North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 143. State Departments, Institutions, and Commissions § 143-215.9E. Initial consideration of complaint

(a) When a complaint alleging a violation of this Article is filed with the Department, the Department may, at its sole discretion, request additional information to be provided by the complainant within a specified period of time of no less than seven business days.

(b) The Department may decline to accept or further investigate a complaint about an agricultural operation if, after an initial assessment of the complaint, the Department finds reasonable grounds to believe that the complaint is frivolous or was filed in bad faith.