Governing Law and Regulations
Regulatory Agencies
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Division of Waste Management Hazardous Waste Section
DENR Division of Air Quality
DENR Division of Environmental Health
Department of Crime Control and Public Safety (DCCPS) North Carolina Division of Emergency Management
State Emergency Response Commission (SERC)
Local emergency planning committees (LEPCs)
Local fire and police departments
See national section for basic information and federal regulations.
Comparison: State vs. Federal
• Rules. North Carolina has adopted the federal emergency planning and response rules for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs), with some additional notification requirements. The state has also established air quality standards that would prompt a state emergency if any of the levels is exceeded. In addition, state public water suppliers must prepare and implement emergency plans.
• Administration and enforcement. DENR, along with local fire and police departments, administers and enforces the emergency planning and response rules in North Carolina.
State Requirements
AIR CONTAMINANTS
15A NCAC 02D.0302
The state has implemented regulations that are designed to prevent the excessive buildup of air contaminants during air pollution episodes to prevent an emergency resulting from the effects of air contaminants on the public's health.
During an air episode, the emergency level indicates that air quality is continuing to degrade to a point that should never be reached and that the most stringent control ...