Press Releases

State to Review Small Mesh Gill Net Regulations

The Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality has directed the Division of Marine Fisheries to conduct a thorough review of the regulations governing the use of small mesh gill nets in North Carolina fisheries

MEDIA ADVISORY: Meeting agenda modified due to forecasted inclement weather

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission has modified its agenda for this week’s meeting due to forecasted inclement weather.

Communities Across NC Awarded $166 Million for Water and Sewer System Improvements

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that $166 million in loans and grants to help pay for 88 critical drinking water and wastewater projects. The projects are scattered across the state and directed toward infrastructure resiliency and protection of drinking water and the environment.

Public hearings on closure plans for coal ash impoundments at Cliffside, Marshall and Allen facilities to be held Feb. 25, 26 and 27

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will hold hearings for public comment about the plan to excavate coal ash at Duke Energy’s Cliffside Steam Station, Marshall Steam Station and Allen Steam Station on Tuesday, Feb. 25 (Cliffside), Wednesday, Feb. 26 (Marshall), and Thursday, Feb. 27 (Allen). Each begins at 6 p.m.

Public Hearing Scheduled for Biltmore Farms, LLC Water Quality Certification

State officials will host a public hearing on March 19 in Asheville to gather comments on the application for a 401 water quality certification submitted to the N.C. Division of Water Resources (DWR) from Biltmore Farms, LLC.

REMINDER: Secretaries' Science Advisory Board to meet February 24

RALEIGH – The state Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board will meet on Monday, February 24, in Raleigh to discuss PFOA/PFOS and hexavalent chromium recommendations. The meeting will also include an opportunity for a public forum.

Public hearing on closure plans for coal ash impoundments at Buck Power Station to be held Feb. 24

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will hold a hearing for public comment about the plan to excavate coal ash at Duke Energy’s Buck Power Station on Monday, Feb. 24, beginning at 6 p.m.

Marine Fisheries Commission seeks applicants for Shellfish Cultivation Lease Review Committee

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking applicants for a new Shellfish Cultivation Lease Review Committee that will hear appeals of agency decisions regarding shellfish leases

REMINDER: Public comment period extended on inlet hazard area update

The N.C. Coastal Resource Commission has extended the public comment period until March 2 for proposed rulemaking intended to update Inland Hazard Area boundaries and associated development rules, including 15A NCAC 07H .0304, 7H .0306, 7H .0309, and 7H .0310. The original comment period began on Dec. 2 and was scheduled to end on Jan. 31.

Division of Marine Fisheries to begin survey of shrimp trawl fishermen

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will begin contacting shrimp trawl and skimmer trawl vessel operators in the coming weeks for a survey about the types of gear they use