19A NCAC 02F .0103        EXCEPTIONS TO MINIMUM CRITERIA

Any activity falling within the parameters of the minimum criteria set out in Rule .0102 of this Section shall not routinely be required to have environmental documentation under the NCEPA.  However, the Secretary of Transportation or his designee shall determine if environmental documents are required in any case where a Division Director or Branch Manager makes one of the following findings as to a proposed activity:

(1)           The proposed activity may have significant adverse effects on wetlands; surface waters such as rivers, streams, and estuaries; parklands, prime or unique agricultural lands; areas of recognized scenic, recreational, archaeological, or historical value; or would endanger the existence of a species identified on the Department of Interior's threatened and endangered species list.

(2)           The proposed activity could cause changes in industrial, commercial, residential, agricultural, or silvicultural land use concentrations or distributions which would be expected to create significant adverse water quality, air quality, or ground water impacts; or have a significant adverse effect on long-term recreational benefits or shellfish, finfish, wildlife, or their natural habitats.

(3)           The secondary or cumulative impacts of the proposed activity, which are not generally covered in the approval process, may result in a significant adverse impact to human health or the environment.

(4)           The proposed activity is of such an unusual nature or has such widespread implications that an uncommon concern for its environmental effects has been expressed to the agency.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113A-9; 113A-11; 143B-10(j);

Temporary Adoption Eff. January 11, 2002;

Eff. April 1, 2003;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. September 6, 2016.