Press Releases

REMINDER: Application period for CARES Act II Fisheries Relief Program closes Oct. 1

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding those who wish to apply for assistance from the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (CARES Act II) Fisheries Relief Program that they must do so by Oct. 1. The financial assistance is available to eligible commercial fishermen and marine aquaculture operators, seafood dealers and processors, and for-hire fishing operators who can document a greater than 35% revenue loss in 2020 compared to the previous five-year average due to COVID-19.

RELEASE: Public Hearing on Draft Enviva Sampson Permit to be held October 19

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will host a digital public hearing on Tuesday, October 19 on the draft Title V permit for Enviva Pellets Sampson, LLC.

Marine Fisheries Commission seeks advisers

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is looking for commercial and recreational fishermen, scientists, and other interested parties to sit on various fisheries advisory committees.

State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet Sept. 16 via teleconference

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet Thursday, Sept. 16, at 9:00 a.m., remotely, via teleconference. 

DEQ issues Permit to Construct New, Lined Onsite Landfill for Disposal of Coal Ash at Duke Mayo Steam Electric Plant

RALEIGH – Following a comprehensive application review and public comment period, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management (DWM) has issued a permit to allow Duke Energy to construct and operate a new, lined, onsite landfill at the Mayo Steam Electric Plant for the disposal of excavated coal ash.

State coastal commission to meet by web conference Sept. 15; Advisory Council to meet Sept. 14

The N. C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. by web conference. The Coastal Resources Advisory Council (CRAC) will meet Sept. 14 at 3 p.m. also by web conference.

Division of Marine Fisheries reminds gill net fishermen of observer requirements; staff will continue to monitor fishery from state boats during flounder season due to COVID-19

The commercial flounder season opens soon, and the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding gill net fishermen that one of the conditions for the Estuarine Gill Net Permit (EGNP) is to allow division staff to observe gill net operations.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Marine Fisheries Commission Nominating Committee to meet by web conference Sept. 29

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Nominating Committee will meet by web conference Sept. 29 at 1 p.m.

REMINDER: Public comment period ends today (September 7) for Draft Phase 2 Volkswagen Mitigation Plan

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality invites public comment on the state’s plan to invest $67 million in Volkswagen Settlement funds. The Draft Phase 2 Mitigation plan focuses on efforts to reduce pollution impacts while incentivizing zero emission vehicles and increasing outreach to under-resourced communities.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Division of Marine Fisheries schedules estuarine striped bass plan advisory committee workshop

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a workshop by webinar over several days in September and October with the Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan Advisory Committee to review draft Amendment 2 to the Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.