Press Releases

REMINDER: State coastal commission to hold special meeting July 16

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet by conference call on Thursday, July 16 at 11 a.m.

Water Challenge: DEQ and The North Carolina Arboretum ecoEXPLORE Launch Citizen Science Badge Program for Kids  

ecoEXPLORE, an initiative of The North Carolina Arboretum that encourages kids to connect with the outdoors and engage in citizen science online, is partnering with the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in a new badge challenge for kids centered on hydrology and aquatic habitats.

Public comment being accepted through August 10 on Chemours permit to keep PFAS out of Cape Fear River

RALEIGH – The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on a draft discharge permit for a water treatment system at the Chemours Fayetteville Works site to remove PFAS contamination. Chemours is required under the terms of paragraph 12(e) of the Consent Order to reduce by at least 99% PFAS in the groundwater flowing from the site through Old Outfall 002 into the Cape Fear River and downstream intakes.  

State coastal commission to hold special meeting July 16

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet by conference call on Thursday, July 16 at 11 a.m.

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

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory at a sound-side site in Carteret County.

Marine Fisheries Division encourages donation of red snapper carcasses and catch reporting; new requirements for circle hooks, descending devices going into effect for all snapper grouper fishing

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will collect red snapper carcasses from recreational fishermen during the upcoming red snapper season.

RELEASE: Public Hearing on Draft Air Quality Permits for Carolina Sunrock LLC to be held on August

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will host a remote public hearing for Monday, August 3, 2020, on the draft permits for two proposed Carolina Sunrock LLC facilities. Members of the public can comment during the August 3 hearing by telephone or online.  

N.C. Environmental Management Commission to meet July 8 - 9, 2020

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) will meet remotely Wednesday and Thursday, July 8-9 by teleconference. The public is invited to attend the meetings online or by phone. Agendas for the committee meetings on Wednesday and the full commission meeting on Thursday are available here

REMINDER: State encourages social and community responsibility if considering July Fourth holiday at Masonboro Island Reserve

The N.C. Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is urging the public not to celebrate Independence Day at Masonboro Island Reserve this year due to the potential spread of COVID-19 from mass gatherings. Those who do plan to visit the reserve for the July Fourth holiday should act responsibly by observing social distancing measures, including the current state requirement to wear face coverings in public

State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet July 8 via teleconference

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet Wednesday, July 8 at 9:00 a.m., remotely, via teleconference.