Press Releases

State and federal partners, led by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP), have published a map of the extent and density of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in North Carolina’s sounds during 2013. SAV, also known as seagrasses or underwater grasses, improve water clarity and quality, decrease shoreline erosion, and are an essential habitat for many fishery and wildlife species.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) continues to investigate the presence of PFAS compounds in groundwater wells located in New Hanover County.

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

The Emily and Richardson Preyer Buckridge Coastal Reserve site near Columbia reopened to visitors today after closure due to Hurricane Dorian.

Forty-five counties in the western and central parts of the state are experiencing a moderate drought due to lack of adequate rainfall, according to Thursday’s federal drought map.

State recreational water quality officials today are alerting the public that initial testing at a sound-side site in Carteret County showed levels of bacteria exceeding the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality swimming standards.

The state Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board will meet on Monday, October 7, in Raleigh to discuss methyl bromide, hexavalent chromium and the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rul

The Department of Environmental Quality is actively investigating a spill at the Fayetteville Works facility.  At this time, it appears an unknown quantity of plasticizer, a non-PFAS compound, was discharged into the Cape Fear River from Kuraray Americas, which shares the site with Chemours. All downstream drinking water facilities were notified Tuesday afternoon.

The State Water Infrastructure Authority approved $200,000 in emergency funding for the town of Eureka at its emergency meeting held via conference call today.

An emergency meeting of the State Water Infrastructure Authority will take place via conference call on Wednesday, Sept. 25.  The meeting audio will be open to the public at the Archdale Building, 8th floor, Room 826V, 512 North Salisbury Street in Raleigh.