Press Releases

Three North Carolina Coastal Reserve sites close to reduce risk of the spread of COVID-19

The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve will close select reserve sites to visitors effective April 3 at 7:30 p.m. to protect public safety and reduce the spread of COVID-19, and to support current state and local restrictions and guidance. Closures specifically apply to wet/dry beaches and uplands at the sites, while waters remain accessible for visitors to navigate through and utilize for recreational activities as long as they follow social distancing and gathering restrictions and guidelines

REMINDER: Marine Fisheries accepting comments on two diamondback terrapin management areas; Southern Regional Advisory Committee will meet by teleconference on April 8

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is accepting public comments on two proposed diamondback terrapin management areas

MEDIA ADVISORY: State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet via Webex April 8

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet Wednesday, April 8. The meeting will be conducted remotely, via WebEx, in place of an in-person meeting.

RESCHEDULED: Hazardous waste renewal permit public hearing for the U.S. Coast Guard Base in Elizabeth City

RALEIGH – The public hearing scheduled for the issuance of a hazardous waste draft renewal operating permit for the U.S.

CANCELED: Hazardous waste renewal permit public hearing for the former DuPont Brevard facility

RALEIGH – The public hearing scheduled for the issuance of a hazardous waste renewal permit for corrective action at the former DuPont Brevard facility on Wednesday, April 8, at the Transylvania County Public Library has been canceled based on the current guidance to help minimize the spread

Memo: State Environmental Enforcement during COVID-19

During the current public health crisis, DEQ continues to protect air quality, water quality and human health under all state environmental rules and regulations.

Division of Marine Fisheries offices closed to the public; fishing license sales continue by phone and mail

N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries offices are closed to the public until further notice, based on the current guidance to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Comment Period Extended on Draft Air Permit for Proposed Active Energy Renewable Power Facility

The Division of Air Quality is further extending the public comment period until April 27 on the draft air permit for the proposed Active Energy Renewable Power facility in Lumberton.  

Marine Fisheries accepting comments on two diamondback terrapin management areas; Southern Regional Advisory Committee will meet by teleconference on April 8

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is accepting public comments on two proposed diamondback terrapin management areas in the southern coastal area of the state, where fishermen will be required to use turtle excluders in crab pots.

Water Quality Committee to hold meeting via WebEx March 31

The Chairman of the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) has called a special meeting of the Water Quality Committee to be held Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at 1 p.m. The meeting will be held via WebEx based on the current guidance to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.