ATTACHMENT A - 15A NCAC 02B .0219 and .0226

15A NCAC 02B .0219 is proposed for amendment as follows: 1
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15A NCAC 02B .0219 FRESH SURFACE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CLASS B WATERS 3
The following water quality standards shall apply to surface waters that are for primary contact recreation as defined 4
in Rule .0202 of this Section, and are classified as Class B waters. Water quality standards applicable to Class C waters 5
as described in Rule .0211 of this Section also apply to Class B waters. 6
(1)The best usage of Class B waters shall be primary contact recreation and any other best usage7
specified for Class C waters.8
(2)Class B waters shall meet the standards of water quality for outdoor bathing places as specified in9
Item (3) of this Rule and shall be of sufficient size and depth for primary contact recreation. In10
assigning the B classification to waters intended for primary contact recreation, the Commission11
shall consider the relative proximity of sources of water pollution and the potential hazards involved12
in locating swimming areas close to sources of water pollution and shall not assign this classification13
to waters in which such water pollution could result in a hazard to public health. Sources of water14
pollution that preclude any of these uses on either a short-term or long-term basis shall be deemed15
to violate a water quality standard.16
(3)Quality standards applicable to Class B waters:17
(a)Sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes: none shall be allowed that are not treated to the18
satisfaction of the Commission. In determining the degree of treatment required for such19
waste when discharged into waters to be used for bathing, the Commission shall consider20
the quality and quantity of the sewage and wastes involved and the proximity of such21
discharges to waters in this class. Discharges in the immediate vicinity of bathing areas22
shall not be allowed if the Director determines that the waste cannot be treated to ensure23
the protection of primary contact recreation;24
(b)Fecal coliforms Escherichia coli shall not exceed a geometric mean of 200126/100 ml (MF25
count colony forming units or most probable number) based on at least five samples taken26
over a 30 day period, nor exceed 400274/100 ml (colony forming units or most probable27
number) in more than 20 percent of the samples examined during such period.28
(4)Wastewater discharges to waters classified as B shall meet the reliability requirements specified in29
15A NCAC 02H .0124. Discharges to waters where a primary contact recreational use is determined30
by the Director to be attainable shall be required to meet water quality standards and reliability31
requirements to protect this use concurrently with reclassification efforts.32
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History Note: Authority G.S. 143-214.1; 143-215.3(a)(1); 34
Eff. January 1, 1990; 35
Amended Eff. October 1, 1995; 36
Readopted Eff. November 1, 2019; 37
Amended Eff. xx; June 1, 2022. 38
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15A NCAC 02B .0226 is proposed for amendment as follows: 1 2 15A NCAC 02B .0226 EXEMPTIONS FROM SURFACE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS 3 Variances from applicable standards, revisions to water quality standards or site specific water quality standards may 4 be granted by the Commission on a case by case basis pursuant to G.S. 143215.3(e), 143214.3 or 143214.1. Variances 5 from applicable standards must also meet the requirements set forth in 40 CFR §131.14. A listing of existing variances 6
shall be maintained and made available to the public by the Division. Exemptions established pursuant to this Rule 7 shall be reviewed as part of the Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards conducted pursuant to 40 CFR 131.10(g). 8 9 10
History Note: Authority G.S. 143-214.1; 143-214.3; 143-215.3(e); 11 Eff. October 1, 1995; 12
Readopted Eff. November 1, 2019.2019; 13 Amended Eff. xx. 14
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