Press Releases

Memo RE: Coal Ash Images, Data Updates and Key Information for North Carolinians facing Hurricane Damage

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) continues to update their dashboard snapshots daily with information from key areas of concern related to damage from Hurricane Florence. Today, aerial footage from Duke Energy Sutton Site (near Wilmington) and images from H.F. Lee (near Goldsboro) inspections were added to the dashboard.

Statement on Sutton Plant

Update on Duke Energy's Sutton facility.

State environmental officials offer guidance for debris disposal following Hurricane Florence

As waters begin to recede and residents make their way back home, state environmental officials share guidance on the best methods for disposing of storm debris in the wake of Hurricane Florence.

Coastal Management offers Emergency CAMA General Permit for hurricane recovery, tips for speeding up permit process

Coastal property owners who need to replace docks, piers, bulkheads or similar structures damaged by Hurricane Florence along sounds, rivers and creeks may be authorized to do so more quickly through an emergency general permit offered by the N.C. Division of Coastal Management.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Department of Environmental Quality announces meeting cancellations

The N.C. Environmental Management Commission meetings scheduled for Sept. 19 and Sept. 20 in Raleigh have been cancelled. New meeting dates will soon be announced and posted on the commission website at: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-resources-commissions/environmental-management-commission.

The N.C. Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board meeting planned for Sept. 24 has also been cancelled. More information on the board’s meetings is available online at:https://deq.nc.gov/news/hot-topics/genx-investigation/secretaries-science-advisory-board.

Marine Fisheries meetings cancelled due to storm impacts

Marine Fisheries meetings cancelled due to storm impacts

Statement on Sutton Steam Plant Wastewater Discharge

In response to the recent update by Duke on the wastewater discharge at the Sutton Plant, DEQ Communications Director Megan S. Thorpe offered the following comment:

DEQ has been closely monitoring all coal ash impoundments that could be vulnerable in this record breaking rain event. As soon as it is safe to do so, DEQ will be onsite at the Sutton Steam Plant to conduct a thorough inspection. Once the damage is assessed, DEQ will determine the best path forward and hold the utility accountable for implementing the solution that ensures the protection of public health and the environment.

North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission meeting cancelled

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission meeting that was scheduled for Sept. 19-20 in Wilmington has been cancelled due to the potential impacts from Hurricane Florence and the need for state officials to focus on post-storm damage assessments and response.

Excessive rains, flooding from Hurricane Florence may cause high bacteria levels in coastal waters

State recreational water quality officials are advising the public to avoid swimming in all coastal waters of North Carolina following Hurricane Florence.

All North Carolina coastal waters to close to shellfish harvest

All coastal waters in North Carolina will temporarily close to shellfish harvest at sunrise Thursday