Press Releases

Key Actions by DEQ in 2023 protected NC’s environment and public health

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) achieved milestones this year in its mission to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Marine Fisheries Commission advisory committees to meet in January

The five advisory committees of the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet in January to discuss various fisheries topics. The meetings will be held in person and livestreamed on YouTube.

N.C. Coastal Reserve celebrates Discover the NC Coastal Reserves tour with stop at Bird Island Reserve

The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, a program of the Division of Coastal Management in the Department of Environmental Quality, hosted a stop on the “Discover the N.C. Coastal Reserve” Tour in early December. A guided walking tour of the Sunset Beach boardwalk and nature trail of the Reserve’s southernmost site, Bird Island Reserve, followed remarks by DEQ leadership, local, state and community leaders.

Fisheries ask public to report cold stunned trout

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries wants to remind the public to report any cold stunned spotted seatrout they may see in North Carolina coastal waters.

DEQ to Hold Additional Public Information Sessions on the Federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Opportunity

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality will hold additional public information sessions in January to provide information and gather feedback on the Department’s planned application for the federal

State officials announce online availability of updated RCCP handbook in English and Spanish

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) today announced the online availability of the updated Resilient Coastal Communities Program’s (RCCP) Planning Handbook in English and Spanish.

State coastal management offers guidance for recycling natural Christmas trees for dune restoration

As we enter the holiday season, the N.C. Division of Coastal Management is providing guidance to property owners, organizations and towns that plan to accept natural Christmas trees for use in dune restoration.

DEQ Accepting Public Comment on Lead Service Line Project List Until Jan. 5, 2024

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure is accepting public comment on an updated Project Priority List for Lead Service Line Replacement funding until January 5, 2024.

DEQ Awards $13.2 Million in Second Round of Lead Service Line Replacement Funding

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure announced today that 17 water systems statewide will receive $13.2 million in funding for projects to inventory or find and replace lead service lines

Division of Marine Fisheries opens public comment period on Striped Mullet Fishery Management

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will begin accepting public comment Dec. 18, 2023 on proposed management to address sustainable harvest in the striped mullet fishery. The public comment period will close Jan. 17, 2024.