Press Releases

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Drought intensifies for five N.C. counties

Drought conditions have intensified in five counties in western North Carolina, while extreme and severe drought continue across most of the state.

Flood Resiliency Blueprint seeks public input on Neuse River Basin Action Strategy

The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Flood Resiliency Blueprint program (Blueprint) wil

DEQ State Energy Office accepting applications for electric grid resilience projects

The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Energy Office (SEO) is accepting applications statewide until June 26, 2026, for projects that modernize and upgrade the electric grid.  

NCDEQ Division of Water Resources urges caution around discolored water

As the summer water recreation season 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. 

REMINDER: N. C. Coastal Resources Commission Science Panel to meet May 27

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) Science Panel will meet May 27 at the Courtyard New Bern Riverfront in New Bern to continue discussion of the proposed report on hardened coastal structures. The in-person meeting begins at noon.

State assumes management of Topsail Nature Preserve to protect coastal resources and public access

Today, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Division of Coastal Management (DCM), in partnership with the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust (NCCLT), marked the transfer of the Topsail Nature Preserve on the south end of Topsail Island to state management, ensuring the continued protection and responsible use of this ecologically significant coastal site.

DEQ announces $1.2M for flood resilience projects in Swannanoa and Rosman

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Flood Resiliency Blueprint, the state’s premier flood planning initiative, has awarded more than $1.2 million for two flood resilience projects in Swannanoa and Rosman.  

Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee to meet May 27

The N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee will meet by web conference from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, May 27.

Marine Fisheries to reopen some waters to non-exempted gill net use

On May 25, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) will reopen some internal fishing waters to gill nets managed under the State’s Endangered Species Act Section 10 Incidental Take Permit (ITP).

REMINDER: DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson to join staff, officials and conservation partners to mark transfer of Topsail Beach property to Division of Coastal Management on May 19

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) Division of Coastal Management (DCM), in partnership with the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, will host a public event to mark the transfer of The Topsail Nature Preserve to state management.  A ribbon cutting ceremony and remarks by NCDEQ Secretary Reid Wilson, state, local officials and conservation partners will be part of a brief speaking program and self-guided tour of the site.

Marine Fisheries Commission begins rulemaking for Atlantic Bonito

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC) this week voted to begin the rulemaking process for a five-fish recreational bag limit for Atlantic Bonito.

In Canton, Governor Stein and DEQ Secretary Wilson Highlight Investments to Strengthen Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

Governor Josh Stein and DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson visited Canton to share how recent funding of $3.5 million will ensure access to clean drinking water and make wastewater infrastructure more resilient.

DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson to join staff, officials and conservation partners to mark transfer of Topsail Beach property to Division of Coastal Management on May 19

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) Division of Coastal Management (DCM), in partnership with the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, will host a public event to mark the transfer of The Topsail Nature Preserve to state management.  A ribbon cutting ceremony and remarks by NCDEQ Secretary Reid Wilson, state, local officials and conservation partners will be part of a brief speaking program and self-guided tour of the site.

DEQ, Four County EMC break ground on $6.3M grid resilience project in Sampson County

Project STEEL strengthens grid reliability, saves Eastern North Carolinians millions through strategic state and federal investment

N.C. Coastal Management to conduct training for local permit officers

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) will conduct a spring training workshop May 20-21 in Swansboro for local permit officers in the central and southern regions of its 20 coastal county service area.