Coastal Federation Comments on Proposed Stormwater Rules

In order for these proposed rules to be consistent with the Federal Clean Water Act as well as state laws and regulations enacted pursuant to that federal statute, Section 15A NCAC 02H .1001(6) requires that whenever these proposed rules aren’t sufficient to protect “existing uses,” that additional measures be taken to ensure that a narrative water quality standard entitled an “Antidegradation Policy” is enforced. The rule states that: “In accordance with the “Antidegradation Policy” set forth in 15A NCAC 2B.0201, additional stormwater control measures may be required on a case-by-case basis to maintain and protect existing and anticipated uses of surface waters.”