(a) On or before January 1, 2017, an impoundment owner shall (i) identify, at a minimum, impoundments at two sites located within the State with ash stored in the impoundments on that date that is suitable for processing for cementitious purposes and (ii) enter into a binding agreement for the installation and operation of an ash beneficiation project at each site capable of annually processing 300,000 tons of ash to specifications appropriate for cementitious products, with all ash processed to be removed from the impoundment(s) located at the sites. As soon as legally practicable thereafter, the impoundment owner shall apply for all permits necessary for the ash beneficiation projects from the Department. The Department shall expedite any State permits and approvals required for such projects. No later than 24 months after issuance of all necessary permits, operation of both ash beneficiation projects shall be commenced. An impoundment owner shall use commercially reasonable efforts to produce 300,000 tons of ash to specifications appropriate for cementitious products from each project.

(b) On or before July 1, 2017, an impoundment owner shall (i) identify an impoundment at an additional site located within the State with ash stored in the impoundment on that date that is suitable for processing for cementitious purposes and (ii) enter into a binding agreement for the installation and operation of an ash beneficiation project capable of annually processing 300,000 tons of ash to specifications appropriate for cementitious products, with all ash processed to be removed from the impoundment(s) located at the site. As soon as legally practicable thereafter, the impoundment owner shall apply for all permits necessary for the ash beneficiation project from the Department. The Department shall expedite any State permits and approvals required for such projects. No later than 24 months after issuance of all necessary permits, operation of the ash beneficiation project shall be commenced. An impoundment owner shall use commercially reasonable efforts to produce 300,000 tons of ash to specifications appropriate for cementitious products from the project.

(c) Notwithstanding any deadline for closure provided by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A-309.214, any impoundment classified as intermediate- or low-risk that is located at a site at which an ash beneficiation project is installed, operating, and processing at least 300,000 tons of ash annually from the impoundment, shall be closed no later than December 31, 2029. (2016-95, s. 1.)