NC S472

Expands expedited 401 water quality certification review to include upland basin marina projects and creates new streamlined timelines requiring the Department to notify applicants of fees within 5 business days, complete application review within 30 business days, and approve or deny within 10-15 business days after completeness determination

Establishes a new permitting framework for upland basin marinas (marinas accommodating 10+ vessels built by excavating land above the high-water mark), requiring approval within 60 days if applicants meet 10 specified criteria including dissolved oxygen standards, wetland impact limits, and financial assurance requirements

Limits wetland impacts from upland basin marina construction to no more than 5% of total marina water area and no more than 10% of existing coastal wetlands along the applicant's shoreline

Requires upland basin marina applicants to post a bond or set-aside funds equal to 5 years of estimated operation and maintenance costs for water quality technology

Excludes man-made ditches (including artificial ponds, culverts, canals, swales, storm channels, and roadside ditches) from the definition of estuarine waters and prohibits the Coastal Resources Commission from designating them as areas of environmental concern under CAMA