§ 143-214.24. Riparian Buffer Protection Program: Coordination with River Basin Associations.
§ 143‑214.24. Riparian Buffer ProtectionProgram: Coordination with River Basin Associations.
(a) Prior to drafting temporary or permanent rules that requirethe preservation of riparian buffers in a river basin, the Department shallconsult with major stakeholders who may have an interest in the proposed rules,including the board of directors or representatives designated by the board ofdirectors of any river basin association in the affected river basin that meetsall of the following criteria:
(1) The association is a nonprofit corporation, as defined byG.S. 55A‑1‑40.
(2) The association has as its primary purpose the conservation,preservation, and restoration of the environmental and natural resources of theriver basin in which it is located.
(3) Membership in the association is open on a nondiscriminatorybasis to all citizens in the river basin.
(4) The membership of the board of directors of the associationincludes at least one representative from each county with a significantportion of its territory in the river basin.
(5) The membership of the association includes significantrepresentation from each of the following categories of persons:
a. Elected local officials.
b. Persons involved in agriculture.
c. Persons involved in residential and commercial landdevelopment.
d. Persons involved in forestry.
e. Representatives of community‑based organizations.
f. Representatives of organizations that advocate forprotection of the environment and conservation of natural resources.
g. Persons with special training and scientific expertise inprotection of water who are affiliated with colleges and universities.
h. Private property owners.
i. Persons with a general interest in water qualityprotection.
(b) The purpose of the consultation required by subsection (a)of this section is to assure that major stakeholders who may have an interestin the proposed rules have an opportunity to inform the Department of theirconcerns before the Department drafts the rules. (2000‑172, s. 5.1.)