GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1997

S	1 

SENATE BILL 492

Short Title:  Regional Wastewater Management Funds.	(Public)

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Sponsors: Senator Perdue.

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Referred to:  Appropriations.

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March 25, 1997

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO DEVELOP A REGIONAL WASTEWATER SYSTEM THAT USES AN INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY DESIGNED TO REDUCE NUTRIENT AND ORGANIC LOADINGS TO SURFACE WATERS.
Whereas, failing or improperly installed septic tanks, overloaded or inadequately operated package plants, and lack of nutrient removal at most of the existing wastewater treatment facilities have contributed to estuarine pollution, shellfish bed closures, and the deterioration of groundwater quality; and
Whereas, stress on the natural resources is expected to increase substantially due to the incapacity of the existing wastewater management facilities to accommodate future population growth; and
Whereas, surface water discharges from wastewater facilities are anticipated to be severely restricted in the future; land application of waste should be regarded as only a partial solution to wastewater management; a regional approach to wastewater treatment that uses an innovative technology offers a cost-effective way to greatly reduce nutrient and organic loadings to surface waters; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources the sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) for the 1997-98 fiscal year and five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for the 1998-99 fiscal year for costs associated with developing a regional wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal system that uses an innovative technology to reduce nutrient and organic loadings to surface waters.
Section 2.  The funds appropriated under Section 1 of this act shall be subject to a match requirement such that for one dollar ($1.00) in local funds there shall be three dollars ($3.00) in State funds.
Section 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 1997.