S.653

North Carolina S653 makes polluters responsible for cleanup costs and providing alternative water supplies.

North Carolina S653 mandates that individuals or entities causing or contributing to water or air pollution are responsible for the costs of cleanup and providing alternative water supplies to those affected. The bill empowers the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality, with the Governor's concurrence, to issue orders requiring immediate actions to mitigate pollution. These actions may include reducing emissions, discontinuing discharges, or installing filtration systems. The bill also allows for civil actions to recover costs from those who refuse to pay assessed sums.