Press Releases

DEQ Approves Modified PSD Air Quality Permit for Corning Incorporated - Midland

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has approved an air quality permit modification for Corning Incorporated – Midland. The new permit will allow the company to increase emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Water quality swimming advisories lifted for two ocean-side sites in Dare County

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted water quality swimming advisories at two ocean-side sites in Dare County.

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

An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in New Hanover County, where state officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.

State Science Panel Aug. 1 meeting rescheduled to Aug. 6

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) Science Panel meeting via web conference on Aug. 1 has been rescheduled to Aug. 6 at noon. The Science Panel will continue its review of Inlet Hazard Area boundaries. The public may listen to the meeting by computer or phone.

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

MOREHEAD CITY – An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in New Hanover County, where state recreational water quality officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.

Extreme, severe drought expand in parts of North Carolina

The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) expanded its severe drought classification and classified two countiesas in extreme drought in the latest advisory issued Thursday.

The North Carolina State Emergency Response Team Actively Monitors and Prepares for Impacts Resulting from the South Hill, VA Fire

The North Carolina State Emergency Response Team is in close coordination with agencies in Virginia regarding the ongoing environmental issue resulting from the South Hill, Virginia, warehouse fire that occurred on July 6.

DEQ recognizes state agencies, universities, community colleges for energy reductions and progress on Executive Order 80 targets

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s State Energy Office recognizes thirteen state agencies, universities and community colleges for their significant energy reductions and progress towards Executive Order 80’s goal.

State Announces $253M for Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Projects Statewide

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that communities statewide will receive more than $253 million in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure funding and stormwater construction grants to help pay for 70 projects in 30 counties statewide, including 51 construction projects. The awards include emerging contaminants (PFAS) funding and funding for lead service line inventories and replacements.

REMINDER: State coastal agency accepts comments regarding NOAA’s Proposed Rule to Amend the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management is accepting public comment on a request for review of a federal consistency submission from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources proposing amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule (“speed rule”).