NC H1057

Direct the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to study interbasin transfer statutes and rules, examining differences in regulatory requirements for temporary/emergency transfers versus long-term transfers, transfers between subbasins versus major basins, and potential exemptions from certification requirements; report findings by October 1, 2014.

Require the Environmental Management Commission to study how the state establishes surface water quantity for ecological integrity protection and determine if the amount exceeds what is required for ecological integrity; report findings and recommendations to the Environmental Review Commission by January 1, 2016.

Authorize the Environmental Management Commission to create a science advisory board with five members representing different scientific expertise areas (firefighting/health/safety, human and animal life, environmental protection, economic sustainability, and potable water consumer economics).

Prohibit the Environmental Management Commission from approving basinwide hydrologic models that include ecological flow based on the November 2013 report "Recommendations for Estimating Flows to Maintain Ecological Integrity in Streams and Rivers in North Carolina" until the General Assembly adjourns the session following submission of the commission's report.

Amend G.S. 143-215.22L(w) to establish an expedited interbasin transfer process for multipurpose reservoirs constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that are partially located in states adjacent to North Carolina and approved by the Corps on or before July 1, 2014.