NC H968

Restores "emissions" to the definition of "discharge" for water quality regulation purposes under G.S. 143-213.

Prohibits discharge of unregulated toxic pollutants to state waters and requires immediate permit suspension if a permittee discharges unauthorized pollutants not disclosed in permit applications.

Requires NPDES permit applicants to fully disclose all pollutants in their discharge at or above the practical quantitation limit, including emerging chemicals without applicable discharge standards.

Orders permittees responsible for unauthorized pollutant discharges to provide and maintain water filtration or treatment for downstream local governments and to be financially responsible for removing pollutants from impacted drinking water supplies.

Appropriates $14,052,717 in recurring and nonrecurring funds to the Department of Environmental Quality and $536,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services to support testing, analysis, and permitting improvements for emerging contaminants including PFAS and GenX.