Press Releases

Sign-up for NCDEQ Press Releases here

North Carolina drought expands in some parts of the state

A week that saw parts of North Carolina receiving near or above average rainfall was not enough to improve drought conditions statewide, with the extreme drought worsening in parts of the northern Piedmont, according to the U.S.

Division of Marine Fisheries releases annual Fishery Management Plan Review

Wondering about the science behind management of state marine fisheries species? Check out the 2025 Fishery Management Plan Review, released today by the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF).

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

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.

State certifies new state record for Jolthead Porgy

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries recently certified a new state record for the Jolthead Porgy (Calamus bajonado).

NCDEQ Division of Water Resources urges caution around discolored water ahead of holiday weekend

As the summer comes to an end and the Labor Day holiday is upon us, the NC 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.

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

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

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. 

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.