Press Releases

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REMINDER: N.C. Environmental Management Commission to meet Jan. 8-9

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission will meet in the Ground Floor Hearing Room of the Archdale Building in Raleigh Jan. 8-9. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting by computer or phone.

Public Invited to Comment on Oil and Gas Commission Rule Adoption, Public Hearing to be Held Jan. 7

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is currently accepting comments on adoption of rule 15A NCAC 05C, regarding pre-drilling for oil and natural gas exploration activities, through Feb. 14, 2025. The Department will host a public hearing on the proposed rule on January 7, 2025, in Raleigh.

DEQ Issues Brownfields Agreement to Town of Chapel Hill

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a signed Brownfields Agreement to the Town of Chapel Hill for the redevelopment of the Town of Chapel Hill Police Property located at 828 Martin Luther King, Jr Boulevard.

Key actions by DEQ in 2024 protected NC’s environment and public health

In 2024, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) supported communities recovering from Hurricane Helene, took actions to address PFAS contamination and continued to protect the state’s natural resources for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians.

REMINDER: Division of Coastal Management offers guidance for recycling natural Christmas trees for dune restoration

As we enter the holiday season, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s 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. Natural Christmas trees may be used as a substitute for traditional sand fencing but must be free of decorations and should be placed in a manner that meets the state’s rules for sand fencing.

State Accepting Public Comments on Modified Air Quality Permit for International Paper – Riegelwood Mill

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ)is now accepting public comments on a draft Title V air quality permit modification for International Paper – Riegelwood Mill in Columbus County.

DEQ Strengthens Air Quality Permits for 2 Duke Energy Facilities that will Reduce Overall Emissions

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is issuing permit modifications to two Duke Energy facilities for the replacement of their coal units with gas turbines, after substantially strengthening the permits based on public feedback.

DEQ awards $3.6M for stream restoration, water management, recreation

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) has awarded more than $3.6 million in grants to support stream restoration, water-based recreation and water management projects across North Carolina.

N.C. Environmental Management Commission to meet Jan. 8-9

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission will meet in the Ground Floor Hearing Room of Department of Environmental Quality’s Archdale Building in Raleigh Jan. 8-9. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting by computer or phone.

Division of Coastal Management certifies two North Carolina Clean Marinas

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has certified two North Carolina Clean Marinas, a designation given to marinas that exceed minimum regulatory requirements. Sloop Point Marina in Pender County received certification in October. Calabash Marina in Brunswick County received certification in November.

Division of Coastal Management offers guidance for recycling natural Christmas trees for dune restoration

As we enter the holiday season, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s 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. Natural Christmas trees may be used as a substitute for traditional sand fencing but must be free of decorations and should be placed in a manner that meets the state’s rules for sand fencing.

REMINDER: Public Invited to Comment on DAQ Exceptional Events Demonstration Analyzing 2023 Canadian Wildfire Particulate Matter Impacts

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is accepting public comments on an analysis of smoke impacts in North Carolina from the 2023 Canadian wildfires.

DEQ selected as a host for the 2025-2027 class of NOAA Coastal Management Fellows

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has been selected as a host for the 2025-2027 class of NOAA Coastal Management Fellows. The project goal is to enhance the accessibility of GIS data produced by North Carolina’s communities through the Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP), ensuring the data is available to residents and external stakeholders in a user-friendly and visually engaging format.

DEQ selected as a host for the 2025-2027 class of NOAA Coastal Management Fellows

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has been selected as a host for the 2025-2027 class of NOAA Coastal Management Fellows. The project goal is to enhance the accessibility of GIS data produced by North Carolina’s communities through the Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP), ensuring the data is available to residents and external stakeholders in a user-friendly and visually engaging format.

DEQ Expands Online Permitting with Launch of Four Applications

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has launched four additional online applications as part of the continuing effort to update and improve the permitting process.