Press Releases

MEMO To: Interested Parties From: Megan Thorpe, Communications Director RE: Sutton Facility Sampling Results  Today, the Department of Environmental Quality posted results from water quality tests conducted on water samples taken from Duke’s Sutton facility, located near Wilmington, North Carolina on the Cape Fear River. 

To: Interested Parties From: Megan Thorpe, Communications Director, NC DEQ RE: First results from Duke’s H.F. Lee facility DEQ's Division of Water Resources staff took water samples at three locations at the H.F. Lee facility on Sept. 23: upstream, downstream and from a nearby railroad trestle at the Neuse River.

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: DEQ is continuing to sample at multiple locations in and around Duke’s H.F. Lee Facility to produce adequate data to assess drinking and groundwater quality. The first round of continuous data sampling results was received today, and that data will be released in the coming days after it has undergone thorough quality assurance and quality control.

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.