Press Releases

N.C. Environmental Management Commission to Meet January 13-14

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) will meet remotely Wednesday and Thursday January 13-14, 2021 by teleconference.

State investigating the release of hog waste from lagoon failure in Jones County

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources (DWR) is investigating the structural failure of a hog lagoon at DC Mills Farm in Trenton that resulted in the release of approximately one million gallons of untreated animal waste.  DWR is investigating the cause of the failure and will take enforcement action to hold the appropriate parties accountable based on the results of that investigation.

State seeks public feedback on swine biogas permit requests, Public Meeting scheduled for January 26

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) will host a public meeting on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 on the draft permit modifications for four animal (swine) feeding operations participating in a biogas processing project with Align RNG, LLC. Members of the public are invited to attend online or by phone and provide their comments on the proposed permit modifications.  

State Cites Utility Company for Sewer Collection System Failures

The Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) has fined Sandler Utilities at Mill Run, LLC $62,517.96 for failure to effectively manage, maintain and operate its sewer collection system that serves the Eagle Creek Subdivision, a community of approximately 400 homes l

Fisheries ask public to report cold stunned trout

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding the public to report any cold stunned spotted seatrout they may see in North Carolina coastal waters.

State coastal management program offers guidance for recycling natural Christmas trees as sand fencing

With the arrival of the Christmas holiday, the N.C. Division of Coastal Management is providing guidance to property owners, organizations and towns that plan to accept natural Christmas trees for use in dune restoration and/or beach sand fencing.

Fisheries ask public to report cold stunned trout

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding the public to report any cold stunned spotted seatrout they may see in North Carolina coastal waters.

Governor Cooper Statement on Secretary Regan's Appointment to EPA

RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper has released the following statement on North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Michael Regan's appointment to lead the United States Environmental Protection Agency:

Stricter striped bass harvest restrictions take effect Jan. 1 in Albemarle Sound Management Area

Stricter harvest restrictions will take effect Jan. 1, 2021 for the commercial and recreational striped bass fisheries in the Albemarle Sound Management Area. The reduced harvest is needed to end overfishing on the Albemarle-Roanoke striped bass stock.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Fisheries division seeks input on 2021 oyster cultch planting season

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is requesting input on locations for 2021 oyster cultch planting.