NC S611

Secretary may issue stop-work orders for land-disturbing activities violating sedimentation control laws when violations are knowing and willful and involve off-site sedimentation damage, water quality violations, or activities conducted without approved plans.

Stop-work orders must be in writing, state what work is stopped and what measures are required, include findings, list conditions for resuming work, and be served on the person in operational control of the activity and posted at the site.

Stop-work orders become effective upon service and may not exceed five days; violations of directives result in civil penalties under G.S. 113A-64(a).

Secretary shall designate an employee to monitor compliance and must rescind the order if all violations are corrected, no other violations occur, and abatement measures are taken.

Attorney General must file a cause of action within two business days of service seeking an ex parte temporary restraining order, with the court hearing the motion within two days; clerk accepts complaints without filing fees, with fees due within 30 days.

Act becomes effective October 1, 2021.