Press Releases

Three western North Carolina counties experiencing extreme drought

While eastern North Carolina is still reeling from the flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew, three counties in western North Carolina have been designated as experiencing extreme drought conditions.

State environmental department requires post-storm plan for coal ash facility

The state environmental department notified Duke Energy today that it must submit plans to address the environmental impact of flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew on the H.F. Lee Energy Complex.

State environmental department requires post-storm plan for coal ash facility

The state environmental department notified Duke Energy today that it must submit plans to address the environmental impact of flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew at the H.F. Lee Energy Complex.

State officials counter false reports about coal ash

Environmental department staff determined on Monday that material found at the H.F. Lee facility in Wayne County is not coal ash as falsely reported by a special interest group. The material, called cenospheres are inert and non-toxic.  

State environmental inspectors to test water quality near swine farms

Under the direction of Governor Pat McCrory, state environmental inspectors will begin sampling water quality this week downstream from swine farms. Testing will continue over the next few weeks in areas where floodwaters have started to recede.

State accepting comments on proposed Carteret County shellfish lease

The state marine fisheries division is accepting public comment on a bottom lease for shellfish aquaculture in Carteret County.

State advises public to avoid contact with Hurricane Matthew floodwaters

As floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew flow to the coast, state officials are recommending that the public avoid contact with waters of the Neuse, Pamlico and Cape Fear rivers and their tributaries.
 
Floodwaters often contain pollutants, such as waste from septic sy

Temporary sites open to accept debris from Hurricane Matthew

Under the direction of Governor Pat McCrory, the state environmental department is helping communities rebuild and recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Matthew.

State seeks public input on environmental permits for Duke Energy’s Belews Creek plant

State environmental officials are asking the public to weigh in on draft proposed water quality permits for Duke Energy’s Belews Creek Steam Station.

Marine Patrol assists with Hatteras ferry checkpoint

The North Carolina Marine Patrol is helping residents and emergency workers get to Ocracoke safely this weekend.