A public hearing on the state’s new classification of “wetlands” is set for late June.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources has scheduled a hearing June 26 to accept public comments on the revised wetlands definition’s codification into state rules.
Supporter Spotlight
Legislators in June 2023 voted into the law the revised definition, which aligns with the federal classification of wetlands as those that have a “continuous surface connection.” State law dictated immediate implementation of the revision and that the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission adopt a rule consistent with the revised definition.
The hearing in June will begin at 6 p.m. in the ground floor hearing room, Archdale Building, 512 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh. Speaker registration and sign-in will begin at 5:30 p.m.
To join virtually, visit https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/j.php?MTID=mc924957b9d3395883ef8e61c5eda6d54, meeting number 2425 792 4510, password NCDEQ. Those who wish to comment via Webex must register to speak by noon June 26.
Online speakers are asked to login to Webex using first and last name so that the meeting host can identify and call on each person wishing to comment. Additional information on ways to join the hearing are available at https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/boards-and-commissions/how-attend-webex-meeting-0.
Participants may also join by phone by dialing 1-415-655-0003, access code 2425 792 4510.
Supporter Spotlight
The hearing will end by 9 p.m. Depending on the number of speakers, the hearing officer may limit comment times to allow everyone an opportunity to be heard.
Written comments will be accepted through June 30 via email with the subject line “Wetland Definition Amendment” to Sue.Homewood@deq.nc.gov and by mail to Sue Homewood, Division of Water Resources, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1617.
