Press Releases

Severe drought conditions impact 31 counties in North Carolina

North Carolina’s Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) has expanded its Severe Drought category (D2 classification) for parts of 31 counties as of Nov. 7. Impacted counties range from Cherokee County in the west to Moore County in the east. Severe Drought is the second category of the four drought classifications based on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Portions of an additional 39 counties in western North Carolina are considered to be in Moderate Drought category (D1 classification).

N.C. Sedimentation Control Commission to meet Nov. 16

The North Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission will meet at 10 a.m. on Nov. 16. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting by computer or phone.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Marine Fisheries Standard Commercial Fishing License Eligibility Board to meet

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Standard Commercial Fishing License Eligibility Board will meet by teleconference at 10 a.m. Nov. 13. The board will consider one license application that was tabled at the Oct. 25 meeting.

NCDEQ Launches Survey to Inform 10-Year Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking feedback from stakeholders and the public to develop an action-based, achievable, and inclusive Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan for the 2024-2034 cycle.

DEQ to Hold Public Information Sessions on the Federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Opportunity

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality will hold a series of public information sessions in November and December to provide information and gather feedback on the Department's planned application for the federal

State officials award more than $2.8 million to improve public beach and coastal waterfront access

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management has awarded more than $2.8 million to nine local governments to improve public access to coastal beaches and waters for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Marine Fisheries Commission to meet Nov. 15-17 in Emerald Isle

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet in-person Nov. 15-17 at the Islander Hotel and Resort, 102 Islander Dr., Emerald Isle. The meeting will also be livestreamed on YouTube.

Western NC Wildfires Prompt Code Red Air Quality

Wildfire smoke in western North Carolina may be producing unhealthy air quality in at least five counties, and residents are urged to take precautions.

State coastal commission to meet in Beaufort Nov. 9; Advisory Council to meet Nov. 8

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet Nov. 9 at the Beaufort Hotel, 2440 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m., and a public comment period is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. At the chair’s discretion, comments may be limited to 3 minutes per person. Prior to the commission meeting, the Coastal Resources Advisory Council (CRAC) will meet Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. at the same location. Both meetings are open to the public.

Severe drought conditions in North Carolina expand to 15 western counties

North Carolina’s Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) has expanded its Severe Drought category (D2 classification) for parts of 15 counties as of Oct. 31.