitoring, testing, or analysis of the site subsequent to the issuance of the no further action determination indicates that the remediation standards and objectives were not achieved or are not being maintained.
(2)	One or more of the conditions, restrictions, or limitations imposed on the site as part of the remediation have been violated.
(3)	Site monitoring or operation and maintenance activities that are required as part of the remedial action plan or no further action determination for the site are not adequately funded or are not adequately implemented.
(4)	A contaminant or hazardous substance release is discovered at the site that was not the subject of the remedial investigation report or the remedial action plan.
(5)	A material change in the facts known to the Department at the time the written no further action determination was issued, or new facts, cause the Department to find that further assessment or remediation is necessary to prevent a significant risk to human health and safety or to the environment.
(6)	The no further action determination was based on fraud, misrepresentation, or intentional nondisclosure of information by the person conducting the remediation, or that person's agents, contractors, or affiliates.
(7)	Installation or use of wells would induce the flow of contaminated groundwater off the contaminated site, as defined in the remedial action plan.
(d)	The Department shall issue a final decision on a request for a determination that remediation has been completed to approved standards and that no further remediation beyond that specified in the approved remedial action plan is required within 180 days after receipt of a complete final report. Failure of the Department to issue a final decision on a no further remediation determination within 180 days after receipt of a complete final report and request for a determination of no further remediation may be treated as a denial of the request for a no further remediation determination. The responsible person may seek review of a denial of a request for a release from further remediation as provided in Article 3 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.  (2011‑186, s. 2; 2015‑286, s. 4.7(a).)

§ 130A‑310.73A.  Remediation of sites with off‑site migration of contaminants.
(a)	Contaminated sites at which contamination has migrated to off‑site properties may be remediated pursuant to this Part consistent with the remediation standards set out in G.S. 130A‑310.68 if either of the following occur:
(1)	The person who proposes to conduct the remediation pursuant to this Part remediates the contaminated off‑site property to unrestricted use standards.
(2)	The person who proposes to conduct the remediation pursuant to this Part (i) provides the owner of the contaminated off‑site property with a copy of this Part and the publication produced by the Department pursuant to subsection (b) of this section and (ii) obtains written consent from the owner of the contaminated off‑site property for the person to remediate the contaminated off‑site property using site‑specific remediation standards pursuant to this Part; provided that the site‑specific remediation standards shall not allow concentrations of contaminants on the off‑site property to increase above the levels present on the date the written consent is obtained. Written consent from the owner of the off‑site property shall be on a form prescribed by the Department and include an affirmation that the owner has received and read the publication and authorizes the person to remediate the owner's property using site‑specific remediation standards pursuant to this Part.
(b)	In order to inform owners of contaminated off‑site property of the issues and liabilities associated with the contamination on their property, the Department, in consultation with the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice and the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, shall develop and make available a publication entitled "Contaminated Property: Issues and Liabilities" to provide information on the nature of risk‑based remediation and how it differs from remediation to unrestricted use standards, potential health impacts that may arise from residual contamination, as well as identification of liabilities that arise from contaminated property and associated issues, including potential impacts to real estate transactions and real estate financing. The Department shall update the publication as necessary.
(c)	If, after issuance of a no further action determination, the Department determines that additional remedial action is required for a contaminated off‑site property pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.73(c), the responsible party shall be liable for the additional remediation deemed necessary.
(d)	Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude or impair any person from obtaining any and all other remedies allowed by law.  (2015‑286, s. 4.7(a).)

§ 130A‑310.74.  Compliance with other laws.
Where a site is covered by an agreement under the Brownfields Property Reuse Act of 1997, as codified as Part 5 of Article 9 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes, any work performed by the prospective developer pursuant to that agreement is not required to comply with this Part, but any work not covered by such agreement and performed at the site by another person not a party to that agreement may be performed pursuant to this Part.  (2011‑186, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑310.75.  Use of registered environmental consultants.
The Department may approve the use of a registered environmental consultant to provide oversight for the assessment and remediation of a site under this Part based on the risk posed by the site and the availability of Department staff for oversight of remediation activities. If remediation under this Part is not undertaken voluntarily, the Department may not require the use of a registered environmental consultant to provide oversight for the assessment and remediation of a site under this Part.  (2011‑186, s. 2; 2015‑286, s. 4.7(a).)

§ 130A‑310.76.  Fees; permissible uses of fees.
(a)	The following fees, payable to the Risk‑Based Remediation Fund established under G.S. 130A‑310.76A, are applicable to activities under this Part:
(1)	Application fee. – A person who proposes to conduct remediation pursuant to this Part shall pay an application fee due at the time a proposed remedial action plan is submitted to the Department for approval. The application fee shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each acre or portion of an acre of contamination, including any area that will become contaminated as a result of the release; however, no person shall be required to pay more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) in fees attributable to this subdivision to the Fund, with the total amount owed calculated by the Department after evaluation of the factors set forth in subsection (a1) of this section and any rules promulgated thereunder.
(2)	Oversight fee. – A person who has been approved by the Department to conduct a remedial action plan pursuant to this Part shall pay an oversight fee to the Department within 30 days of such approval or at such other time as the Department may authorize. The total ongoing oversight fees shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each acre or portion of an acre of contamination, including any area that will become contaminated as a result of the release; however, no person shall be required to pay more than twenty‑five thousand dollars ($25,000) in fees attributable to this subdivision to the Fund, with the total amount owed calculated by the Department after evaluation of the factors set forth in subsection (a1) of this section and any rules promulgated thereunder.
(a1)	The Department shall take all of the following factors into account prior to imposing a fee on a person pursuant to subsection (a) of this section and provide the person written documentation of the Department's findings with respect to each factor at the time the fee is imposed:
(1)	The size of the site subject to a proposed remedial action plan.
(2)	Whether groundwater contamination from the site has migrated, or is likely to migrate, to off‑site properties.
(3)	The complexity of the work to be conducted at a site under a proposed remedial action plan.
(4)	The resources that the Department will need to evaluate and oversee the work to be conducted at a site under a proposed remedial action plan and the resources the Department will need to monitor a site after completion of remediation. If such work, or any portion thereof, is to be performed by a registered environmental consultant in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 130A‑310.75, the Department shall take this into account accordingly in imposing a reduced fee.
(b)	Funds collected pursuant to subsection (a) of this section may be used only for the following purposes:
(1)	To pay for administrative and operating expenses necessary to implement this Part, including the full cost of the Department's activities associated with any human health or ecological risk assessments, groundwater modeling, financial assurance matters, or community outreach.
(2)	To establish, administer, and maintain a system for the tracking of land‑use restrictions recorded at sites that are remediated pursuant to this Part.
(c)	The Department shall report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources, the Environmental Review Commission, and the Fiscal Research Division on or before October 1 of each year on the amounts and sources of funds collected by year received pursuant to this Part, the amounts and sources of those funds paid into the Risk‑Based Remediation Fund established under G.S. 130A‑310.76A, the number of acres of contamination for which funds have been received pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, and a detailed annual accounting of how the funds collected pursuant to this Part have been utilized by the Department to advance the purposes of this Part.
(d)	The Commission may adopt rules to implement the requirements of subsection (a1) of this section.  (2011‑186, s. 2; 2015‑286, s. 4.7(a); 2017‑57, s. 14.1(a).)

§ 130A‑310.76A.  Risk‑Based Remediation Fund.
There is established under the control and direction of the Department the Risk‑Based Remediation Fund. This fund shall be a revolving fund consisting of fees collected pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.76 and other monies paid to it or recovered by or on behalf of the Department. The Risk‑Based Remediation Fund shall be treated as a nonreverting special trust fund pursuant to G.S. 147‑69.2 and G.S. 147‑69.3, except that interest and other income received on the Fund balance shall be treated as set forth in G.S. 147‑69.1(d).  (2015‑286, s. 4.7(a).)

§ 130A‑310.77.  Construction of Part.
This Part shall not be construed or implemented in any of the following ways:
(1)	In any manner that would jeopardize federal authorization under any of the federal statutes, programs, or requirements set out in G.S. 130A‑310.67(a) or would otherwise conflict with federal authority under those statutes, programs, and requirements. This Part is supplemental to the programs and requirements set out in G.S. 130A‑310.67(a) that would otherwise govern the remediation of a contaminated industrial site. Where the definitions, provisions, or requirements of this Part conflict with the definitions, provisions, or requirements of an otherwise applicable remediation program, this Part shall control, unless expressly stated to the contrary.
(2)	To limit the authority of the Department to require investigation, initial response, or remediation of environmental contamination under any other provision of State or federal law necessary to address an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare or the environment.
(3)	To alter the requirements of programs to prevent or mitigate the release or discharge of contaminants to the environment, including permitting requirements that regulate the handling of hazardous substances or wastes.
(4)	To supersede or otherwise affect or prevent the enforcement of any land‑use or development regulation or ordinance adopted by a local government pursuant to Chapter 160D of the General Statutes. The use of a site and any land‑use restrictions imposed as part of a remedial action plan shall comply with land‑use and development controls adopted by a local government pursuant to Chapter 160D of the General Statutes.  (2011‑186, s. 2; 2022‑62, s. 23.)

§ 130A-310.78: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A-310.79: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A-310.80: Reserved for future codification purposes.