Press Releases

Visitors advised to keep distance from wild horses

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management is warning the public about how they can help reduce the risk to the most vulnerable residents of Rachel Carson Reserve. On Saturday, May 10, a 6-day-old wild horse, or foal, a resident of the Rachel Carson Reserve in Beaufort, was separated from its mother for hours following disturbance by humans on foot and boats. Several days later, a visitor approached the foal and its social group to coax the foal closer. Visitors are advised that these actions may result in legal consequences. *image available for download

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

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory for a sound-side swimming area in New Hanover County.

NCDEQ to treat invasive plant in Eno River starting May 29

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Division of Water Resources, in cooperation with Eno River State Park, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, City of Durham, Durham County, Town of Hillsborough and Orange County, will be treating the Eno River for hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant, May 29 through Aug. 31.

DEQ selects nine projects to receive $2.79 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Energy Office (SEO) has selected nine projects to receive $2.79 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants.

DEQ accepting public comments on Draft Intended Use Plans and Priority Rating Systems for State Revolving Fund Helene-related supplemental appropriations

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure is accepting comments until June 20, 2025 on draft Intended Use Plans (IUPs) and Priority Rating Systems for the State Revolving Fund Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Helene (SRF Helene).

NCDEQ Secretary, local and state representatives tour Masonboro Island Reserve on N.C. Coastal Reserve’s “Discover the N.C. Coastal Reserve” tour

The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, a program of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management, hosted its fourth stop on the “Discover the N.C.

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 officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.

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

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

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

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

State certifies White Trevally for new species state record

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) recently established a new state record for White Trevally (Pseudocaranx dentex).