Press Releases

State officials award more than $1.1 million to improve public beach and coastal waterfront access

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management has awarded more than $1.1 million to nine local governments to improve public access to coastal beaches and waters for the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Public Hearings Scheduled on Piedmont Lithium Carolinas Mining Application

The Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) will hold a public hearing on the Piedmont Lithium Carolinas mining permit application on November 15, 2021, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., followed by a virtual overflow hearing on November 18.

The application for Mining Permit No. 36-35 (Pending) is for a lithium mining operation in Gaston County. In accordance with The Mining Act of 1971 § 74-51(c), the public hearing must be held by November 30, 2021.

Water quality swimming advisories lifted for four sound-side sites in New Hanover County

State recreational water quality officials today lifted four water quality swimming advisories at sound-side sites in New Hanover County. 

MEDIA ADVISORY: Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee to meet

The N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee will meet by web conference at 1 p.m. Oct. 25.

The public may join the meeting online or by telephone.

State to host public information session on November 16 about PFAS/GenX at Chemours’ Fayetteville Works facility

RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will host a community information session remotely via teleconference Tuesday, November 16, about current actions to prevent and remediate PFAS contamination at the Chemours Fayetteville Works Facility. The public is invited to participate by phone or online.

Tips for a healthy oyster eating; Hand harvest from public bottom begins Friday

Nothing says fall on the coast of North Carolina like the beginning of oyster season, when people pull out the fire grates and steamer pots and get ready to slurp down a salty treat.

DEQ Accepting Public Comment on draft Priority Rating System for Viable Utility Reserve-funded drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects

The Division of Water Infrastructure is accepting comments on the draft Priority Rating System for Viable Utility Reserve (VUR) wastewater and drinking water construction project funding until November 1, 2021.

Public Hearing to be held Nov. 3 on updated Groundwater rules and standards

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources (DWR) will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the state’s Groundwater Classifications and Standards, known as rule 15A NCAC 02L .0100 – General Considerations. The hearing will be held via Webex from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021.

The purpose of this public hearing is to allow interested persons to submit oral comments regarding the DWR’s proposed amendments to Permanent Rules 15A NCAC 02L .0100, which govern the protection of North Carolina’s groundwater resources.

DEQ to host a public hearing on a second landfill permit for Duke Allen Steam Station

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management (DWM) will host a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, October 26, on a draft solid waste permit for the second of three new, lined landfills at the Allen Steam Station in Gaston County. The draft permit will include Duke Energy’s construction and operation of the second landfill (called the South Starter Landfill) for the disposal of excavated coal ash at the Allen Steam Station. Members of the public are invited to attend the public hearing online or by phone and provide their comments on the proposed permit. Comments will be accepted until November 12.

Mining permit issued for Scott Farm Road Mine

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) has issued a mining permit for the Scott Road Farm Mine, covering 38 acres in Jones County.