Press Releases

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

An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in Dare 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

DEQ requires Chemours to further expand sampling in the Lower Cape Fear area; public meeting to be held May 9 in Wilmington

RALEIGH – The Department of Environmental Quality is directing Chemours to further expand drinking water well sampling in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender and Columbus Counties and to prioritize specific areas for immediate sampling. Chemours is required to provide alternate water supplies based on results as specified by the Consent Order.

State Cautions Warmer Weather Increases Chances of Harmful Algal Blooms

As summertime approaches, the N.C.

Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger Rebates Available for Multi-Unit Dwellings Until Funds Exhausted

The Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) today released the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Multi-Unit Dwelling Level 2 Charging Infrastructure Program rebates under Phase 2 of the Volkswagen Mitigation Plan.

State awards annual grants to reduce air pollution from diesel vehicles

DEQ's Division of Air Quality awards $937,854 in grants for projects to reduce air pollution from diesel-powered mobile sources.

DEQ issues permit to construct second lined onsite landfill for coal ash disposal at Duke’s Allen Steam Station

RALEIGH – Following a comprehensive application review and public comment period, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management (DWM) has issued a permit to allow Duke Energy to construct and operate the second of three new, lined onsite landfills at the Allen Steam Station for the disposal of excavated coal ash.

REMINDER: State coastal commission to meet in Dare County April 28; Public hearings and Advisory Council meeting scheduled for April 27

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet April 28 at the Dare County Government Complex, 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo. A public input and comment period is scheduled for noon. At the chair’s discretion, comments may be limited to three minutes per person. The Coastal Resources Advisory Council (CRAC) will meet at 2 p.m. on April 27 at the same location. Two public hearings on Inlet Hazard Area (IHA) updates will be held, April 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hyde County Government Center, 30 Oyster Creek Road, Swan Quarter and April 27 at 4:00 p.m. at the Dare County Government Center, 954 Marshall C Collins Drive, Manteo. All meetings are open to the public.

Awards presented for outstanding source water protection efforts

The N.C. Source Water Collaborative, a statewide drinking water protection group, has announced the winners of an annual awards program recognizing individuals and organizations that protect sources of public drinking water.

DEQ accepting comments on Draft Permit for Project to Substantially Reduce PFAS Entering the Cape Fear River

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is currently accepting public comments on a draft discharge permit for a proposed groundwater treatment system at the Chemours facility that would substantially reduce PFAS entering the Cape Fear River via contaminated groundwater. 

Division of Marine Fisheries to resume onboard observations of estuarine gill net fisheries May 1

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will resume onboard observations of estuarine gill net fisheries beginning May 1. Onboard observations will be the primary method with limited use of alternative platform observations primarily conducted by Marine Patrol officers.