Press Releases

According to the classifications released by the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council on Thursday based on conditions observed between July 7-14, eight counties largely in the Triangle and eastern Triad are in exceptional drought, the highest drought classification. Brunswick County also remains in exceptional drought. Another 38 counties are in extreme drought, 37 counties are in severe drought and13 counties are in moderate drought. Four counties are classified as abnormally dry. 

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries today announced the 2026 commercial flounder season opening dates for Internal Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters.

Today Governor Josh Stein announced that 28 counties across North Carolina will receive more than $244 million in funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects, with $44 million going to western North Carolina to continue Hurricane Helene recovery.

The N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan (CHPP) Steering Committee will meet by web conference from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 22.

MOREHEAD CITY – An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in New Hanover County, where state recreational water quality officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Infrastructure will conduct its Fall 2026 Funding Application Training Aug. 4 - Aug. 12 at four locations statewide (Hickory, Asheville, Research Triangle Park/Durham and Kinston), including an Aug. 10 virtual option that will be recorded and posted on the Division’s website.

The Division of Air Quality has approved modified air quality permits to ATI Specialty Materials – Bakers Plant in Union County and Egger - Lexington Particleboard Plant in Davidson County.

Localized heavier rainfall in parts of North Carolina may help alleviate demand for water for irrigation or other uses but did not lead to substantial improvements in the state’s drought conditions.

Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson welcomed the new state budget signed by Governor Josh Stein. The budget includes important investments in key Department priorities, including efforts to reduce people’s exposure to harmful forever chemicals, maintain healthy air quality, make communities resilient to increasingly frequent and severe weather, and invest in continued Helene recovery efforts.  

The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Flood Resiliency Blueprint program (Blueprint) will hold a public information session on July 20 at 6 p.m.