Press Releases

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources (DWR) will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the state’s Groundwater Classifications and Standards, known as rule 15A NCAC 02L .0100 – General Considerations. The hearing will be held via Webex from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021. The purpose of this public hearing is to allow interested persons to submit oral comments regarding the DWR’s proposed amendments to Permanent Rules 15A NCAC 02L .0100, which govern the protection of North Carolina’s groundwater resources.

The Division of Water Infrastructure is accepting comments on the draft Priority Rating System for Viable Utility Reserve (VUR) wastewater and drinking water construction project funding until November 1, 2021.

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality recognized the newest members of its Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI) this week for their commitment to environmental excellence during the ESI annual conference. “As members of the state’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative, these facilities have committed to going above and beyond to protect our natural resources,” said DEQ Secretary Elizabeth S. Biser. “Their efforts benefit both our environment and our economy.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) has issued a mining permit for the Scott Road Farm Mine, covering 38 acres in Jones County.

An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in New Hanover County, where state officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.  The advisory is for the public access to Masonboro Sound at the end of Florida Avenue in Carolina Beach. Test results of water samples taken on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 indicate bacteria levels that exceed the state and federal action levels of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters. 

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding anyone conducting or interested in aquaculture operations that permits are required for different activities, and they are available at no cost.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is accepting public comment on the Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment and Appendix.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will host a digital public hearing on Tuesday, October 19 on the draft Title V permit for Enviva Pellets Sampson, LLC. 

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is accepting public comment on the Draft Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) and will host an online public hearing on Wednesday, October 6.

Due to technical difficulties, the state Secretaries' Science Advisory Board will delay the meeting until 11 a.m. on Monday, October 4, via WebEx. Those who previously registered to speak do not need to register again. The state Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board will meet to discuss DEQ’s Emerging Contaminant Framework and PFAS Strategy. The Board will also continue discussion on data from the August 2021 “PFAS in NC” presentation. The public is invited to attend the meeting online or by phone.