S105 - 2021 Appropriations Act. (SL 2021-180)

Overview: Section 12.7 of S.L. 2021-180 amends certain requirements for disbursing funds from the Bernard Allen Memorial Emergency Drinking Water Fund (Fund).

In cases that involve a contaminant for which a federal maximum contaminant level or drinking water action level has not been established, this section authorizes the use of health goals established by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, or health advisory standards established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, to determine whether the Fund may be used to provide alternative drinking water supplies. Prior to enactment of S.L. 2021-180, in cases where a federal maximum contaminant level or drinking water action level had not been established, the statute only authorized use of State groundwater standards established by the Environmental Management Commission to determine whether the Fund may be used to provide alternative drinking water supplies.

The maximum household income limit for eligibility to receive financial assistance from the Fund is eliminated in cases of contamination that include per- or poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

This section became effective July 1, 2021.