The Classification and Standards Unit is responsible for development and implementation of the state's surface water quality standards (numeric and narrative) and surface water body classifications such as Water Supply (WS), High Quality Waters (HQW), and others; coordination of the Section's rule-making proceedings and the Environmental Management Commission's Water Quality Committee and Groundwater Committee. Groundwater quality standards are also located within the Unit.

CONTACTS

Tel: (919) 807-6300 (or use direct numbers below)
FAX: (919) 807-6497

Connie Brower 807-6416 Industrial Hygiene Consultant
Acting Classification & Standards Unit Supervisor

State Standards Coordinator
State Standards Co-Coordinator - Vacant
Elizabeth Kountis 807-6418 Env. Senior Specialist
Reclassifications Coordinator
Adriene Weaver 807-6414 Env. Senior Specialist
Classifications, WQC Coordinator
Nikki Schimizzi 807-6413 Env. Senior Specialist
Surface Water & Groundwater Standards Assistance
Gary Kreiser 807-6411 Env. Specialist
Groundwater Variance, GWC Coordinator, Surface Water Classification Assistance
Jamie McNees 807-6421 Env. Specialist
Surface Water Classification Assistance & Mapping

Or contact your Regional Office

Mailing Address:
DWQ PLANNING SECTION
N.C. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES 
1617 MAIL SERVICE CENTER 
RALEIGH  NC  27699-1617  

DOWNLOADABLE MAPS & GIS

• General Maps
   
• NCONEMAP.COM
  Largest collection of free, statewide GIS data that can be used to create surface water maps.

DWQrules MAILING LIST

• Also known as the DWQrules Listserv, this mailing list publishes emails concerning rule-making announcements. To sign up, simply send a blank email to: DENR.DWQ.DWQrules-join@lists.ncmail.net
• DWQrules Listserv Public Archive
  

CLASSIFICATIONS

• Learn About NC Surface Water Classifications 
  What are Surface Water Classifications and do they affect me?
• NC Water Quality Classifications by NC River Basin
  Find out the water quality classification of your watebody in the river basin where it is located
• Surface Water Classification Types Explained
  DWQ Primary and Supplemental Classifications (C, B, WS-I, SC, FWS, HQW, NSW, ORW, etc)
• Trout Buffer Frequently Asked Questions Brochure (PDF)
  What are Trout Buffers and how might they effect me?
• Guide to Freshwater Classifications Chart (PDF)
  Allowable development activities, buffers, BMPS, etc.
• Guide to Tidal Saltwater Classifications Chart (PDF)
  The link to this chart has been removed from this website; please contact the Classification and Standards Unit staff for further information.
• Reclassification Process
  How are these Classifications determined? Can they Change?
• Current Reclassification Proposals
  Find out if a waterbody in your area is going through the reclass process.

SURFACE WATER STANDARDS

• Learn About NC Surface Water Standards
  What are Surface Water Standards and how are they used?
• The Complete NC "REDBOOK" (PDF) [1 May 2007]
  Surface Waters and Wetlands Standards
• NC Redbook Standards Table (PDF) [1 May 2007]
  Pollutant Standards, Criteria and Toxic Concentrations assigned to salt and fresh water
• NC and EPA Criteria Table (PDF)  [15 May 2013 ]
  Pollutant Standards, Criteria and Toxic Concentration assigned to salt and fresh water
• NC's Nutrient Criteria Implementation Plan
  Plan laying out the best techniques to control excessive nutrients
• NC Forum On Nutrient Over Enrichment (May 2012)
• Surface Water Triennial Reviews
  Triennial review of standards and classifications

GROUNDWATER STANDARDS

• Learn About NC Groundwater Standards
  What are Groundwater Standards and how are they used?
• Groundwater Rules (PDF) [Jan 1, 2010]
• Groundwater Standards Table (PDF)
• Appendix: Interim Maximum Allowable Concentrations (PDF)
• Groundwater Triennial Reviews
  Triennial review of groundwater quality standards and interim maximum allowable concentrations

HELPFUL DWQ LINKS

• DWQ Rules Webpage - Admin. Codes and Statutes
  Environmental Management, Classifications by Basin, Permitting, etc.
• Division's Calendar for Public Hearings and Meetings 
  Dates, Locations, Public Notices
• Environmental Management Commission (EMC)
  Adopts rules for protection, preservation and enhancement of State's air and water resources
• Hearing Officer Reports
  (AKA Report of Proceedings) Report archive

HELPFUL EPA LINKS

• Water Quality Standards Program
  Aquatic Life, Human Health, Nutrients, etc.
• ECOTOX Database
  Chemical toxicity information for aquatic and terrestrial life
• IRIS (Integrated Risk Information System) Database
  Compiles reports on substances that cause human health effects
• Major Environmental Laws
  Laws that influence environmental protection and influence EPA's regulatory process
• Clean Water Act
  History, introduction, updates, etc.
• CFR Title 40: Protection of Environment
  Code of Federal Regulations that deals with protecting the environment and human health