Press Releases

Dan River Natural Resource Trustees Seek Public Comment on Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment

As Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) trustees, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are seeking the public’s input on the draft restoration plan and environmental assessment related to the 2014 Dan River coal ash spill. The draft restoration plan considers projects to restore damaged natural resources or replace resource services lost as a result of the spill. The NRDAR process is separate from closure and cleanup activities.

North Carolina Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board August meeting cancelled; next meeting Oct. 7

RALEIGH – The state Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board meeting scheduled for Aug. 5 has been cancelled while the board continues its review of the hexavalent chromium science.

Governor Cooper Announces $112 million in Water Projects for North Carolina Communities

Governor Cooper announced the State Water Infrastructure Authority has approved $112 million in loans that will help North Carolina communities pay for 26 much-needed drinking water and wastewater projects statewide, from Murphy to Manteo.

Precautionary water quality swimming advisory issued for sound-side area in Swansboro

State recreational water quality officials today issued a precautionary advisory warning the public against swimming along the waterfront in Swansboro between the White Oak River Bridge and the Intracoastal Waterway beacon #49.

Oriental Harbor Marina joins North Carolina Clean Marina program

Oriental Harbor Marina has something to brag about. It is the newest facility certified as a North Carolina Clean Marina, a designation given to marinas that exceed minimum regulatory requirements.

Public Hearing on draft permit for Enviva Pellets Northampton facility on Aug. 20

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will host a public meeting and public hearing on Tuesday, August 20, on a draft permit for Enviva Pellets Northampton, LLC

State acquires 2,224 acres for Emily and Richardson Preyer Buckridge Coastal Reserve

The state has purchased 2,224 acres in Tyrrell County to be added to the Emily and Richardson Preyer Buckridge Coastal Reserve.

Public cautioned to avoid toxin producing algal bloom in Chowan River

State officials with the N.C. Division of Water Resources are warning the public to avoid an algal bloom on the east side of the Chowan River because of a toxin called microcystin, a type of cyanobacteria.

Water quality swimming advisory lifted for sound-side site in Dare County

The sign advising against swimming, skiing or otherwise coming into contact with the water has been removed.

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

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