Topics Related to NCDEQ

As drought conditions continue across North Carolina heading into the Fourth of July weekend, the public is encouraged to continue to follow water supply restrictions set by their local water systems.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office are urging the public to act responsibly during the upcoming July Fourth holiday at the Masonboro Island Reserve, a research and dedicated state nature preserve. In preparation for the holiday, the state coastal agency and the sheriff’s office are working together to provide public safety resources and increase public awareness of responsible visitor behavior on the island and surrounding waters. 

DAQ will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on two draft air quality permits for separate facilities in Richmond County related to powering a proposed data center.

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson joined Division of Coastal Management (DCM) staff, state and local officials, and community partners on May 1 for a visit to the Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve as part of the ongoing Discover the N.C. Coastal Reserve Tour.
The event marked the fifth stop in the multi-year Discover the N.C. Coastal Reserve campaign, which highlights the importance of the N.C. Coastal Reserve’s 10 sites and programs and their role in protecting North Carolina’s coastal resources for future generations.

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources (DWR) reminds the public to avoid contact with discolored water that could indicate the presence of an algal bloom. 

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission will meet July 8-9 in the Ground Floor Hearing Room of the Archdale Building in Raleigh. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting by computer or phone.  

The N.C. Mining Commission will meet in Raleigh on July 7, 2026 for its regular quarterly meeting. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m.

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) Science Panel today released its report examining oceanfront hardened structures and shoreline stabilization approaches along North Carolina’s coast at its regular meeting in New Bern. The findings will provide scientific and technical information to support future discussions regarding shoreline management.

Drought conditions have intensified in central North Carolina, with parts of 10 counties in and around the Triangle now classified as experiencing exceptional drought. The majority of the rest of the state remains in extreme and severe drought.

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet June 18 at the Double Tree New Bern Riverfront, 100 Middle St., New Bern. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting online.

The CRC Science Panel will present its findings regarding oceanfront hardened structures.