Bill Summary for H 1093 (2019-2020)

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Summary date: 

May 14 2020

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2019-2020 Session
House Bill 1093 (Public) Filed Thursday, May 14, 2020
AN ACT TO IMPROVE AND FUND IMPROVEMENTS IN NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY RELEASES FROM CERTAIN FEDERALLY LICENSED HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS.
Intro. by Logan, Alexander, Clark.

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Bill summary

Enacts GS 143-215.31A to require adoption of permanent rules, and allows the adoption of temporary rules, by the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) regarding High Flow notifications for releases of NC dams licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Limits the scope of the rules to dams that are (1) associated with a hydroelectric generating station and licensed by FERC and (2) located adjacent to or less than two miles upstream from either the corporate limits of a city with a population greater than 500,000 or the boundaries of a county with a population greater than 750,000.

Consistent with FERC rules, mandates that the EMC's rules require FERC licensees to provide notification to local first responders and emergency management personnel serving an impacted area, as defined, at least three hours prior to high flow releases as required by FERC rules. Allows the rules to provide for a shorter notification period if needed to avoid significant damage to the dam or associated hydroelectric generating station.

Appropriates $1 million in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund to the Division of Emergency Management for the 2020-21 fiscal year for the development and purchase of emergency notification systems and equipment by fire departments and local governments to implement the act. Effective July 1, 2020.