15A NCAC 02B .0222. TIDAL SALT WATER QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CLASS SB WATERS

The following water quality standards apply to surface waters that are used for primary recreation, including frequent or organized swimming, and are classified SB.  Water quality standards applicable to Class SC waters are described in Rule .0220 of this Section also apply to SB waters.

(1)           Best Usage of waters:  primary recreation and any other usage specified by the "SC" classification;

(2)           Conditions Related to Best Usage:  the waters shall meet accepted sanitary standards of water quality for outdoor bathing places as specified in Item (3) of this Rule and will be of sufficient size and depth for primary recreation purposes.  Any source of water pollution which precludes any of these uses, including their functioning as PNAs, on either a short‑term or a long‑term basis shall be considered to be violating a water quality standard;

(3)           Quality Standards applicable to Class SB waters:

(a)           Floating solids, settleable solids, or sludge deposits:  none attributable to sewage, industrial wastes or other wastes;

(b)           Sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes:  none shall be allowed that are not effectively treated to the satisfaction of the Commission; in determining the degree of treatment required for such waters discharged into waters which are to be used for bathing, the Commission shall take into consideration quantity and quality of the sewage and other wastes involved and the proximity of such discharges to the 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 treated to ensure the protection of primary recreation;

(c)           Enterococcus, including Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus avium and Enterococcus gallinarium: not to exceed a geometric mean of 35 enterococci per 100 ml based upon a minimum of five samples within any consecutive 30 days. In accordance with 33 U.S.C. 1313 (Federal Water Pollution Control Act) for purposes of beach monitoring and notification, "Coastal Recreation Waters Monitoring, Evaluation and Notification" regulations (15A NCAC 18A .3400) are hereby incorporated by reference including any subsequent amendments.

 

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

Eff. October 1, 1995;

Amended Eff. May 1, 2007.