Press Releases

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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.

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

Comment period opens, public hearing scheduled for one marine fisheries rule.

Comment period opens, public hearing scheduled for one marine fisheries rule.

Gov. Stein, AG Jackson, and DEQ Sec. Wilson Oppose EPA-Chemours Backroom PFAS Deal in Court

Today, Gov. Josh Stein, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, and DEQ Sec. Reid Wilson filed comments opposing the proposed PFAS deal between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Chemours. The comments urge the federal government to withdraw the proposed settlement, which would do almost nothing to address the damage Chemours has done in North Carolina.

REMINDER: State invites applications for fiscal year 2027 North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant Program; Deadline Aug. 28

The NC Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is accepting applications for FY2027 funding through the North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program. The BIG Program provides competitive grant funding to construct, renovate and maintain boating infrastructure serving transient recreational vessels 26 feet or longer.

Governor Stein Provides Update on Drought Conditions in North Carolina

Today Governor Josh Stein and Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson provided an update on ongoing drought conditions.

NC Oil and Gas Commission to Meet August 4

The North Carolina Oil and Gas Commission will meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, in Raleigh.

EMC Water Quality Committee to hold special meeting virtually on Aug. 4

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission Water Quality Committee will hold a special virtual meeting at 2 p.m. on Aug. 4. Members of the public may attend by computer or phone.  

Standard Commercial Fishing License applications due Sept. 21 for review this fall

The application deadline is approaching for those who wish to be considered for a Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) this fall. The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries SCFL Eligibility Board will meet Oct. 14 to consider license applications that are deemed complete and submitted by Sept. 21.

Precautionary swimming advisory lifted for ocean site in Nags Head where floodwater pumping occurred

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

Water quality swimming advisories lifted for two sites in Dare County

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted two swimming advisories in Dare County.

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

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory at a sound-side site in Carteret County.