Press Releases

DEQ Announces Action Strategy for PFAS

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality announced the agency’s Action Strategy for PFAS today during an event in Wilmington.

2022 Recreational Flounder season announced for Sept. 1-30

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries today announced that the 2022 recreational flounder season will open at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 1 and close at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 30.

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

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

REMINDER: State coastal commission to meet by web conference June 8

The N. C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet June 8 at 1 p.m. by web conference. An additional agenda item has been added. The public may join the meeting by computer or phone.

State certifies first state record Graysby Grouper

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries recently certified the first state record Graysby Grouper (Cephalopholis cruentata).

Public hearing scheduled July 21 on wind energy facility application in Chowan County

The Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) will hold a public hearing on July 21, 2022, on an application by Timbermill Wind, LLC, to construct a 189-megawatt wind energy facility in Chowan County.

Various readopted marine fisheries rules take effect today

Thirty-seven readopted fisheries rules become effective today, but most fishermen will see very little change.

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.

DEQ accepting public comment on updated Public Participation Plan

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is accepting public comments on a 2022 update to the DEQ Public Participation Plan. The Public Participation Plan includes best practices for community engagement, enhanced outreach methods and additional community resources.

State coastal commission to meet by web conference June 8

The N. C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet June 8 at 1 p.m. by web conference. The public may join the meeting by computer or phone.