Press Releases

Asheboro WWTP reports elevated 1,4-dioxane levels to NCDEQ Division of Water Resources

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) has been informed of elevated 1,4-dioxane levels discharged from the City of Asheboro Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to Hasketts Creek, which drains to the Deep River within the Cape Fear River Basin.

North Carolina Solar for All Community Advisory Board to meet May 14

The North Carolina Solar for All (EnergizeNC) Community Advisory Board will meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, virtually.

DEQ Celebrates Air Quality Awareness Week

Governor Josh Stein proclaimed May 5-9 as Air Quality Awareness Week in North Carolina. The Division of Air Quality is raising awareness of the importance of clean air on our health, environment and economy.

DEQ Issues First-Time Title V Air Permit to Edwards Wood Products’ Laurinburg Sawmill

The Division of Air Quality has approved a Title V air quality permit for Edwards Wood Products, Inc. – Laurinburg Saw Mill #2 in Scotland County.

Code Red Air Quality Action Day in Effect Saturday for Brunswick County, Code Orange in New Hanover

A wildfire in Brunswick County has the potential to produce unhealthy air quality in the area this weekend, and residents are urged to take precautions.

NCDEQ Division of Water Resources to hold public hearing on revision to state definition of ‘wetlands’ in rule

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources will hold a public hearing on June 26 to receive public comment on the codification of the revised definition of “wetlands” within state rules. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting by computer or phone.

Severe drought continues in parts of eastern North Carolina, moderate drought expands

The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council classified eight counties in eastern North Carolina as experiencing severe drought, or D2 conditions, in the latest advisory issued Thursday. Another 50 counties in the Piedmont and western North Carolina were classified as experiencing moderate drought, or D1 conditions, while 32 counties were classified as abnormally dry.

REMINDER: Division of Marine Fisheries urges fishermen to complete license/permit renewals early

NCDEQ’s Division of Marine Fisheries is urging those who hold commercial fishing, seafood dealer and for-hire licenses and permits to go ahead and renew those licenses and permits this month.

State certifies new Vermilion Snapper state record

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries recently established a new state record for Vermilion Snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens).

N.C. Coastal Management to conduct training for local permit officers

NCDEQ’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) will conduct a spring training workshop May 6-7 in Swansboro for local permit officers in the central and southern regions of their 20 coastal counties service area.