NC H571

Authorizes the Department of Environmental Quality to permit discharges of highly treated domestic wastewater to surface waters, wetlands, perennial streams, and unnamed tributaries where receiving waters have low or zero flow.

Establishes specific effluent limitations including BOD5 at 5mg/L, ammonia at 0.5mg/L monthly average, total nitrogen at 4mg/L, total phosphorus at 1.0mg/L, and fecal coliforms at 14 colonies/100mL.

Prohibits discharges to classified shellfish waters and outstanding resource waters, though unnamed tributaries of classified shellfish waters may receive discharges under compliance conditions.

Requires discharge flow limitations not exceeding one-tenth of the one-year, 24-hour storm event flow and mandates all discharges be directed through buffer systems with specific design requirements including high-rate infiltration basins or constructed wetlands with 14-day hydraulic residence time.

Makes the act effective immediately and applies to permits for new or expanded wastewater discharge facilities issued on or after the effective date; requires Department of Environmental Quality to adopt temporary rules within 60 days.