Press Releases

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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

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.

Precautionary swimming advisory issued for ocean-side area in Nags Head 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 Nags Head. Surfers and swimmers should avoid these sites.

Water quality swimming advisory issued for sound-side site in Dare County MOREHEAD CITY – An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in Dare County, where state officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s

MOREHEAD CITY – An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in Dare County, where state officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.