NCFB FINAL Wetlands Temp Rules Comments 4-9-2021_20210409

FARM
BUREAU
NORTH CAA011HA
NORTH CAROLINA
FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, INC.
PO Box 27766, Raleigh, NC 27611 Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] www.ncfb.org
April 9, 2021
Sue Homewood
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
450 W. Hanes Mill Rd.
Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Dear Ms. Homewood:
delivered via email to: PublicCommentsa,ncdenr.gov
[e-mail]
The North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation (NCFB) is this State's largest general farm
organization representing the interests of farm and rural people in North Carolina. This letter is
to comment on the Proposed Temporary Wetland Permitting Rules (revised 15A NCAC 02H
.1301, and new 15A NCAC 02H Section .1400).
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed rules. NCFB would oppose any
changes to the draft temporary rules that further increase jurisdiction over wetlands or other
waterbodies. We understand that prior -converted cropland is not regulated under these rules due
to its exclusion in the Wetland definition in 15A NCAC 02B .0202. NCFB would oppose any
change that alters the prior converted cropland exclusion, or any change that includes regulation
of ephemeral waterbodies.
NCFB appreciates being invited to participate in the upcoming stakeholder process on these
rules. Moving forward in the permanent rule process, and as DEQ and the regulated public gain
experience with rule implementation, NCFB may seek additional changes in the scope of
jurisdiction through the stakeholder process for the permanent rules, or in comments on those
rules.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit these comments on the proposed wetland temporary
rules. If you have questions, please contact me at 919-788-1005 or Keith Larick at 919-987-
1257.
Sincerely,
Anne Coari, Director of Environmental Affairs
Keith Larick, Natural Resources Director
Farm Bureau. and Agriculture...
We keep North Carolina growing!