Press Releases

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DEQ Secretary highlights state budget investments in environmental programs

Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson welcomed the new state budget signed by Governor Josh Stein.

Flood Resiliency Blueprint seeks public input on flood resilience plans for Lumber and Tar-Pamlico river basins

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

REMINDER: State invites applications for fiscal year 2027 North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant Program

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.

DEQ, Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corp. kick off $5.9M electric grid modernization project

Today, the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Energy Office (SEO) and Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corp. (SYEMC) kicked off a $5.9 million grid modernization project.

Applications for 2026 Shellfish Lease Program due Aug. 1

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding individuals interested in leasing public coastal waters to cultivate shellfish that the 2026 Shellfish Lease & Aquaculture Program application period closes Aug. 1, 2026.

State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet July 15 in Raleigh and via Teleconference

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet in person in Raleigh and via teleconference (Webex) on Wednesday, July 15, from 9 a.m. – 4:35 p.m. The public may listen to the meeting online or by phone.

State invites applications for fiscal year 2027 North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant Program

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.

State to hold hearing, accept comment on amended facility oversight rule

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Public Water Supply Section is accepting comments through Aug. 31 on proposed changes to state rules on oversight of facilities providing supplemental water treatment.

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling recognized for environmental achievements 

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

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

La División de Recursos Hídricos del DEQ celebrará una audiencia pública sobre los impactos hídricos de la propuesta de ampliación de Castle Hayne Quarry

La División de Recursos Hídricos del Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Carolina del Norte celebrará una audiencia pública el 14 de julio para recibir comentarios del público sobre los impactos en la calidad del agua derivados de la propuesta de Martin Marietta Materials Inc., acerca de la ampliación de una cantera de piedra caliza, ubicada en Castle Hayne, Condado de New Hanover.

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

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

REMINDER: DEQ Division of Water Resources to hold public hearing on water impacts from proposed Castle Hayne Quarry expansion

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources will hold a public hearing on July 14 to accept public comments on water quality impacts from Martin Marietta Materials Inc.’s proposed expansion of a limestone quarry in Castle Hayne, located in New Hanover County.

Drought conditions continue across North Carolina

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.

NCDEQ and Sheriff’s Office promote safety, stewardship at Masonboro Island Reserve

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.