Press Releases

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 (

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.

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. 

State certifies first state record Pompano Dolphinfish, and it may be a world record

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries recently certified the first state record Pompano Dolphinfish (Coryphaena equiselis), and it may break the world record.

Climate Change Interagency Council to meet virtually June 23

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

Division of Marine Fisheries completes several artificial reef projects

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ Artificial Reef Program completed several reef enhancements during the last weeks in May.

Workplaces Can Apply for State Rebates for Level 2 Electric Vehicle Chargers

The Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) released the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Level 2 Workplace Program rebates under the Volkswagen Mitigation Plan.

Estuarine Flounder Dealer Permits available Monday for 2022 commercial flounder seasons

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will begin issuing the new Estuarine Flounder Dealer Permit on Monday, June 13. This permit will be required for seafood dealers to purchase estuarine-caught flounder from fishermen during the 2022 commercial southern flounder season this fall.

Treatment of Invasive Plant in Eno River Begins Next Week

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in cooperation with the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, City of Durham, Durham County, Town of Hillsborough and Orange County will be treating the Eno River for hydrilla beginning next week through August 31, 2022.

REMINDER: DEQ Accepting Public Comment on Draft Water and Wastewater Funding Intended Use Plans and Priority Rating Systems

The Division of Water Infrastructure is accepting comments on the draft Intended Use Plans, including Priority Rating Systems, for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and the Priority Rating System for the Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure Program until June 15, 2022.