Press Releases

Eighty readopted marine fisheries rules become effective today, though these rules should have minimal impact on fishing practices. The rules pertain to standards for commercial shellfish sanitation and processing procedures, and most of the amendments simply codify existing practices or regulations already implemented via proclamation.

Three advisory committees of the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet in April to discuss a proposal to protect Submerged Aquatic Vegetation through shrimp trawl area closures. The meetings will be held in person and livestreamed on YouTube.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is now accepting public comments on a draft Title V air quality permit for the Alamance County Landfill.Comments will be accepted through April 24.

The open burning of trash, metal, plastic and all other man-made materials not only harms the environment and poses a public health risk, it’s against state law.The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality is reminding North Carolinians: If it doesn’t grow, don’t burn it. Open burning is only allowed in limited circumstances and only for vegetative materials like leaves, limbs and yard debris.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management is accepting public comment on a draft Solid Waste Permit for a horizontal and vertical expansion at the Union County Construction and Demolition Debris Landfill.  A public hearing is scheduled for April 3, 2024.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality is now accepting public comments on a draft Title V air quality permit for CTI of North Carolina, Inc. - Wilmington Terminal, an existing gasoline and fuel oil terminal at 1312 S. Front St., Wilmington in New Hanover County. This new permit, which does not include any operational changes but does increase the permit class for the facility, is required due to an ownership change.Public comments will be accepted until April 14.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources is now accepting public comment on the proposed list of streams, rivers, reservoirs and other water bodies in North Carolina considered to be “impaired,” or that do not meet water quality standards, in 2024.  

The Division of Marine Fisheries license office in Wilmington will close at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 15. The office will reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday March 18.

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) Science Panel is scheduled to meet via web conference on March 15 at 10 a.m. to continue its review of Inlet Hazard Area boundaries and recent studies and data on sea level rise. The public may listen to the meeting by computer or phone.

Are you interested in learning more about southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) in North Carolina? Sign up to attend the North Carolina Southern Flounder Symposium.