Press Releases

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Ribbon cut at $1.6M nature-based flood reduction project in Goldsboro’s Stoney Creek Watershed

Today, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Secretary Reid Wilson and DEQ’s Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of a project that reduces chronic flooding affecting businesses, roadways and access to emergency services in Gol

NC Flood Resiliency Blueprint awards $1.1M for flood resilience projects

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Flood Resiliency Blueprint is partnering with the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF) to provide $1.1 million for three flood risk reduction projects located in Dunn, Clyde and Smithfield. 

REMINDER: State coastal agency extends comment period regarding Wilmington Harbor 403 Dredging Project to Dec. 20

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) continues to accept public comments through Dec. 20 on the review of a federal request to deepen and widen the Wilmington Harbor. The comment period for reviewing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s federal consistency determination for the proposed Wilmington Harbor 403 Navigation Project, pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act, was originally open through Dec. 5.

State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet Dec. 10 in Raleigh and via teleconference

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet in person in Raleigh and via teleconference (Webex) on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 9 am – 3 pm. The public may also listen to the meeting online or by phone.

NCDEQ launches Western NC Recovery Grants Program to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has launched the Western NC Recovery Grants Program to help communities affected by Hurricane Helene rebuild and secure long-term recovery funding.

Master Plan Update Committee of the State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet Dec. 3 by Teleconference

The Master Plan Update Committee of the State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet via teleconference on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 10 am - 12 pm. The public may listen to the meeting online or by phone.

Mandatory Harvest Reporting requirements effective today for both recreational and commercial fishermen

Today’s the day! Recreational fishermen must now report the harvest of Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, Striped Bass, Weakfish and flounder, while those fishing commercially must report all harvest, even if that harvest is not sold. This requirement only applies to fish that are kept, not fish that are released.

North Carolina Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board to meet December 3

Officials join DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson to highlight coastal resilience efforts during Outer Banks tour

Officials from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) along with local, state, federal leaders and community partners, toured key sites across the Outer Banks this week to highlight ongoing coastal resilience projects and discuss strategies to address the region’s growing climate and flooding challenges. DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson was on hand to talk to local officials and tour damage at three sites of concern in Rodanthe and Buxton, where oceanfront homes have fallen into the ocean and additional structures are threatened, and at the Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS).

NCDEQ Division of Marine Fisheries to hold public hearing on proposed shellfish leases in Carteret County Dec. 1

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a public hearing on proposed shellfish leases in Carteret County at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1. The hearing will be held in-person at the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Central District Office, 5285 Hwy 70 W, Morehead City, and by Webex.

NCDEQ celebrará una audiencia pública y extenderá el período de comentarios sobre el borrador de la declaración de impacto ambiental que acompaña a la solicitud de la ciudad de Fuquay-Varina para obtener un certificado de transferencia entre cuencas

La Comisión de Gestión Ambiental de Carolina del Norte y la División de Recursos Hídricos del Departamento de Calidad Ambiental (NCDEQ) celebrarán audiencias públicas los días 4, 9 y 11 de diciembre para escuchar comentarios sobre el borrador de la declaración de impacto ambiental que acompaña a la solicitud de la ciudad de Fuquay-Varina para obtener un certificado de transferencia entre cuencas.

Marine Fisheries Commission concludes quarterly meeting with updates on Southern Flounder and Striped Bass

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission held its quarterly business meeting this week, where members received key updates from the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries staff and took action on scheduled administrative items.

State coastal agency extends comment period regarding Wilmington Harbor 403 Dredging Project to Dec. 20

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) continues to accept public comments through Dec. 20 on the review of a federal request to deepen and widen the Wilmington Harbor. The comment period for reviewing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s federal consistency determination for the proposed Wilmington Harbor 403 Navigation Project, pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act, was originally open through Dec. 5.

UPDATED: NCDEQ Division of Water Resources to hold public hearings, extend comment period on draft environmental impact statement for Fuquay-Varina Interbasin Transfer Certificate request

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources will hold public hearings on Dec. 4, 9 and 11 to hear public comment on the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Town of Fuquay-Varina's Interbasin Transfer Certificate request. 

Dry conditions widespread in North Carolina

North Carolina is continuing to experience widespread drought and dry conditions, according to the latest advisory issued Thursday by the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC).