Topics Related to Environmentally Speaking

Secretary Regan Recognizes Fort Caswell Educator Tara Whicker

DEQ Secretary Regan was at Fort Caswell on Wednesday to congratulate Tara Whicker for completing the department’s Environmental Education Certification Program and to learn more about Caswell’s educational programming.

Whicker is the coastal education assistant coordinator with the Environmental Stewardship Program at Fort Caswell. She helps facilitate field trips and teach K-12 students about coastal ecology and marine biology in a non-formal, outdoor setting.

No place for Mr. Grinch in the hearts of Division of Marine Fisheries staff

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

― Dr.

DEQ Secretary Recognizes NC State Park Ranger Billy Drakeford

DEQ Secretary Michael Regan joined NC State Parks Director Dwayne Patterson last week at William B. Umstead State Park to recognize Billy Drakeford for completing DEQ’s Environmental Education Certification.

DWM’s Employee of the Year: Elizabeth Werner -- Unparalleled Dedication and Enthusiasm That Knows No Bounds

Elizabeth Werner, a hydrogeologist in the Solid Waste Section, has been selected as the 2018 Division of Waste Management’s Employee of the Year for her unparalleled dedication to public service, exemplary scientific experience and knows-no-bounds enthusiasm for serving the state of North Carolina.

“She embodies everything that the Department of Environmental Quality stands for,” stated her nominator.

DWM Employee of the Year Finalist Spotlight: Melodi Deaver -- An Integral Part of the DWM Team

Melodi Deaver, administrative specialist in the Hazardous Waste Section’s Compliance Branch, is one of three finalists for the Division of Waste Management’s Employee of the Year Award, the recipients of which are nominated by fellow colleagues who have gone above-and-beyond in their service to the public and the regulated community, while striving to showcase the mission of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.

DWM Employee of the Year Finalist Spotlight: Jeremy Poplawski -- Epitome of a Helpful State Employee

Each year, the Division of Waste Management encourages its staff to nominate fellow colleagues who have gone above and beyond in their service to the public and the regulated community, while striving to showcase the mission of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.

Sea Level Rise and Security in the Southeast: A Film Screening and Discussion Panel

Update: View the panel discussion here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1hjL7oF2PY

As North Carolina deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Florence and the impacts of storm-related flooding, several state and national organizations are considering the long-term outlook for the coastal region.

Waste Management’s Site Locator Tool Gives Insight into Locations Across North Carolina

The Division of Waste Management has introduced a new site locator tool, a GIS-based application that consolidates all of the division's sites into one easy-to-use interactive map.

How DEQ Helped Pasquotank County Build a Top-Notch Recycling Program

Approximately $1.2 million in grant funds from three divisions since 1993 has helped develop Pasquotank County’s solid waste and recycling program into a top-notch, comprehensive program.

Pasquotank County provides solid waste and recycling services for nearly 50,000 residents who work in northeastern North Carolina and the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Its comprehensive program serves a rural area and provides collection of bulk waste, yard waste, scrap metal, refrigerant and municipal solid waste as well as recycling collection and processing for a wide-variety of materials.

Secretary Regan Recognizes Educator for Work Connecting Ecosystems and Human Health

Secretary Michael Regan joined a group of educators last week to award Jenna Hartley her N.C. Environmental Education Certificate. Hartley was at the Department of Environmental Quality’s Green Square Building to facilitate an EPA EnviroAtlas workshop for 25 educators from across the state.