Press Releases

For the first time since Aug. 8, 2023, there are no counties in North Carolina listed in drought status, according to the DMAC. However, all or parts of five counties were still listed as “abnormally dry:” Cherokee, Clay, Dare, Graham and Macon.

Net emissions of greenhouse gases have fallen 38% between 2005 and 2020 in North Carolina, according to the latest update of the state Greenhouse Gas Inventory, released today by the Department of Environmental Quality.The inventory contains detailed estimates of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in key source categories from 1990 to 2020, the most recent year for which historical data are consistently available. This update also projects GHG emissions through 2050 for the first time.Key takeaways in the updated inventory:

Telephone numbers at the Division of Coastal Management (DCM) office in Elizabeth City have changed. The new main number is 252-621-6450.

The N.C. Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has certified its latest North Carolina Clean Marina, a designation given to marinas that exceed minimum regulatory requirements. Ocean Isle Marina in Brunswick County received certification in January.

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries recently certified a new state record for White Perch (Morone americana).

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Standard Commercial Fishing License Eligibility Board will meet by teleconference at 10:30 a.m. April 9. The board will consider license applications that are deemed complete and submitted by March 13. 

The Coastal Resources Commission has extended the public comment period on several proposed temporary rules until Feb. 22.

The City of Burlington has notified the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources of elevated 1,4 dioxane levels discharged into the Haw River from the South Burlington Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will hold a public hearing on a draft Title V air quality permit for Anson Gas Producers, LLC.The in-person public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 27. Anyone unable to attend the hearing may submit written comments until March 1.Public Hearing on Anson Gas Producers Draft Air Quality Permit

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has named Tancred Miller as the new director of the Division of Coastal Management (DCM) effective Jan. 29.