Press Releases

DEQ and partners demonstrate mobile microgrid initiative in Western NC

Two mobile microgrids will provide reliable clean energy for critical facilities in the face of more frequent and intense storms.

Water quality swimming advisory issued for sound-side site in Brunswick County

MOREHEAD CITY – An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site 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.

DEQ Division of Water Resources to hold public hearing on water impacts from proposed Castle Hayne Quarry expansion

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources will hold a public hearing on July 14 to accept public comments on water quality impacts from Martin Marietta Materials Inc.’s proposed expansion of a limestone quarry in Castle Hayne, located in New Hanover County.

REMINDER: Second application period for Dam Safety Grant funding to close June 19

The Department of Environmental Quality’s Dam Safety Program is currently accepting a second round of applications for the North Carolina Dam Safety Grant Program, which will close at 5 p.m. on June 19, 2026. 

Revisions to air quality permit for Egger - Lexington Particleboard Plant open for public comment

The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is accepting public comments on a draft air quality permit for Egger - Lexington Particleboard Plant in Davidson County.

NCDOJ, NCDEQ Sue to Stop Durham Company’s Contamination of State Waters

Today, Attorney General Jeff Jackson took legal action on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to stop Brenntag Mid-South from continuing to illegally discharge contaminants into state waters and require the company to act immediately to clean up the damage it’s caused.

New Marine Fisheries rules now in effect

Eleven new and amended Marine Fisheries Commission rules are now in effect, including rules pertaining to False Albacore management, pot marking requirements, shellfish leases and franchises and various permits.

DEQ accepting public comment on draft major-source air permit for ATI Specialty Materials

The Division of Air Quality is accepting public comments on a draft air quality permit for ATI Specialty Materials – Bakers Plant in Union County.

N.C. Coastal Resources Commission to meet June 18

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet June 18 at the Double Tree New Bern Riverfront, 100 Middle St., New Bern. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting online. The CRC Science Panel will present its findings regarding oceanfront hardened structures.

DEQ Secretary kicks off Western N.C. recreational water quality sampling season

To kick off the sampling season for the Western N.C. Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Program, NC Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson visited Jean Webb Park on the French Broad River in Asheville to demonstrate how DEQ’s Division of Water Resources staff sample for E. coli in local waterways.