Press Releases

State recreational water quality officials today lifted four water quality swimming advisories at sound-side sites in New Hanover County. 

RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will host a community information session remotely via teleconference Tuesday, November 16, about current actions to prevent and remediate PFAS contamination at the Chemours Fayetteville Works Facility. The public is invited to participate by phone or online.

Nothing says fall on the coast of North Carolina like the beginning of oyster season, when people pull out the fire grates and steamer pots and get ready to slurp down a salty treat.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources (DWR) will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the state’s Groundwater Classifications and Standards, known as rule 15A NCAC 02L .0100 – General Considerations. The hearing will be held via Webex from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021. The purpose of this public hearing is to allow interested persons to submit oral comments regarding the DWR’s proposed amendments to Permanent Rules 15A NCAC 02L .0100, which govern the protection of North Carolina’s groundwater resources.

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management (DWM) will host a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, October 26, on a draft solid waste permit for the second of three new, lined landfills at the Allen Steam Station in Gaston County. The draft permit will include Duke Energy’s construction and operation of the second landfill (called the South Starter Landfill) for the disposal of excavated coal ash at the Allen Steam Station. Members of the public are invited to attend the public hearing online or by phone and provide their comments on the proposed permit

The Division of Water Infrastructure is accepting comments on the draft Priority Rating System for Viable Utility Reserve (VUR) wastewater and drinking water construction project funding until November 1, 2021.

An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in New Hanover County, where state officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.  The advisory is for the public access to Masonboro Sound at the end of Florida Avenue in Carolina Beach. Test results of water samples taken on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 indicate bacteria levels that exceed the state and federal action levels of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters. 

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) has issued a mining permit for the Scott Road Farm Mine, covering 38 acres in Jones County.

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality recognized the newest members of its Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI) this week for their commitment to environmental excellence during the ESI annual conference. “As members of the state’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative, these facilities have committed to going above and beyond to protect our natural resources,” said DEQ Secretary Elizabeth S. Biser. “Their efforts benefit both our environment and our economy.

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding anyone conducting or interested in aquaculture operations that permits are required for different activities, and they are available at no cost.