Press Releases

The Division of Air Quality is awarding $1.14 million in DERA grants for projects that will reduce air pollution from diesel-powered mobile sources.

After reviewing public comments, the Division of Air Quality issued a first-time Title V air quality permit to Columbia Plywood Corporation - Columbia Carolina Division in McDowell County.

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory for a sound-side swimming area in Onslow County.

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today advised beachgoers to be aware of the floodwaters being pumped to the ocean surf in Oak Island. Surfers and swimmers should avoid these sites.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) has released a revised wastewater discharge permit for Martin Marietta Materials Inc.’s Vanceboro Quarry for public comment.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources (DWR) reminds the public to avoid contact with discolored water that could indicate the presence of an algal bloom. 

MOREHEAD CITY – An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in Onslow County, where state officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.

The North Carolina Oil and Gas Commission will meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Raleigh.

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) will hold a public hearing on Nov. 5 to hear public comment on a proposed rule change that would allow domestic wastewater discharges to zero-flow streams.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) issued a Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA)/Dredge and Fill Law permit for the Mid-Currituck Bridge. In a separate action, the Division of Water Resources (DWR) issued a Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification for the bridge, a proposed 6.7-mile, two-lane toll road and bridge that would connect the mainland in Currituck County to the Outer Banks near Corolla.

Governor Josh Stein announced today that five western North Carolina counties will receive more than $86 million in funding for 14 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects as part of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program for disaster-affected states. North Carolina is the first state impacted by Helene to award grants from this program.

After reviewing public comments, the Division of Air Quality issued a Title V air quality permit to Duke Energy Progress, LLC - Novo Nordisk. 

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is looking for commercial and recreational fishermen, scientists and other interested parties to sit on various fisheries advisory committees.