Topics Related to Environmental Health

Pursuant To: North Carolina Food Code Manual, Section 3-201.16

Source: Cindy Callahan, REHS Head, Food Protection and Facilities Branch

Question/Issue: What criteria must be met to be an approved mushroom identification expert? What species of wild mushrooms are considered approved if foraged by a mushroom identification expert?

The North Carolina Food Code Manual Section 3-201.16 states:

Position Statement

Pursuant To: Session Law 2017-10 (Senate Bill 131), G.S. 87-97

Source: Nancy Deal, Onsite Water Protection Branch Head

Issue: Environmental Health responsibilities

Memorandum

From: NCDHHS DPH EHS OWPB

RE: Wastewater System Permit Extension pursuant to Session Law 2017-211

Session Law 2017-211 (SB16) became law effective on October 5, 2017. Section 19 reads as follows:

SECTION 19. G.S. 130A-336 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

Pursuant To: N.C.G.S. 143-215.1; 15A NCAC 18A .1900; 15A NCAC 18A .2600

Source: Shane Smith, Head, Food Protection and Facilities Branch and Nancy Deal, Head, On-site Water Protection Branch

Question/Issue: What procedures apply when an owner claims an agricultural products process wastewater exemption pursuant to N.C.G.S.143-215.1(a5) in conjunction with obtaining a permit to operate a DHHS-regulated facility?

Pursuant To: Session Law 2014-120, 2013 Legislative Session

Source: Nancy Deal, Onsite Water Protection Branch Head

Issue: Amendments to General Statutes 130A-335 and 130A-336

Session law 2014-120, effective September 18, 2014, amends the referenced statutes as follows:

Pursuant To: 15A NCAC 18A .2600 Rules Governing the Food Protection and Sanitation of Food Establishments

Source: Kristina V. Nixon, MPA, REHS, Field Supervisor NC Food Protection Program NC Food Code Clearinghouse Committee

Can a household power drill be used as a power source for EQUIPMENT (e.g., potato ribbon cutter, mixer) in a TEMPORARY FOOD ESTABLISHMENT (TFE)?

Pursuant To: 15A NCAC 18A .2600 Rules Governing the Food Protection and Sanitation of Food Establishments

Source: Kevin Dodge, Environmental Engineer Environmental Health Section Division of Public Health

Do the direct drains on existing sinks have to be converted to indirect drains to comply with the North Carolina Food Code?

Pursuant To: Session Law 2015-286, House Bill 765; N.C.G.S. 130A-248(c)

Source: Cindy R. Callahan, REHS Head, Food Protection and Facilities Branch Shared-use Kitchen Workgroup

Issue: Plan Review, Permit, Inspection, and Enforcement for Shared-use Kitchens

Pursuant To: Session Law 2018-65 (HB573)

Source: Nancy Deal; Branch Head, Onsite Water Protection

Issue: Well Setbacks and Casing Depth Requirements

There has been some confusion since the enactment of Session Law 2018-65 (HB 573), specifically related to the requirement for 35’ of casing for wells drilled less than 100’ to the septic system and repair area.

Pursuant To: Session Law 2015-286, Section 4.14(j): Amendment to §130A-342 (b)

Source: Nancy Deal, Onsite Water Protection Branch Head

Session Law (SL) 2015-286 became effective October 22, 2015. The purpose of this document is to summarize Section 4.14(j) of this law and provide guidance on its implementation.

The relevant section of this Session Law in its entirety including the amended language is as follows: