15A NCAC 02B .0205      NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS OUTSIDE STANDARDS LIMITS

Natural waters may on occasion, or temporarily, have characteristics outside of the normal range established by the water quality standards in this Subchapter. The adopted water quality standards relate to the condition of waters as affected by the discharge of sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes including those from nonpoint sources and other sources of water pollution. Water quality standards shall not be considered violated if values outside the normal range are caused by natural conditions. If wastes are discharged to such waters, the discharger shall not be deemed a contributor to substandard conditions if maximum treatment in compliance with permit requirements is maintained and, therefore, meeting the established limits is beyond the discharger's control.

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

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. October 1, 1989; January 1, 1985;

Readopted Eff. November 1, 2019.