Press Releases

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources (DWR) will hold public hearings on June 21 and 23 to accept comments on a proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released health advisory values for four PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): GenX, PFOA, PFOS and PFBS. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are moving quickly to evaluate the state’s drinking water supplies based on these health advisories and determine appropriate next steps to assess and reduce exposure risks. 

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)’s Division of Water Resources has opened the public comment period for the reissuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permits for animal operations through July 15, 2022.

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries recently certified the first state record Pompano Dolphinfish (Coryphaena equiselis), and it may break the world record. Charles Kenneth Noonan of Sumter, S.C. caught the 11-pound, 5.4-ounce fish at an abandoned raft, about 42 miles off Ocean Isle Beach on June 8. Noonan said he is applying to the International Game Fish Association for certification of the fish as the All Tackle World Record. The current certified world record Pompano Dolphinfish weighed 8-pounds, 8-ounces, and was caught off Maryland in 2008.

The Climate Change Interagency Council will meet on June 23rd via WebEx. Members of the public are invited to participate online or by phone.  Internet access is not required to attend the meeting. 

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ Artificial Reef Program completed several reef enhancements during the last weeks in May.

The Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) released the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Level 2 Workplace Program rebates under the Volkswagen Mitigation Plan.

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will begin issuing the new Estuarine Flounder Dealer Permit on Monday, June 13. This permit will be required for seafood dealers to purchase estuarine-caught flounder from fishermen during the 2022 commercial southern flounder season this fall.

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in cooperation with the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, City of Durham, Durham County, Town of Hillsborough and Orange County will be treating the Eno River for hydrilla beginning next week through August 31, 2022.

State and federal officials together with Multistate Trust representatives will hold meetings on June 13 and 14 regarding plans for the Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp – Navassa Superfund site. Members of the public are welcome to attend the events in person or participate in the meetings online or by phone.