Press Releases

Precautionary swimming advisory lifted for sound-side swimming area in Carteret County

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a precautionary swimming advisory for an area in Carteret County. The advisory was lifted because pumping has ceased, and dredge material is no longer being placed on the beach.

MEDIA ADVISORY: State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet July 10

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet Wednesday, July 10, at the NC Rural Center, 4021 Carya Drive, Raleigh 27610. The meeting is open to the public, with an opportunity for informal public comments.

Public still urged to avoid widespread algal blooms in Albemarle Sound area

State officials with the N.C. Division of Water Resources continue to urge the public to avoid contact with green or blue water in the Albemarle Sound and adjoining waterbodies, due to an algal bloom that has lingered in the area since May 14, 2019.

Bald Head Woods Reserve Open to Visitors

Bald Head Woods Reserve, located on Bald Head Island just east of the Cape Fear River, is now completely open to visitors after a nearly 10-month closure due to Hurricane Florence.

N.C. Environmental Management Commission to Meet July 10-11

The N.C. Environmental Management Commission (EMC) will meet July 10-11 at the Archdale Building in downtown Raleigh. Commission committees will meet Wednesday, July 10, with the full commission meeting Thursday, July 11.

State accepting applications for projects to be funded by VW Settlement

The application period for the first round of funding under the Volkswagen Settlement program opens today. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has posted the applications for Diesel Bus and Vehicle projects that significantly reduce emissions and for Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) DC Fast Charge Infrastructure projects.

Water quality swimming alert lifted for sound–side site in Beaufort County

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming alert at a sound-side site in Beaufort County. 

Coastal Management realigns district office jurisdictions to keep up with the times

The population dynamics on the coast of North Carolina are changing, and the workload for coastal development permits is shifting, too.

Memo: DEQ Secretary's statement on the conference budget

To: Interested Parties
From: Sharon Martin, Communications Director
Date:  June 26, 2019
Re:  DEQ Secretary statement on the conference budget

Water quality swimming alert issued for sound-side site in Beaufort County

State recreational water quality officials today are alerting the public that initial testing at a sound-side site in Beaufort County showed levels of bacteria exceeding the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality swimming standards.