Press Releases

State strongly encourages visitor safety and responsible behavior for those considering Masonboro Island Reserve during the July Fourth holiday

The N.C. Division of Coastal Management 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 reserve 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.

New interactive tool shows maps pertaining to marine fisheries rules; it’s the latest application added to geospatial hub on website

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has launched a new interactive mapping tool to assist the public with finding and using maps associated with rules.

Tagging Program rewards participants in annual $100 drawing

Fifteen lucky participants won $100 each in a yearly drawing held by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ Multi-Species Tagging Program.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Stormwater Committee of the State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet June 23 via Teleconference

The Stormwater Committee of the State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet Thursday, June 23 at 2:00 p.m. by teleconference. The public may listen to the meeting online or by phone.

DAQ Announces First Funding Awards from NC Volkswagen Settlement Phase 2 Program

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is awarding $255,000 in rebates to public and private organizations to install publicly accessible zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) chargers across the state.

RELEASE: DEQ and NC Collaboratory Announce Fellowship Program

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in partnership with the North Carolina Collaboratory today announced the DEQ Applied Research Fellowship to advance the science of PFAS in our state. This unique fellowship program will strengthen the partnership between state regulators and academic experts on a priority issue that impacts many North Carolinians.

REMINDER: Public Hearings Scheduled for Chemours Draft Permit to Address Groundwater Contamination

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources (DWR) will hold public hearings on June 21 and 23 to accept comments on a proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (

State agencies responding to release of EPA health advisories for four PFAS compounds

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released health advisory values for four PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): GenX, PFOA, PFOS and PFBS. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are moving quickly to evaluate the state’s drinking water supplies based on these health advisories and determine appropriate next steps to assess and reduce exposure risks. 

Comment period open for reissuance of Animal Operations NPDES permits

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)’s Division of Water Resources has opened the public comment period for the reissuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permits for animal operations through July 15, 2022.

Climate Change Interagency Council to meet virtually June 23

The Climate Change Interagency Council will meet on June 23rd via WebEx.