Press Releases

As of December 1, 2018, vehicle emissions testing will no longer be required in 26 North Carolina counties. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has certified the removal of the counties from the state’s inspection and maintenance program after receiving final approval from the Environmental Protection Agency. 

DEQ Communications Director Megan Thorpe issued the following statement on test results from H.F. Lee featured in media reports on September 28, 2018:

The Division of Water Infrastructure has extended the deadline for applications for Fall 2018 water infrastructure funding to 5:00 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2018 for all funding programs. Recognizing that Hurricane Florence complicated the ability of some communities to complete their applications, the division chose to amend the original deadline.

The N.C. Division of Coastal Management has set up a temporary office in Wilmington where property owners who suffered damage from Hurricane Florence can call or visit for permitting assistance.

The Division of Waste Management has approved several one-day collection events for household hazardous waste in counties affected by Hurricane Florence.

Eight of 10 N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve sites reopened to visitors on today after closures due to Hurricane Florence.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) continues to update their dashboard snapshots daily with information from key areas of concern related to damage from Hurricane Florence. Today, aerial footage from Duke Energy Sutton Site (near Wilmington) and images from H.F. Lee (near Goldsboro) inspections were added to the dashboard.

As waters begin to recede and residents make their way back home, state environmental officials share guidance on the best methods for disposing of storm debris in the wake of Hurricane Florence.

Update on Duke Energy's Sutton facility.

Coastal property owners who need to replace docks, piers, bulkheads or similar structures damaged by Hurricane Florence along sounds, rivers and creeks may be authorized to do so more quickly through an emergency general permit offered by the N.C. Division of Coastal Management.