Press Releases

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More than 60 North Carolina counties still in some category of drought

Drought conditions in parts of the mountains and coast eased last week due to heavy rain in some areas, but most of North Carolina continued to remain in drought conditions as the trend of higher-than-average temperatures and below normal rain continued, according to the U.S.

Scoping period for Red Drum Fishery Management Plan review begins today

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries’ scoping period for Red Drum begins today, providing fishermen and other stakeholders an opportunity to share ideas on potential management strategies for the scheduled comprehensive review of the N.C. Red Drum Fishery Management Plan (FMP).

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

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

Precautionary swimming advisory lifted for ocean-side areas in Dare County impacted by nor’ easter

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted the precautionary advisory against swimming in ocean-side waters in Dare County affected by hazardous weather conditions caused by the recent nor’easter.

REMINDER: State invites communities to apply for Phases 3 and 4 of the N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program  

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is accepting applications for approximately $2.5 million in funding through Phases 3 and 4 of the N.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) to help coastal communities design and implement projects that strengthen local resilience to coastal hazards. Applications are due Nov. 10, 2026, by 5 p.m. 

Two years after Hurricane Helene, DEQ helps communities build back stronger

Two years ago, Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, taking more than 100 lives and causing an estimated $60 billion in damage. One of the top priorities at the NC Department of Environmental Quality has been helping communities recover and rebuild to make communities more resilient and safer when facing future disasters.

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

MOREHEAD CITY – Advisories against swimming were posted today at two sound-side sites in Carteret County, where state officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.

Coastal communities mark five years of building resilience through state program

NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Secretary Reid Wilson joined coastal communities, resilience partners and consultants in New Bern today to celebrate five years of the Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) and look ahead to the next phase of helping communities turn resilience priorities into action.

Precautionary swimming advisory issued for ocean and sound-side areas in Dare County impacted by nor’ easter

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today advise the public to avoid swimming in ocean and sound-side waters in Dare County affected by hazardous weather conditions.

Flood Resiliency Blueprint seeks public input on flood resilience plans for Cape Fear and White Oak River Basins

The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Flood Resiliency Blueprint Program (Blueprint) will hold a public information session on Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. to provide information and gather feedback on two draft flood resilience plans: the Cape Fear River Basin Action Strategy and the White Oak River Basin Action Strategy.

UPDATE State coastal agency seeks public comment on federal consistency review for MCAS Cherry Point Range Complex

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is accepting public review and comment on a request for review of a federal consistency submission for a proposed update to training activities and operations within the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point Range Complex.

La División de Recursos Hídricos del Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Carolina del Norte (NCDEQ) celebrará una audiencia pública sobre la solicitud de certificación de calidad del agua 401 correspondiente a Stamey Farm Road/Compass Data Center

Recordatorio: La División de Recursos Hídricos (DWR) del Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Carolina del Norte celebrará una audiencia pública el 28 de septiembre de 2026, para recopilar comentarios del público sobre la solicitud de certificación de calidad del agua 401, en virtud de la Ley de Agua Limpia, correspondiente al centro de datos de Stamey Farm Road/Compass Data Center, en el condado de Iredell.

REMINDER: 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. 

DEQ, federal agencies reach proposed agreement with Domtar Paper to restore damaged areas of lower Roanoke River

On Sept. 16, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service submitted in federal court a proposed consent decree and accompanying draft restoration plan to address damages to the Roanoke River caused by the Weyerhaeuser Plymouth Mill.

Michael Pjetraj appointed Division of Water Resources director

Effective Sept. 14, Michael Pjetraj has been named the director of the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Division of Water Resources (DWR). He replaces Richard Rogers, who retired Aug. 31.