Press Releases

RELEASE: DEQ approves low-risk classification of seven coal ash impoundment facilities

RALEIGH─The N.C.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Department of Environmental Quality announces meeting cancellations

The N.C. Environmental Management Commission meetings scheduled for Sept. 19 and Sept. 20 in Raleigh have been cancelled. New meeting dates will soon be announced and posted on the commission website at: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-resources-commissions/environmental-management-commission.

The N.C. Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board meeting planned for Sept. 24 has also been cancelled. More information on the board’s meetings is available online at:https://deq.nc.gov/news/hot-topics/genx-investigation/secretaries-science-advisory-board.

Statement on Sutton Steam Plant Wastewater Discharge

In response to the recent update by Duke on the wastewater discharge at the Sutton Plant, DEQ Communications Director Megan S. Thorpe offered the following comment:

DEQ has been closely monitoring all coal ash impoundments that could be vulnerable in this record breaking rain event. As soon as it is safe to do so, DEQ will be onsite at the Sutton Steam Plant to conduct a thorough inspection. Once the damage is assessed, DEQ will determine the best path forward and hold the utility accountable for implementing the solution that ensures the protection of public health and the environment.

State Science Advisory Board seeks public input on draft GenX report

Officials with the N.C. Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board are asking the public for input on a report that will provide recommendations on a reference dose to be used to establish water quality standards, as well as recommendations on the derivation and calculation of the health goal for GenX. The draft report is the culmination of extensive research and deliberations by the board, which provides guidance to the state departments of Environmental Quality and Health and Human Services as the agencies work to address emerging compounds statewide.

Department of Environmental Quality honored for Special Achievement in GIS

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality received the Special Achievement in GIS award from geographic information system provider Earth Science Research Institute (ESRI) because of its innovative application of mapping, data analytics and leadership in the field of environmental protection.

MEDIA ADVISORY: North Carolina Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board to meet Aug. 20

The state Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board will meet in Raleigh on Monday to discuss the board’s GenX report and trichloroethylene vapor intrusion and action levels, among other topics. The meeting will also include a presentation on hexavalent chromium from Health Canada, the Canadian government agency which oversees national public health programs, research and initiatives. The full agenda is available online at: https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/GenX/SAB/SAB-Agenda-082018.pdf.

EPA to NC: Lower Cape Fear River Swamp Supplemental Classification Denied

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality was notified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of their denial of the Lower Cape Fear River (LCFR) supplemental classification as swamp waters. The original effort to push to reclassify the river was driven by the previous administration, approved by the EMC in 2015, and eventually submitted to the EPA earlier this year.

REMINDER: Comment period closes July 11 on proposed court order against Chemours

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality wants to remind the public that the 30-day public comment period for the proposed order will conclude on July 11. DEQ filed a proposed court order on June 11 to require the Chemours Company to implement numerous measures to eliminate or reduce air emissions and water impacts caused by GenX and related compounds, and address contamination in and around the Fayetteville Works facility.

Secretary’s Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board to Meet July 11

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary’s Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board will hold its first meeting in Hollister, North Carolina on July 11.

Mountain Valley Pipeline LLC announces public meetings scheduled for proposed pipeline that would impact Rockingham and Alamance counties

Officials with the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality are encouraging communities in Alamance and Rockingham counties to attend upcoming meetings being held by the company that wants to extend the Mountain Valley natural gas pipeline from Virginia into North Carolina. Engaging early in the review process gives citizens a greater opportunity to weigh in on permitting decisions made by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, which is the agency that will determine whether the project can move forward.