NC H873

Public schools, charter schools, and tax-supported government buildings must allow the Department of Environmental Quality to use their facilities without charge (except custodial and utility fees) for public hearings, effective for the 2025-2026 school year

Off-site hazardous waste recycling facilities must comply with state regulations, and commercial hazardous waste recycling facilities are subject to requirements for commercial hazardous waste facilities

Brownfields agreement fees may be paid on a Department-specified schedule rather than in two fixed installments, and property owners out of compliance with Notice of Brownfields Property requirements must pay enforcement costs; tax exclusion provisions for brownfields improvements are tied to the recorded Notice rather than the agreement date

DEQ may issue beneficial use determinations allowing nonhazardous solid waste to be used in construction, land application, or other projects instead of disposal at permitted landfills, with approvals valid for up to five years, effective January 1, 2026

DEQ Stewardship Program must maximize use of mitigation lands for ecological research and hunting leases when feasible, and prioritize wildlife and biological diversity management practices on purchased mitigation lands and conservation easements