The Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 (SPCA) is a
North Carolina law regulating activities that disturb natural
ground cover. It authorizes local governments to enact
ordinances regulating construction activity to prevent erosion
and pollution by sediment and allows parties injured by activity
in violation of the law to recover damages. In Applewood
Properties, LLC, et al. v. New South Properties, LLC, et al.,
decided March 20, 2012, the North Carolina Court of Appeals
reviewed an order by the trial court granting summary judgment
to defendants and dismissing SPCA claims filed against the
defendants. The court found that while the defendants may have
engaged in soil disturbing activities, there was no sediment
deposited into water as a result of those activities.