Press Releases

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Secretary Reid Wilson announced today eight grants awarded through the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) to support projects that advance environmental stewardship and community engagement across the region. The APNEP Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) awarded $298,963 in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and DEQ.

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC) will meet Aug. 19-20 at the Doubletree by Hilton Raleigh Midtown, 2805 Highwoods Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 27604. The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed on YouTube.

The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet Aug. 26-27 at the Dare County Government Complex, 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting online. The Coastal Resources Advisory Council (CRAC), a 20-member group that provides the CRC with local government perspectives and advice, will meet in person at 10 a.m. on Aug. 26.

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

Many areas in North Carolina received rain over the last week, continuing to ease widespread drought. However, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor report released on Thursday, most of the state is still in moderate to severe drought, with Brunswick County experiencing the worst drought conditions. With many reservoir levels still below normal, the public is still encouraged to conserve water.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources is accepting comments on proposed rule changes related to its dam safety program, and will hold multiple public hearings in September to receive feedback. 

MOREHEAD CITY – Advisories against swimming were posted today at two sound-side sites in Brunswick County, where state officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) recently confirmed a new state record for Yellowfin Grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa).

MOREHEAD CITY – 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.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Energy Office (SEO) will hold a public hearing on Aug. 17 to accept public comments on the Weatherization Assistance Program’s Annual State Plan.