CBI mediated a Title VI case between the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Complainants to address concerns regarding disproportionate impact on disadvantaged communities near concentrated feeding operations for swine. The alternative dispute resolution mediation process took place over 13 months and involved the DEQ and multiple environmental groups including the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network (NCEJN), Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help and Waterkeeper Alliance. 

The state has agreed to make changes to its permitting for hog waste, including air and water quality monitoring to better assess the impacts from operations on the surrounding communities. Additionally, the state will develop more robust public participation policy, include more stakeholder outreach in permit reviews, and has appointed a new Title VI coordinator to ensure compliance with civil rights laws more broadly. 

EPA reviewed and approved the settlement on May 7, 2018.