Press Releases

First-time Title V Air Quality Permit issued to Columbia Plywood Corp.

After reviewing public comments, the Division of Air Quality issued a first-time Title V air quality permit to Columbia Plywood Corporation - Columbia Carolina Division in McDowell 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 Division of Water Resources releases revised Martin Marietta permit for public notice

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) has released a revised wastewater discharge permit for Martin Marietta Materials Inc.’s Vanceboro Quarry for public comment.

DEQ continues to prioritize Helene recovery one year later

For the past 12 months, the top priority of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has been to help communities in western North Carolina recover and rebuild from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Staff from almost every division have devoted thousands of hours to the effort. DEQ has secured more than $800 million in federal and state funding, and has awarded nearly $200 million so far in grants and loans to local governments, businesses and nonprofits.

DEQ Division of Water Resources urges caution around discolored water

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources (DWR) reminds the public to avoid contact with discolored water that could indicate the presence of an algal bloom. 

North Carolina Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board to Meet October 1

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

MOREHEAD CITY – An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in Onslow County, where state officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.

DEQ Division of Water Resources to hold public hearing on rule change allowing domestic wastewater discharges into zero-flow streams

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) will hold a public hearing on Nov. 5 to hear public comment on a proposed rule change that would allow domestic wastewater discharges to zero-flow streams.

NC Oil and Gas Commission to meet Sept. 23

The North Carolina Oil and Gas Commission will meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Raleigh.

DEQ divisions of Coastal Management, Water Resources announce actions on Mid-Currituck Bridge

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) issued a Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA)/Dredge and Fill Law permit for the Mid-Currituck Bridge. In a separate action, the Division of Water Resources (DWR) issued a Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification for the bridge, a proposed 6.7-mile, two-lane toll road and bridge that would connect the mainland in Currituck County to the Outer Banks near Corolla.