Press Releases

RELEASE: North Carolina Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board to delay meeting on October 4

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.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Comment period opens, public hearing scheduled for various marine fisheries rules

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is accepting public comment on proposed amendments and re-adoption of 109 rules under a state-mandated periodic review schedule.

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

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory for a sound-side swimming area in New Hanover County. 

RELEASE: Air Permits Issued for Ecolab, Inc. & Flowers Timber Company, Inc.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has issued air permits for Ecolab, Inc. in New Hanover County and Flowers Timber Company Inc. in Wayne County.

Division of Marine Fisheries to temporarily close Elizabeth City office to license sales Oct. 1

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries announced today the temporary closure of license sales through the Elizabeth City Office will go into effect on Oct. 1 and will continue until further notice. 

RELEASE: Air Permit Issued for Enviva Pellets Hamlet, LLC

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has issued a first-time Title V permit for the Enviva Pellets Hamlet facility located in Richmond County.

Five water quality swimming advisories issued in New Hanover County

Advisories against swimming were posted today at five locations in New Hanover County, where state recreational water quality 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 site in Oak Island where floodwater pumping occurred

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a precautionary swimming advisory in Oak Island. The advisory was lifted because floodwaters have rescinded, and pumping has ceased. 

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

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

Precautionary swimming advisory issued for ocean area in Oak Island where floodwater pumping has occurred

State recreational water quality officials today advised beachgoers to be aware of the floodwaters being pumped to the ocean surf in Oak Island. Surfers and swimmers should avoid these sites.