Press Releases

March Madness isn’t just about basketball; it also can describe the pollen season.Pollen levels in North Carolina generally reach their highest levels in early to mid-spring when many native trees are flowering, so many pollen sufferers are approaching their most maddening season.People who are bothered by allergies may want to limit their time outdoors until pollen levels subside, particularly during early morning hours and when it is windy outside. Keeping doors and windows shut with air conditioners running will help reduce pollen levels indoors.

WHAT: Public meeting on the draft proposed coal ash risk classifications for G.G. Allen Steam StationWHEN: 6 p.m. March 22 (registration for speakers starts at 5 p.m.)WHERE: Gaston College’s Dallas Campus in the Myers Center Multipurpose Auditorium, 201 Hwy. 321 South, Dallas, N.C. 28034 The public is invited to a meeting March 22 in Dallas to provide feedback on the state’s proposed risk classifications for the coal ash ponds at Duke Energy’s G.G. Allen Steam Station.

State officials are inviting people to a public hearing March 23 to provide feedback on the draft permit Duke Energy is seeking to construct and operate an industrial landfill to handle coal ash and other wastes at the utility’s Dan River Steam Station in Rockingham County.The 6 p.m. hearing will be held in the Eden Room of the Eden Town Hall, 318 East Stadium Drive, Eden. Registration for speakers and people in attendance will start at 5 p.m.

WHAT: Public meeting on the draft proposed coal ash risk classifications for Buck Steam StationWHEN: 6 p.m. March 22 (registration for speakers starts at 5:30 p.m.)WHERE: Catawba College in the Center for the Environment Building, Room 300, 2300 West Innes St, Salisbury, NC 28144People are invited to a public meeting March 22 in Salisbury to give feedback on the state’s proposed risk classifications for the coal ash ponds at Duke Energy’s Buck Steam Station.

State environmental officials are seeking comments on the Jordan Lake water supply allocation recommendations, which are based on the Cape Fear River water supply evaluation.Approval of the recommendations will allocate around 96 percent of the water supply pool for use by Triangle communities to meet water supply needs through 2045.

As part of Governor McCrory’s commitment to protecting public health and the environment, a site in Durham that was once contaminated by dry cleaning solvents has been cleaned up and can now be evaluated for safe redevelopment.   State environmental officials informed nearby residents and others of the good news about the former One-Hour Martinizing dry cleaning business at 1103 West Club Boulevard in Durham.

WHAT: Public meeting on the draft proposed coal ash risk classifications for Roxboro and Mayo Steam Electric PlantsWHEN: 6 p.m. March 16 (registration for speakers starts at 5:30 p.m.)WHERE: Person County Government Building, 304 South Morgan St., Roxboro, N.C.People are invited to a public meeting March 16 in Roxboro to give feedback on the state’s proposed risk classifications for the coal ash ponds at Duke Energy’s Roxboro and Mayo Steam Electric Plants.

State officials will host a public hearing March 15 in Wilmington to gather comments on draft solid waste and isolated wetlands permits Duke Energy is seeking for an industrial landfill at its L.V. Sutton Energy Complex.The 6 p.m. public hearing will be held at Cape Fear Community College’s Union Station Auditorium, 502 North Front St., Wilmington. People who wish to speak can start signing in at 5 p.m.

WHAT: Public meeting on draft proposed coal ash risk classifications for the Rogers Energy Complex (Rutherford County)WHEN: 6 p.m. March 14 (Registration for speakers starts at 5:30 p.m.)WHERE: Isothermal Community College, Library Auditorium, 286 ICC Loop Rd, Spindale, NCThe public is invited to a March 14 meeting in Spindale to provide feedback on the state’s proposed risk classifications for the coal ash ponds at Duke Energy’s Rogers Energy Complex.

WHAT: Public meeting on draft proposed coal ash risk classifications for the Rogers Energy ComplexWHEN: 6 p.m. March 14 (Registration for speakers starts at 5:30 p.m.)WHERE: Boiling Springs Town Hall, 114 East College Ave., Boiling Springs, N.C.    The public is invited to a March 14 meeting in Boiling Springs to provide feedback on the state’s proposed risk classifications for the coal ash ponds at Duke Energy’s Rogers Energy Complex.