N.C. Gen. Stat. § 77-9
In case the break occurs on the lands of a different person from the one utilizing the stream, the person utilizing the stream shall have power to enter upon the lands of such other person to repair the same, and in case such person objects, the clerk of the superior court of the county in which the break occurs shall, upon application of the party utilizing the stream, appoint three disinterested freeholders, neither of whom shall be related to either party, who after being duly sworn shall lay off a road, if necessary, by which said person may pass over the lands of such other person to the break and repair said break from time to time as often as may be necessary, so as to cause the stream to return to its original channel, and assess any damage which may thereby be occasioned: Provided, the party upon whose land the work is proposed to be done shall have five days' notice in writing served on him or left at his place of residence: Provided further, that it shall be the duty of said commissioners to assess the damage of anyone on whose land the road shall be laid off to be paid by the applicant for said road: Provided, also, that either party shall have the right of appeal to the superior court.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 77-9