Press Releases

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DEQ’s Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership Funds Eight Community Engagement and Stewardship Projects

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Secretary Reid Wilson announced today eight grants awarded through the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) to support projects that advance environmental stewardship and community engagement across the region. The APNEP Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) awarded $298,963 in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and DEQ.

Marine Fisheries Commission to meet Aug. 19-20 in Raleigh

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC) will meet Aug. 19-20 at the Doubletree by Hilton Raleigh Midtown, 2805 Highwoods Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27604. The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed on YouTube.

Precautionary swimming advisory lifted for ocean site in Oak Island where floodwater pumping occurred

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a precautionary swimming advisory in Oak Island. The advisory was lifted because floodwaters have receded, and pumping has ceased.

N.C. Coastal Resources Commission to meet Aug. 26-27

The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet Aug. 26-27 at the Dare County Government Complex, 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting online. The Coastal Resources Advisory Council (CRAC), a 20-member group that provides the CRC with local government perspectives and advice, will meet in person at 10 a.m. on Aug. 26.

State certifies Yellowfin Grouper for new state record

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) recently confirmed a new state record for Yellowfin Grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa).

Drought continues across North Carolina, with severity easing

Many areas in North Carolina received rain over the last week, continuing to ease widespread drought. However, according to the U.S.

NCDEQ to accept comments, hold hearings on dam safety rule revisions

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources is accepting comments on proposed rule changes related to its dam safety program, and will hold multiple public hearings in September to receive feedback. 

Water quality swimming advisories issued for two sound-side sites in Brunswick County

MOREHEAD CITY – Advisories against swimming were posted today at two sound-side sites in Brunswick County, where state officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.

Water quality swimming advisory lifted for sound-side site in Beaufort County

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory for a sound-side swimming area in Beaufort County.

Precautionary swimming advisory issued for ocean area in Brunswick County, where floodwater pumping has occurred

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today advised beachgoers to be aware of the floodwaters being pumped to the ocean surf in Oak Island. Surfers and swimmers should avoid these sites.

DEQ releases new online permit process for mining applications

Mining permit applications can now be processed electronically through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) AccessDEQ portal, marking another step forward in the digitization of application processes across the Department.

DEQ State Energy Office to hold public hearing on Weatherization Assistance Program annual plan

The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Energy Office (SEO) will hold a public hearing on Aug. 17 to accept public comments on the Weatherization Assistance Program’s Annual State Plan. 

DEQ now accepting electronic Title V air quality permit applications

The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is taking another step toward its goal of modernizing the state’s environmental application process by offering an electronic option to submit Title V air quality permit applications through the AccessDEQ portal.

Reminder: Register for Division of Water Infrastructure’s Fall 2026 funding application training at four locations statewide (Hickory 8/4, Asheville 8/5, Research Triangle Park/Durham 8/10, Kinston 8/12)

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Infrastructure will conduct its Fall 2026 Funding Application Training Aug. 4 - Aug. 12 at four locations statewide (Hickory, Asheville, Research Triangle Park/Durham and Kinston), including an Aug. 10 virtual option that will be recorded and posted on the Division’s website.

North Carolina Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board to meet August 5

The Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday, August 5, at 10 a.m., online via