Press Releases

The Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) will conduct an online public hearing October 28, 2021 on proposed revisions to the Environmental Management Commission’s (EMC) Fresh Surface Water Quality Standards for Class C Waters in 15A NCAC 02B .0211 to adopt a site-specific standard for chlorophyll-a in High Rock Lake. Written public comments are being accepted through November 15, 2021.

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory at a sound-side site in Carteret County.

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.

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) will meet remotely Wednesday and Thursday, September 8 and 9. The public is invited to attend the meeting online or by phone. Access to EMC Meetings

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission voted Thursday to approve the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment for public comment and advisory committee review. The overarching goal of the CHPP is long-term enhancement of coastal fisheries through habitat protection and enhancement efforts. The 2021 Amendment contains a suite of recommendations focused on achieving this goal.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is undertaking an enforcement action against Chemours for exceeding the facility wide GenX annual air emissions limit.

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 Northampton facility located in Northampton County. The facility is required to obtain a Title V permit under the terms of its current operating permit. The Title V permit does not include any significant operational changes or changes to the facility’s potential to emit.

Today the North Carolina Senate voted to confirm Governor Roy Cooper’s appointment of Elizabeth S. Biser as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality. She is the first woman to be confirmed for the role of DEQ Secretary. “I am ready to get to work on the issues that matter to the people of North Carolina,” said Secretary Biser.  “I thank Governor Cooper for the opportunity to return to this department as Secretary and I look forward to working with the General Assembly and all of our stakeholders to protect our environment and our economy.”

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a precautionary advisory warning the public against swimming along the waterfront in Swansboro between the White Oak River Bridge and the Intracoastal Waterway beacon #49. 

An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in Carteret 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.