The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) proposes to adopt permanent rules to replace temporary rules 15A NCAC 01W .0101 - .0105 “Emergency Infrastructure Bridge Loan Program for Commercial USTs” in accordance with G.S. 150B-21.2. This proposed rulemaking action is in response to the requirement for DEQ to adopt emergency, temporary, and permanent rules in S.L. 2024-53, s. 4C.8(l). The NC Codifier of Rules approved these rules as emergency rules in accordance with G.S. 150B-21.1A, effective February 14, 2025, and as temporary rules effective April 8, 2025, in accordance with G.S. 150B-21.1.
The proposed rules provide additional detail, clarification, and consistency for the Emergency Infrastructure Bridge Loan Program for Commercial USTs in S.L. 2024-53, Section 4C.8; and provide clarification and procedures for the Session Law requirements for loan application, award, and repayment. As compared to the temporary rules (link provided below), Subparagraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4), regarding payment plans and loan transfer requirements, were added to Rule .0105 of the proposed permanent rules.
Attachments:
15A NCAC 01W Notice and Proposed Permanent Rules
15A NCAC 01W Regulatory Impact Analysis
15A NCAC 01W Existing Temporary Rules, Eff. April 8, 2025
60-Day Public Comment Period:
August 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025
Public Comments: Comments must be submitted no later than September 30, 2025.
Written comments should be submitted to:
Carin Kromm, Division of Waste Management, UST Section
By email: dwm.publiccomments@deq.nc.gov (Please type "UST Bridge Loan Rules" in the subject line)
Or by mail: 1646 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1646
Public Hearing: Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 1:00 pm
Location: DEQ Green Square Office Building, 217 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603, Room 1107 – Coastal Plains Conference Room (1st floor), or virtually using Cisco WebEx at this link:
https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/j.php?MTID=mab1b17ec6f592646ac9e0cde4909771a
Webinar number (access code): 2433 393 6495
Webinar password NCDEQ (62337 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Audio conference: To receive a call back, provide your phone number when you join the event, or call the number below and enter the access code.
US TOLL +1-415-655-0003, Access code: 2433 393 6495, Pass code: 62337
If you wish to attend and/or speak at the public hearing and are joining virtually, you must register, provide the required information, and follow instructions on ways to join the public hearing. Registration must be completed by 5:00 PM on August 19, 2025. To register, please use the following link: https://forms.office.com/g/kC72Absnzz
For instructions on ways to join the public hearing, please refer to the following link:
https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/boards-and-commissions/how-attend-webex-meeting-0