NC H1137

Requires owners or operators of wastewater collection or treatment works with permits to report discharges of 1,000 gallons or more of untreated wastewater to state surface waters to the Department within 24 hours of determining the discharge has reached surface waters.

Requires press releases to all print and electronic news media providing general coverage in the affected county to be issued within 24 hours (changed from 48 hours) after determining a discharge of 1,000 gallons or more has reached surface waters.

Requires newspaper publication of discharge notices in affected counties and downstream counties for discharges of 15,000 gallons or more, with the Secretary determining which counties are significantly affected and approving the notice form and content.

Requires owners or operators to retain copies of press releases and media distribution lists for at least one year and provide copies upon request.

Applies reporting and notice requirements to both municipal/domestic wastewater treatment works and other wastewater treatment operations with state permits.