NC H916

Establishes standards for "highly treated wastewater" requiring systems to meet specific performance metrics including biological oxygen demand of 10mg/L, ammonia of 10mg/L, total nitrogen of 10mg/L or 60% reduction, total phosphorus of 5mg/L, fecal coliforms of 10 colonies/100mL, and capture of residual sludge and biogases.

Appropriates $20,000,000 in nonrecurring funds to the Department of Environmental Quality for the 2021-2022 fiscal year to establish the Innovative Highly Treated Wastewater Pilot Program, with up to $150,000 available for administrative costs; unspent funds revert to the General Fund by June 30, 2023.

Requires the Department to identify distressed local governments and communities unable to access existing wastewater systems, then work with them to select, permit, and install at least four highly treated wastewater systems with manufacturers posting five-year performance bonds.

Directs the Commission for Public Health to adopt rules establishing standards for highly treated wastewater systems, including approval timelines of 45 days for pre-certified systems, provisional status for uncertified systems (up to 200 permits), and structural integrity testing requirements for all dispersal products.

Modifies local board of health authority to prevent adoption of more stringent wastewater system rules than those established by the Commission for Public Health, with limited exceptions requiring Department approval.