Press Releases

State urges caution as algal bloom continues in Fontana Lake

Officials with the state Division of Water Resources are reminding people to avoid contact with a potentially a harmful algal bloom that continues to grow in parts of Fontana Lake.

DEQ, DHHS heads respond to state senators’ letter, outline request to protect drinking water

The heads of the state departments of Health and Human Services and Environmental Quality have responded to an inquiry from members of the N.C. Senate and outlined the departments’ critical funding needs to help protect water quality for North Carolinians. 

N.C. Energy Policy Council to meet Wednesday in Raleigh

The North Carolina Energy Policy Council will meet Wednesday in Raleigh to consider adopting policies and goals to improve energy infrastructure that will be incorporated into its planning and reporting cycle.  

Water quality swimming advisory issued for sound-side site in Pamlico County

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

Newest sampling data shows GenX levels in Cape Fear still below health goal

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality today released new test results that show concentrations of the chemical GenX continue to be below the state’s health goal at all finished water sampling sites on the Cape Fear River downstream of the Chemours industrial facility.

DEQ, DHHS share budget request to protect water, ensure long-term monitoring, analysis and enforcement

In response to the ongoing investigation into the compound GenX and drinking water in the Cape Fear region, Governor Cooper announced that the Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Health and Human Services would request critical funding to support additional scientists, engineers and health professionals to ensure water testing and protection statewide.

State seeks additional public input on pipeline project impacts

Officials with the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality will host three listening sessions to obtain additional community feedback on the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline project that will traverse eight North Carolina counties.

DEQ gathering documents for federal investigation related to Chemours

Staff in the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality are gathering documents for the federal government’s investigation related to Chemours, the company that manufactures the unregulated compound GenX at its Fayetteville facility.

Latest test results for finished drinking water show GenX below health goal

Governor Cooper expands state science panel to address new or unregulated chemicals

Governor Roy Cooper has expanded a state science panel to help guide state officials on ways to better protect public health and the environment from new or unregulated chemicals.