Press Releases

Water quality swimming advisory issued for sound-side site in Dare County

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

Awards presented for outstanding source water protection efforts

The N.C. Source Water Collaborative, a statewide drinking water protection group, has announced the winners of an annual awards program recognizing individuals and organizations that protect sources of public drinking water.

Mining permit issued for Hood Creek Soils

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) has issued a mining permit for the Hood Creek Soils mining operation, covering 24 acres in Caldwell County.

Marine Fisheries asks anglers to help with data collection during cobia season

The recreational cobia fishing season will open May 1 in North Carolina waters, and the Division of Marine Fisheries is asking anglers for help with data collection.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Comment period opens, public hearing scheduled for marine fisheries joint rules

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is accepting public comment on proposed amendments and re-adoption of nine rules under a state-mandated periodic review schedule. The rules are proposed for readoption without changes and pertain to joint fishing waters that are managed jointly with the N.C.

REMINDER: DEQ will host two public meetings on Digester System General Permits this week

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)’s Division of Water Resources is holding two public meetings this week on draft Animal Waste Management Digester System General Permits, an in-person public meeting on Tuesday in Statesville and an online meeting (via Webex) on Thursday. Members of the public are invited to attend and submit comments on the draft permits. Spanish interpretation will be provided during the Webex on a call-in line provided below.

REMINDER: State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet April 13-14 in Asheboro and via WebEx

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet in Asheboro on Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 14. The public may listen to the meeting online or by phone.

FY 2023 Marine Fisheries license sales/renewal period begins April 18

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will begin renewing commercial fishing, seafood dealer, and for-hire licenses and permits on April 18.

Recreational black sea bass season reopens May 15 North of Cape Hatteras with new regulations

The recreational black sea bass fishing season will open May 15 in both federal and North Carolina waters north of Cape Hatteras.

REMINDER: DEQ will host two additional public meetings on Digester System General Permits in April

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)’s Division of Water Resources is holding two additional public meetings in April on draft Animal Waste Management Digester System General Permits. In addition to two held this week in Sampson and Duplin counties, a third meeting will be held in-person and a fourth will be online via Webex. Members of the public are invited to attend and submit comments on the draft permits.