Press Releases

DAQ Announces First Funding Awards from NC Volkswagen Settlement Phase 2 Program

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is awarding $255,000 in rebates to public and private organizations to install publicly accessible zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) chargers across the state.

RELEASE: DEQ and NC Collaboratory Announce Fellowship Program

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in partnership with the North Carolina Collaboratory today announced the DEQ Applied Research Fellowship to advance the science of PFAS in our state. This unique fellowship program will strengthen the partnership between state regulators and academic experts on a priority issue that impacts many North Carolinians.

REMINDER: Public Hearings Scheduled for Chemours Draft Permit to Address Groundwater Contamination

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources (DWR) will hold public hearings on June 21 and 23 to accept comments on a proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (

Comment period open for reissuance of Animal Operations NPDES permits

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)’s Division of Water Resources has opened the public comment period for the reissuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permits for animal operations through July 15, 2022.

State agencies responding to release of EPA health advisories for four PFAS compounds

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released health advisory values for four PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): GenX, PFOA, PFOS and PFBS. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are moving quickly to evaluate the state’s drinking water supplies based on these health advisories and determine appropriate next steps to assess and reduce exposure risks. 

State certifies first state record Pompano Dolphinfish, and it may be a world record

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries recently certified the first state record Pompano Dolphinfish (Coryphaena equiselis), and it may break the world record.

Climate Change Interagency Council to meet virtually June 23

The Climate Change Interagency Council will meet on June 23rd via WebEx.

Workplaces Can Apply for State Rebates for Level 2 Electric Vehicle Chargers

The Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) released the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Level 2 Workplace Program rebates under the Volkswagen Mitigation Plan.

Division of Marine Fisheries completes several artificial reef projects

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ Artificial Reef Program completed several reef enhancements during the last weeks in May.

Treatment of Invasive Plant in Eno River Begins Next Week

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in cooperation with the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, City of Durham, Durham County, Town of Hillsborough and Orange County will be treating the Eno River for hydrilla beginning next week through August 31, 2022.