Press Releases

State Increases Reporting Requirements in Final Air Quality Permit to Moriah Energy Center

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has issued an air quality permit to Moriah Energy Center, adding stronger reporting requirements to the final permit in response to public comments.

Broad River Basin Plan public comment period extended through Nov. 22

Due to the impacts Hurricane Helene has had on several of the river basins in Western North Carolina, the public comment period for the 2024 Broad River Basin Plan has been extended to November 22, 2024.

New Endangered Species Act Section 10 Incidental Take Permit issued by National Marine Fisheries Service for Sea Turtles and Sturgeon

The Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries has received a new Endangered Species Act Section 10 Incidental Take Permit (ITP) from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The ITP authorizes a limited number of incidental takes of sea turtles and sturgeon in internal Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters for estuarine gill net fisheries with the exceptions of runaround/strike/drop and drift gill nets.

Water quality swimming advisory lifted for sound-side site in New Hanover County

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory at a sound-side site in New Hanover County.

Habitat and Water Quality Committee to meet Oct. 16

The Habitat and Water Quality Advisory Committee of the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet Oct.16 at 6 p.m. at the Division of Marine Fisheries Central District Office. Also, the meeting will be livestreamed to YouTube.

Marine Fisheries Commission seeks advisers

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is looking for commercial and recreational fishermen, scientists, and other interested parties to sit on various fisheries advisory committees.

Water quality swimming advisory issued for sound-side site in Dare County

MOREHEAD CITY – An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in Dare County, where state officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.

Precautionary swimming advisory lifted for ocean-side areas in Bald Head and Oak Islands where floodwater pumping occurred

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a precautionary swimming advisory in Bald Head Island and in Oak Island. The advisory is being lifted because floodwaters have receded, and pumping has ceased.

Marine Fisheries Commission Nominating Committee to meet Oct. 17

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Nominating Committee will meet at the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Central District Office conference room on Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.

Comment period opens, public hearing scheduled for eight marine fisheries rules

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is accepting public comment on eight proposed rules pertaining to the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, false albacore management and pot marking requirements. A public hearing will be held by web conference on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. A listening station will be established at the NCDEQ Division of Marine Fisheries Central District Office at 5285 Highway 70 West, Morehead City.