Press Releases

Renewal packets for fiscal year 2021 commercial and for-hire fishing licenses and permits are in the mail, and the Division of Marine Fisheries is asking fishermen to complete and return the applications without delay.

RALEIGH – After a thorough review and public participation process, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has approved the closure plans detailing the excavation of coal ash impoundments at three Duke Energy facilities – Cliffside/Rogers Energy Complex, Marshall Steam Station and Mayo Steam Station. DEQ has determined that the closure plans meet the requirements of the Coal Ash Management Act (CAMA) and are protective of public health and the environment.

The North Carolina Oil and Gas Commission meeting planned for Tuesday, May 5, has been canceled by the commission chair. 

The Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee will meet 9 a.m. May 11 by webinar

The Division of Air Quality is further extending the public comment period until May 27 on the draft air permit for the proposed Active Energy Renewable Power facility in Lumberton, in response to community concerns regarding the impact of COVID-19 on public participation.

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management (DEQ), along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will offer free asbestos soil sampling to property owners in the residential area within one-quarter mile of the former Carolina Asbestos Corporation site in Davidson.

RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary’s Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board will hold its meeting Monday, May 18, remotely via teleconference, in place of an in-person meeting. The public is invited to listen to the meeting online or by phone. Additional information, including the meeting agenda, will be made available on the Board’s website.

The N.C. Division of Coastal Management has purchased 35.6 acres in Dare County to be added to the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve.

New blue crab management measures will go into effect May 1 in North Carolina state waters

RALEIGH – The Department of Environmental Quality’s Recycling Program recently provided $665,630 in recycling business development grants to 20 North Carolina recycling companies. The grants are projected to create 61 jobs and generate more than $2 million in new, private business investments while reducing the state’s dependence on landfill disposal.