NC H557

Allows permit applicants to satisfy compensatory mitigation requirements primarily through approved private mitigation banks, with other options available only if private banks are not practicable.

Removes the Division of Mitigation Services' authority to acquire land by condemnation and eliminates land donation as a mitigation option for permit applicants.

Requires all compensatory mitigation banks operating in the state to register with the Division of Mitigation Services and provide information on bank boundaries, approved credits, and contact details available to the public.

Directs the Division of Mitigation Services to cease accepting mitigation fees in lieu of actual mitigation for the Neuse and Cape Fear River Basins within 36 months, with authority to expand this policy to additional river basins after June 30, 2020.

Requires the Environmental Management Commission to establish a revised schedule of mitigation fees based on actual costs for the Division to generate credits, calculated per acre for wetlands and per linear foot for streams.