Press Releases

As drought conditions continue across North Carolina heading into the Fourth of July weekend, the public is encouraged to continue to follow water supply restrictions set by their local water systems.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office are urging the public to act responsibly during the upcoming July Fourth holiday at the Masonboro Island Reserve, a research and dedicated state nature preserve. In preparation for the holiday, the state coastal agency and the sheriff’s office are working together to provide public safety resources and increase public awareness of responsible visitor behavior on the island and surrounding waters. 

DAQ will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on two draft air quality permits for separate facilities in Richmond County related to powering a proposed data center.

The NC Division of Marine Fisheries has asked to withdraw the Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application for Red Snapper that would have allowed a 62-day recreational season from July 1 through Aug. 31. Until further notice, it remains unlawful to possess Red Snapper taken from North Carolina waters or from federal waters.

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, 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 North Carolina Environmental Management Commission will meet July 8-9 in the Ground Floor Hearing Room of the Archdale Building in Raleigh. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting by computer or phone.  

The N.C. Mining Commission will meet in Raleigh on July 7, 2026 for its regular quarterly meeting. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management (DWM) is now accepting applications for the Debris Recovery & Disposal (DRD) grant program, to help Western North Carolina communities clean up additional debris left by Hurricane Helene.  

The Habitat and Water Quality Advisory Committee to the NC Marine Fisheries Commission will meet Thursday, June 25 at the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries Central District Office, 5285 Highway 70 West, Morehead City.

Drought conditions have intensified in central North Carolina, with parts of 10 counties in and around the Triangle now classified as experiencing exceptional drought. The majority of the rest of the state remains in extreme and severe drought.