Press Releases

Precautionary water quality swimming advisory lifted for ocean-side site in New Hanover County

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a precautionary advisory against swimming in the ocean at the junction of Seawatch Way and Fort Fisher Road North in Kure Beach. 

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

An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in Carteret 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.

Precautionary water quality swimming advisory issued for ocean-side site in New Hanover County due to sewer system overflow

State recreational water quality officials today issued a precautionary advisory against swimming in the ocean at the junction of Seawatch Way and Fort Fisher Road North in Kure Beach.

Precautionary swimming advisory issued for ocean area in Oak Island where floodwater pumping has occurred

State recreational water quality officials today advised beachgoers to be aware of the floodwaters being pumped to the ocean surf in Oak Island. Surfers and swimmers should avoid these sites.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Division of Marine Fisheries schedules southern flounder plan advisory committee workshop

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a workshop at 6 p.m. Aug. 10 with the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan Advisory Committee to review draft Amendment 3 to the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan.

Public Cautioned to Avoid Algal Bloom in Chowan River

N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources (DWR) advises the public to avoid contact with green or blue water in the Chowan River due to an algal bloom that has lingered in the area since July 27, 2021.

Precautionary swimming advisory lifted for ocean site in Oak Island where floodwater pumping occurred

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a precautionary swimming advisory in Oak Island. The advisory was lifted because floodwaters have rescinded, and pumping has ceased.

Secretary’s Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board to meet August 23

RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary’s Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board will hold its meeting Monday, August 23, in the Archdale Ground Floor Hearing Room. The public is invited to either attend in person, or listen to the meeting online or by phone.  Based on current guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19, public seating will be limited and face coverings are recommended for all attendees.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Comment period opens, public hearing scheduled for various marine fisheries rules

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is accepting public comment on proposed amendments and re-adoption of 56 rules under a state-mandated periodic review schedule.

RELEASE: DAQ to hold Public Hearing on Ecolab, Inc. Log Fumigation Permit on Aug. 31

RALEIGH - The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will host a digital public hearing on Tuesday, August 31 on a draft permit modification for the Ecolab, Inc. facility located at the Port of Wilmington in New Hanover county.