NC H244

Requires a minimum 500-foot buffer between new solid waste management facilities and schools with athletic fields or community facilities hosting outdoor activities.

Directs the Commission to adopt rules within 24 months to substantially reduce and minimize fugitive emissions and offensive odors from composting facilities, with an exemption for bona fide farm operations where composting is not the primary income source.

Requires the Department to provide public notice of draft permits for composting facilities through weekly newspaper publication for three consecutive weeks, first-class mail to interested persons, and electronic mail notification.

Exempts composting activities at bona fide farm operations from the odor reduction requirements and public notice provisions when composting is not the operation's primary source of income.

Effective date: October 1, 2017.