Environmentally Speaking

April 29th through May 3rd is Air Quality Awareness Week and here in North Carolina, it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the spring weather and our state’s many incredible natural resources.  It’s also a great time to think about our air quality and the actions we can take to keep our air clean.  

Coastal communities in North Carolina are still recovering from the impacts of extreme weather and flooding over the past two years.

Last week, Division of Mitigation Services Director Tim Baumgartner participated in a panel at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. where he discussed North Carolina’s nationally renowned in-lieu fee program’s procurement system for stream and wetlands restoration.

DEQ Secretary Regan was at Fort Caswell on Wednesday to congratulate Tara Whicker for completing the department’s Environmental Education Certification Program and to learn more about Caswell’s educational programming.

DEQ Secretary Michael Regan joined NC State Parks Director Dwayne Patterson last week at William B. Umstead State Park to recognize Billy Drakeford for completing DEQ’s Environmental Education Certification.

Elizabeth Werner, a hydrogeologist in the Solid Waste Section, has been selected as the 2018 Division of Waste Management’s Employee of the Year for her unparalleled dedication to public service, exemplary scientific experience and knows-no-bounds enthusiasm for serving the state of North Carolin

Melodi Deaver, administrative specialist in the Hazardous Waste Section’s Compliance Branch, is one of three finalists for the Division of Waste Management’s Employee of the Year Award, the recipients of which are nominated by fellow colleagues who have gone above-and-beyond in their service to t

Each year, the Division of Waste Management encourages its staff to nominate fellow colleagues who have gone above and beyond in their service to the public and the regulated community, while striving to showcase the mission of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.

Update: View the panel discussion here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1hjL7oF2PY

The Division of Waste Management has introduced a new site locator tool, a GIS-based application that consolidates all of the division's sites into one easy-to-use interactive map.

Approximately $1.2 million in grant funds from three divisions since 1993 has helped develop Pasquotank County’s solid waste and recycling program into a top-notch, comprehensive program.

Secretary Michael Regan joined a group of educators last week to award Jenna Hartley her N.C. Environmental Education Certificate. Hartley was at the Department of Environmental Quality’s Green Square Building to facilitate an EPA EnviroAtlas workshop for 25 educators from across the state.

DEQ Secretary Michael Regan was in Cumberland County last week and visited Carvers Creek State Park to recognize Jacob Fields for completing the department’s Environmental Education Certification Program

Tony Pendola, who serves as the Department of Environmental Quality’s Small Business ombudsman, has worked for the department for more than 20 years, receiving accolades for his commitment to protecting North Carolina’s natural resources while assisting small businesses meet environmental regulat