Press Releases

State officials award more than $1.1 million to improve public beach and coastal waterfront access

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management has awarded more than $1.1 million to nine local governments to improve public access to coastal beaches and waters for the 2021-22 fiscal year.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee to meet

The N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee will meet by web conference at 1 p.m. Oct. 25.

The public may join the meeting online or by telephone.

REMINDER: DEQ accepting public comment on Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan amendment

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is accepting public comment on the Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment and Appendix.

RELEASE: North Carolina Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board to delay meeting on October 4

Due to technical difficulties, the state Secretaries' Science Advisory Board will delay the meeting until 11 a.m. on Monday, October 4, via WebEx

REMINDER: North Carolina Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board to meet October 4

The state Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board will meet on Monday, October 4, via WebEx, to discuss DEQ’s Emerging Contaminant Framework and PFAS Strategy.

DEQ accepting public comment on Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan amendment

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is accepting public comment on the Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment and Appendix.

State coastal commission to meet by web conference Sept. 15; Advisory Council to meet Sept. 14

The N. C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. by web conference. The Coastal Resources Advisory Council (CRAC) will meet Sept. 14 at 3 p.m. also by web conference. The public may join the meetings by computer or phone.

Dowry Creek Certified as North Carolina Clean Marina

Dowry Creek Marina in Belhaven is the newest facility to be certified as a North Carolina Clean Marina, a designation given to marinas that exceed minimum regulatory requirements. The marina, located on upper Dowry Creek in Beaufort County, received the certification in June.

DEQ Secretary takes Oath of Office

Elizabeth S. Biser affirmed her oath of office as North Carolina’s Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality during a ceremony at DEQ’s Green Square building today. 

State encourages social and community responsibility for those considering July Fourth holiday at Masonboro Island Reserve

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. For the 2021 holiday, the state coastal agency and the sheriff’s office are working together to provide for public safety and to increase public awareness of responsible visitor behavior on the island.