Press Releases

DEQ has successfully increased equity, transparency and environmental protection in the permitting of swine operations under the 2018 Title VI settlement agreement with citizen groups, which expired on May 3, 2020.  Title VI is a federal civil rights law that requires agency recipients of federal funds to act in a nondiscriminatory manner.  DEQ has produced a report (available online) which details DEQ’s significant progress on community engagement and transparency and the fulfillment of the terms of the agreement.

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet by webinar starting at 9 a.m. May 14.

Today, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) joined the North Carolina Attorney General and 16 states in filing suit opposing the EPA’s final rule defining “Waters of the United States”.  The rule is set to take effect on June 22, 2020.

The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is extending the comment period on the draft permits for the two proposed Carolina Sunrock LLC facilities until June 15, 2020 at 5 p.m. and may extend further at the appropriate time.

The North Carolina Oil and Gas Commission meeting planned for Tuesday, May 5, has been canceled by the commission chair. 

RALEIGH – After a thorough review and public participation process, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has approved the closure plans detailing the excavation of coal ash impoundments at three Duke Energy facilities – Cliffside/Rogers Energy Complex, Marshall Steam Station and Mayo Steam Station. DEQ has determined that the closure plans meet the requirements of the Coal Ash Management Act (CAMA) and are protective of public health and the environment.

Renewal packets for fiscal year 2021 commercial and for-hire fishing licenses and permits are in the mail, and the Division of Marine Fisheries is asking fishermen to complete and return the applications without delay.

The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will host an online public hearing on May 4 to receive comment on the proposed rules to regulate emissions of methyl bromide at log fumigation operations.

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) will meet remotely May 6 and 7 by teleconference.

The Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee will meet 9 a.m. May 11 by webinar