15A NCAC 02B .0219. FRESH SURFACE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CLASS B WATERS

The following water quality standards apply to surface waters that are for primary recreation, including frequent or organized swimming and are classified as Class B waters.  Water quality standards applicable to Class C waters as described in Rule .0211 of this Section also apply to Class B waters.

(1)           Best Usage of Waters.  Primary recreation and any other best usage specified by the "C" classification;

(2)           Conditions Related to Best Usage.  The waters shall meet accepted standards of water quality for outdoor bathing places as specified in Item (3) of this Rule and shall be of sufficient size and depth for primary recreation purposes.  Sources of water pollution which preclude any of these uses on either a short‑term or long‑term basis shall be considered to be violating a water quality standard;

(3)           Quality standards applicable to Class B waters:

(a)           Sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes:  none which are not effectively treated to the satisfaction of the Commission; in determining the degree of treatment required for such waste when discharged into waters to be used for bathing, the Commission shall consider the quality and quantity of the sewage and wastes involved and the proximity of such discharges to waters in this class; discharges in the immediate vicinity of bathing areas may not be allowed if the Director determines that the waste can not be reliably treated to ensure the protection of primary recreation;

(b)           Organisms of coliform group:  fecal coliforms not to exceed geometric mean of 200/100 ml (MF count) based on at least five consecutive samples examined during any 30‑day period and not to exceed 400/100 ml in more than 20 percent of the samples examined during such period.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143‑214.1; 143‑215.3(a)(1);

Eff. January 1, 1990;

Amended Eff. October 1, 1995.