Press Releases

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NCDEQ to accept comments, hold hearings on dam safety rule revisions

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources is accepting comments on proposed rule changes related to its dam safety program, and will hold multiple public hearings in September to receive feedback. 

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

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

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

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory for a sound-side swimming area in Beaufort County.

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.

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.