Press Releases

N.C. Environmental Management Commission to Meet May 12 & 13

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) will meet remotely Wednesday and Thursday, May 12 and 13, by teleconference. The public is invited to attend the meetings online or by phone. Committee Meetings Wednesday, May 12, 2021 link to join meeting

DEQ issues Buffer Authorization for RDU Airport Authority Perimeter Fence

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Division of Water Resources (Division) has approved a buffer authorization request by the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority (RDUAA) for a proposed enhanced security perimeter fence.

New permit facilitates transfer of shellfish for restoration projects

A new Division of Marine Fisheries permit makes it possible for shellfish lease holders to sell oysters and other shellfish to government agencies, environmental organizations, and others for use on manmade oyster reefs, living shorelines, and other restoration endeavors.

Assistance totaling more than $5.2 million distributed to eligible fishing stakeholders for COVID relief

More than $5.2 million in financial assistance is on its way to eligible members of the fishing industries who sustained income losses in the spring of 2020 due to COVID-19.

Anglers reminded they can donate fish carcasses to science

The fish are biting, and the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding anglers that they can donate their fish carcasses to science.

State Reissues Denial of Water Quality Certification for MVP Southgate Pipeline

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) has reissued and supplemented the denial of the request for a 401 Water Quality Certification and Jordan Lake Riparian Buffer Authorization for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) Southgate project, originally issued on August 11, 2020.

Newly amended rules take effect May 1

Newly amended rules pertaining to special secondary nursery areas will go into effect Saturday, May 1.

Kathy Rawls will be new director of Division of Marine Fisheries

When Kathy Rawls becomes the new director of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries on May 1, she will have plenty of experience to draw on. Rawls has been with the Division for more than 25 years, the past seven as the Fisheries Management section chief.

N. C. Communities Awarded $27 Million in Water Infrastructure Projects

The State Water Infrastructure Authority has approved $27 million in grants that will help pay for 17 water infrastructure projects statewide. 

REMINDER: State coastal commission will meet April 28 by video conference

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet April 28 by video conference. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. The public may join the meeting by computer or phone.