Press Releases

REMINDER: Public Hearing for UNC Chapel Hill Cogeneration Facility Air Quality Permit Modification to be Held Jan. 16

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is accepting public comment and will hold a public hearing on a draft air quality permit modification for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) cogeneration facility.

Artificial Reef Program releases five-year ocean reef enhancement plan

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries’ Artificial Reef Program has finalized its five-year timeline for ocean reef enhancements funded by Coastal Recreational Fishing License revenues.

DEQ Extends Application Deadline for Diesel Emission Reduction Grants

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is extending the deadline to apply for more than $1.1 million in funding for clean vehicle replacements.

State to hold hearing, accept comment on proposed changes to rules for wastewater plants in Tar-Pamlico River Basin

The Environmental Management Commission (EMC) is accepting public comment on proposed rule changes that would codify discharge requirements for certain existing wastewater treatment plants in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin in the rules. The rules are part of a strategy designed to manage the inputs of nutrients into the basin that can cause fish kills, harmful algal blooms and other water quality impacts.

REMINDER: N.C. Environmental Management Commission to meet Jan. 8-9

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission will meet in the Ground Floor Hearing Room of the Archdale Building in Raleigh Jan. 8-9. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting by computer or phone.

Public Invited to Comment on Oil and Gas Commission Rule Adoption, Public Hearing to be Held Jan. 7

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is currently accepting comments on adoption of rule 15A NCAC 05C, regarding pre-drilling for oil and natural gas exploration activities, through Feb. 14, 2025. The Department will host a public hearing on the proposed rule on January 7, 2025, in Raleigh.

DEQ Issues Brownfields Agreement to Town of Chapel Hill

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a signed Brownfields Agreement to the Town of Chapel Hill for the redevelopment of the Town of Chapel Hill Police Property located at 828 Martin Luther King, Jr Boulevard.

Key actions by DEQ in 2024 protected NC’s environment and public health

In 2024, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) supported communities recovering from Hurricane Helene, took actions to address PFAS contamination and continued to protect the state’s natural resources for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians.

REMINDER: Division of Coastal Management offers guidance for recycling natural Christmas trees for dune restoration

As we enter the holiday season, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management is providing guidance to property owners, organizations and towns that plan to accept natural Christmas trees for use in dune restoration. Natural Christmas trees may be used as a substitute for traditional sand fencing but must be free of decorations and should be placed in a manner that meets the state’s rules for sand fencing.

State Accepting Public Comments on Modified Air Quality Permit for International Paper – Riegelwood Mill

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ)is now accepting public comments on a draft Title V air quality permit modification for International Paper – Riegelwood Mill in Columbus County.