N.C. Gen. Stat. § 156-7: Earth for construction of dam; removal of dam.

The earth necessary for the erection of a dam may be taken from either side of it, or wherever else the commissioners may designate and allow. And such dam may be removed by the proprietor of the land, his heirs or assigns, to any other part of his lands, and he may adjoin any dam of his own thereto, if allowed by the court on a petition and such proceedings therein as are provided in this Chapter, as far as the same may apply to his case: Provided always, that the usefulness of the dam will not be thereby impaired or endangered. (R.C., c. 40, s. 5; Code, s. 1301; Rev., s. 3987; C.S., s. 5266.)