House Bill 579 Summary

• Eliminates duplicate erosion and sedimentation control plan requirements for land-disturbing activities that obtain NPDES General Permit NCG01000, allowing the permit alone to satisfy state requirements without additional local approvals.

• Requires approved local sedimentation control programs to accept NPDES NCG01000 permits in lieu of separate erosion and sedimentation control plan approvals, and prohibits local programs from imposing requirements exceeding state law.

• Allows applicants to choose between two fee structures for local permit review: either a fee based on acres disturbed or up to $100 per lot for single-family residential developments less than one acre.

• Directs the Department of Environmental Quality to submit proposed regulatory changes to the EPA by September 1, 2023, to implement the streamlined permitting process, with effectiveness contingent on EPA approval.

• Requires DEQ to request EPA consultation on proposed federal regulation changes affecting North Carolina's environmental program administration and to report quarterly to the Environmental Review Commission on these efforts.