Press Releases

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Award presented for outstanding source water protection efforts

Award-winner Jeff Lineberger (second from right) holds a Source Water Protection Award certificate along with, from left, Brett Hartis of Duke Energy, Brad Whitman of NCDEQ and Danny Edwards of NCDEQ. Photo by Dan DiNicola, NC State University.  

Webinar will focus on development of new Blue Crab stock assessment

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a webinar to update the public on development of a new benchmark Blue Crab stock assessment.

Extreme drought expands in North Carolina

Drought conditions have expanded in North Carolina. Forty-seven counties are now experiencing extreme drought, and most of the rest of the state is in severe drought, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC).

Water quality swimming advisory issued for sound-side site in Beaufort County

MOREHEAD CITY – An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in Beaufort 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.

NC Mining Rules Committee to meet April 27

The North Carolina Mining Commission Rules Committee will meet at 11 a.m. on April 27, 2026, online via WebEx.

Governor Stein, Department of Environmental Quality Announce $215 Million for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects

Today Governor Josh Stein announced that 66 projects in 26 counties across the state will receive more than $215 million in funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The State Water Infrastructure Authority approved the funding. The majority of the funds awarded – approximately $196 million – goes to communities that experienced significant infrastructure damage from Hurricane Helene.

Recreational Black Sea Bass season opens May 1 in state waters north of Cape Hatteras with new regulations

The recreational Black Sea Bass fishing season will open May 1 in North Carolina waters north of Cape Hatteras.

Extreme drought expands in North Carolina

Drought conditions continue to increase in severity across North Carolina. Thirty counties are now experiencing extreme drought, and most counties are experiencing severe or moderate drought, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC).

REMINDER: N.C. Coastal Resources Commission to meet April 15-16 (UPDATED LIVESTREAM LINK)

The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet April 15 and 16 at the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, 111 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting online.

State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet in person April 15-16 in Hendersonville and via teleconference

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet in person in Hendersonville and by teleconference, via Webex, on Wednesday, April 15 and Thursday, April 16.

N.C. Coastal Resources Commission to meet April 15-16 (UPDATED LIVESTREAM LINK)

The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet April 15 and 16 at the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, 111 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting online.

Drought intensifies in North Carolina

According to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC), 15 counties are now experiencing extreme drought, 79 counties are experiencing severe drought, and six counties are in moderate drought.

New advisory floodplain maps available for five Eastern North Carolina river basins

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Flood Resiliency Blueprint has released improved flood mapping and risk data for five river basins in Eastern North Carolina.  

License Presales start soon; new license office hours

Presales begin April 15 for N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries commercial and for-hire fishing licenses and permits for the new license year that starts on July 1.

Jonathan Price named Marine Patrol Officer of the Year

He’s known for his professionalism, strong work ethic and commitment to conserving North Carolina’s marine resources. These qualities earned Marine Patrol Officer Jonathan Price this year’s Marine Patrol Officer of the Year Award.