Press Releases

Reminder: Public Hearing Scheduled For Proposed Removal of Swamp Classification in the Lower Cape Fear River

The Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Division of Water Resources (DWR) will conduct an online public hearing on Octob

Precautionary swimming advisory lifted for ocean sites in Oak Island where floodwater pumping occurred

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a precautionary swimming advisory in Oak Island. The advisory was lifted because floodwaters have rescinded, and pumping has ceased.

DEQ Statement on Court Approval of Addendum to the Consent Order

Today, Bladen County Superior Court Judge Douglas Sasser approved the Addendum to the Consent Order requiring Chemours to take significant additional actions to reduce PFAS entering the Cape Fear River. The judge entered the Addendum in its entirety, which will mean expanded relief for downstream communities as the major pathways for PFAS pollution entering the Cape Fear River through residual groundwater contamination from the Fayetteville Works facility will be reduced by 99%.

Reminder-State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet Oct. 14 via teleconference

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 9:00 a.m., remotely, via teleconference. The public may listen to the meeting by phone

Precautionary swimming advisory issued for ocean sites in Oak Island where floodwater pumping has occurred

State recreational water quality officials today advised beachgoers to be aware of the floodwaters being pumped to the ocean surf in Oak Island. Surfers and swimmers should avoid these sites.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Commercial Fishing Resource Funding committees to meet by webinar Oct. 27

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Commercial Resource Fund Committee and the Funding Committee for the N.C. Commercial Fishing Resource Fund will meet jointly on Oct. 27 at 1:30 p.m. by webinar.

State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet Oct. 14 via teleconference

DEQ files response to Motion to Intervene

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has filed a response opposing Cape Fear Public Utility Authority’s Motion to Intervene in the State’s enforcement case against Chemours. DEQ supports CFPUA and all the downstream drinking water utilities’ efforts to be made whole for any damages they have incurred as a result of actions by Chemours and DuPont at the Fayetteville Works Facility. However, DEQ strongly objects to CFPUA’s efforts to pursue those interests at the expense of all those who depend on the Cape Fear River by having the entire Consent Order between DEQ, Cape Fear River Watch, and Chemours declared unlawful.

Water quality swimming alert lifted for ocean-side site in Carteret County

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming alert at an ocean-side site in Carteret County.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee to meet Oct. 16 by webinar

The Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee will meet by webinar on Oct. 16 at 9 a.m.