Press Releases

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Division of Water Infrastructure announces Fall 2026 funding application training at four locations statewide (Hickory, Asheville, Research Triangle Park/Durham, Kinston)

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Infrastructure will conduct its Fall 2026 Funding Application Training Aug. 4 - Aug. 12 at four locations statewide (Hickory, Asheville, Research Triangle Park/Durham and Kinston), including an Aug. 10 virtual option that will be recorded and posted on the Division’s website.

DEQ issues final Title V air quality permits to ATI Specialty Materials and Egger Lexington Particleboard Plant

The Division of Air Quality has approved modified air quality permits to ATI Specialty Materials – Bakers Plant in Union County and Egger - Lexington Particleboard Plant in Davidson County.

Nine N.C. counties in exceptional drought as statewide drought continues

Localized heavier rainfall in parts of North Carolina may help alleviate demand for water for irrigation or other uses but did not lead to substantial improvements in the state’s drought conditions.

DEQ Secretary highlights state budget investments in environmental programs

Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson welcomed the new state budget signed by Governor Josh Stein.

Flood Resiliency Blueprint seeks public input on flood resilience plans for Lumber and Tar-Pamlico river basins

The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Flood Resiliency Blueprint program (Blueprint) wil

REMINDER: State invites applications for fiscal year 2027 North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant Program

The NC Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is accepting applications for FY2027 funding through the North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program. The BIG Program provides competitive grant funding to construct, renovate and maintain boating infrastructure serving transient recreational vessels 26 feet or longer.

DEQ, Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corp. kick off $5.9M electric grid modernization project

Today, the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Energy Office (SEO) and Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corp. (SYEMC) kicked off a $5.9 million grid modernization project.

Applications for 2026 Shellfish Lease Program due Aug. 1

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding individuals interested in leasing public coastal waters to cultivate shellfish that the 2026 Shellfish Lease & Aquaculture Program application period closes Aug. 1, 2026.

State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet July 15 in Raleigh and via Teleconference

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet in person in Raleigh and via teleconference (Webex) on Wednesday, July 15, from 9 a.m. – 4:35 p.m. The public may listen to the meeting online or by phone.

State invites applications for fiscal year 2027 North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant Program

The NC Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is accepting applications for FY2027 funding through the North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program. The BIG Program provides competitive grant funding to construct, renovate and maintain boating infrastructure serving transient recreational vessels 26 feet or longer.

State to hold hearing, accept comment on amended facility oversight rule

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Public Water Supply Section is accepting comments through Aug. 31 on proposed changes to state rules on oversight of facilities providing supplemental water treatment.

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling recognized for environmental achievements 

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

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory at a sound-side site in Dare County.

La División de Recursos Hídricos del DEQ celebrará una audiencia pública sobre los impactos hídricos de la propuesta de ampliación de Castle Hayne Quarry

La División de Recursos Hídricos del Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Carolina del Norte celebrará una audiencia pública el 14 de julio para recibir comentarios del público sobre los impactos en la calidad del agua derivados de la propuesta de Martin Marietta Materials Inc., acerca de la ampliación de una cantera de piedra caliza, ubicada en Castle Hayne, Condado de New Hanover.

Water quality swimming advisories issued for sound-side sites in Carteret County

MOREHEAD CITY – Advisories against swimming were posted today at two sound-side sites in Carteret 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.