Press Releases

As temperatures rise, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources (DWR) reminds the public to avoid contact with discolored water that could indicate the presence of an algal bloom.

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission amended the state’s Eastern Oyster and Hard Clam fishery management plans at its business meeting this week.

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.

As the summer beach season ramps up, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program reminds coastal residents and visitors about its helpful, interactive public beach and waterfront access map. The map can be accessed directly from mobile devices and desktops to help locate a spot to visit along one of North Carolina’s beaches or coastal waterfronts this summer. The map includes a tool called “Find Sites Near Me,” which will help to locate sites within 10 miles of a location.

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

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory at a sound-side site in Dare County.

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. The selected projects will boost energy savings and reduce costs for local governments, state agencies and universities across the state.  

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.

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

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).