Press Releases

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) will meet remotely Wednesday and Thursday, July 8-9 by teleconference. The public is invited to attend the meetings online or by phone. Agendas for the committee meetings on Wednesday and the full commission meeting on Thursday are available here

The N.C. Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is urging the public not to celebrate Independence Day at Masonboro Island Reserve this year due to the potential spread of COVID-19 from mass gatherings. Those who do plan to visit the reserve for the July Fourth holiday should act responsibly by observing social distancing measures, including the current state requirement to wear face coverings in public

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet Wednesday, July 8 at 9:00 a.m., remotely, via teleconference.

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet Wednesday, July 8 at 9:00 a.m., remotely, via teleconference. The public may listen to the meeting by phone.

The N.C. Division of Water Resources (DWR) is urging the public to avoid contact with green or blue water, specifically in the Albemarle Sound and adjoining waterbodies, after receiving reports of discolored water observed in Edenton, Rocky Hock and Elizabeth City. Division staff are monitoring the blooms and have sent samples to the Water Sciences Section for analysis.

The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) has partnered with the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs (NCCIA) and others to support Tribal communities in the Albemarle-Pamlico region in considering climate resilience during community planning.

The N.C. Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is urging the public not to celebrate Independence Day at Masonboro Island Reserve this year due to the potential spread of COVID-19 from mass gatherings. Those who do plan to visit the reserve for the July Fourth holiday should act responsibly by observing social distancing measures, including the current state requirement to wear face coverings in public.  

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acting as Natural Resource Trustees, have released the final Phase 1 Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment that identifies 10 projects, totaling $12 million, to offset environmental harm due to releases at the Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp. Superfund site in Navassa.

The N.C. Division of Coastal Management (DCM) and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office are urging the public not to celebrate Independence Day at Masonboro Island Reserve this year due to the potential spread of COVID-19 from mass gatherings. Those who do plan to visit the reserve for the July Fourth holiday should act responsibly by observing social distancing measures, including the current state requirement to wear face coverings in public.  

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has reopened the public comment period for the coal ash closure plan at the Buck Power station in Rowan County. The closure plan is required under the Coal Ash Management Act (CAMA). Due to an issue with delivery of public comments submitted to DEQ by email, DEQ asks anyone who submitted comments by email previously to resubmit those comments.