Press Releases

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

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

Kingfishes (sea mullet) scoping period begins today

The Division of Marine Fisheries’ scoping period for Kingfishes (sea mullet) begins today, providing fishermen and other stakeholders an opportunity to provide input about stock and fishery issues, and share ideas on management strategies for the scheduled 5-year review of the N.C. Kingfishes Fishery Management Plan (FMP).

NCDEQ Division of Water Resources to hold public hearing on 401 Water Quality Certification Application for Stamey Farm Road/Compass Data Center

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) will hold a public hearing on Sept. 28, 2026, to accept public comments on the Clean Water Act 401 Water Quality Certification Application for Stamey Farm Road Data Center/Compass Data Center in Iredell County. 

N.C. Environmental Management Commission to meet Sept. 9-10

The NC Environmental Management Commission will meet Sept. 9-10 in the Ground Floor Hearing Room of the Archdale Building in Raleigh. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting by computer or phone.

State reminds recreational fishermen to report flounder harvest

Recreational flounder season starts tomorrow, and the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is reminding recreational fishermen that a new law requires them to report their harvest of flounder, as well as four other species.

NCDEQ’s Division of Air Quality requires additional monitoring, testing in final air quality permits for Amazon data center and Duke Energy projects

DEQ issued air quality permits to Amazon Data Services and Duke Energy that cap emissions and include additional emissions testing and monitoring requirements.

Master Plan Update Committee of the State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet Sept. 2 by Teleconference

The Master Plan Update Committee of the State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet via teleconference on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The public may listen to the meeting online or by phone.

North Carolina drought improves in some areas, but persists for most of the state

Almost all of North Carolina received some rain the past week, easing the year-long drought in a few areas. But most of the state remains in drought conditions, with several counties stuck in a stubborn extreme or exceptional drought, the two worst categories, according to the U.S.

State certifies new state record for Cubera Snapper

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries recently established a new state record for Cubera Snapper (Lutjanus cyanopterus). David Ashman of Mohnton, Penn., caught the 85-pound fish on July 31 off of Hatteras. Ashman replaced the existing state record Cubera Snapper that weighed 58 pounds, 8 ounces, landed by Thomas Madsen in 2022.

DEQ Raleigh regional office relocates to Reedy Creek Road

Visitors to the Raleigh Regional Office of the NC Department of Environmental Quality will need to go to a new address beginning next week, as part of a larger series of changes to the department’s facilities.

Please report Blue Land Crab Sightings

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding people to please report any sightings of Blue Land Crabs, Cardisoma guanhumi.

Recreational anglers can donate flounder carcasses for science and a chance to win prizes

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will collect flounder carcasses from recreational fishermen during the 2026 season, held Sept. 1-14 in joint and coastal waters. The carcasses will be used for research purposes.

Marine Fisheries Commission receives draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Amendment

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission received a presentation on the draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2026 Amendment, one of several agenda items during the board’s regular quarterly business meeting in Raleigh this week.

North Carolina drought improves in some counties, persists in others

Spotty rains across North Carolina during the past week brought relief from the year-long drought to some areas, but others saw little to no improvement. Parts of the state remain in severe or extreme​ drought, according to the U.S.

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.