Press Releases

State environmental officials have issued a permit that is needed to safely close coal ash ponds in Catawba county. The permit allows Duke Energy to begin draining water from its coal ash ponds at the Marshall Steam Station in Hickory, a necessary first step toward safely closing the ponds.

State officials are reminding the public to avoid contact with green water in the Chowan River, as algal blooms linger from Edenton Bay to the upstream town of Colerain.

The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission will meet Sept. 13 and 14 at the New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Drive in Wilmington. The meeting will begin at 1:15 p.m. on Sept. 13 and 9 a.m. on Sept. 14. The meeting is open to the public.

State environmental officials have notified well owners within half a mile of coal ash facilities that they will receive a permanent alternate drinking water supply.  The notification went out by letter this week to about 1,000 households.

State environmental officials are asking the public to provide input on proposed draft stormwater permits for two Duke Energy Progress facilities in Person County.

State officials are seeking public feedback on proposed draft water quality permits for two Duke Energy facilities located in Person County.

The state environmental agency will hold a public hearing on a proposed water quality permit for Duke Energy Progress’ Dan River Combined Cycle Station on Aug. 31.

The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission has fast-tracked the review schedule for two state fishery management plans.

State officials are urging people to avoid contact with potentially harmful algal blooms that extend from the Pamlico River to more than a dozen of its tributaries.

State and federal environmental agencies are inviting public feedback on a plan to clean up remaining environmental contamination at a Superfund site in Columbus County.