Press Releases

RALEIGH – This year, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) took key actions to protect the environment and health of all North Carolinians and to address the impacts of climate change. “DEQ is committed to protecting the resources and people of our state,” said Secretary Elizabeth S. Biser. “We look forward to the opportunities in the year ahead to help communities replace aging infrastructure, improve air and water quality and build a more resilient North Carolina.”

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality has submitted the Volkswagen Mitigation Plan for Phase 2 of the state’s share of a national settlement with the automaker. 

As the holiday season winds down, the N.C. Division of Coastal Management is providing guidance to property owners, organizations and towns that plan to accept natural Christmas trees for use in dune restoration and/or beach sand fencing. Natural Christmas trees may be used for sand fencing but must be free of decorations and should be placed in a manner that meets the State’s rules for sand fencing.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure (DWI) is accepting comments until January 12, 2022 on the proposed plan to administer approximately $1.6 billion in federal funds appropriated in the state budget for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) has issued a mining permit for the Carolina Sunrock – Prospect Hill facility, covering 630 acres in Caswell County.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will host a remote public hearing on a draft permit for the North Carolina Renewable Power facility in Lumberton.  The public is invited to participate in the January 25 hearing online or by phone.

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a public hearing by web conference on proposed shellfish leases in Carteret County at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8.

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a public hearing by web conference on proposed shellfish leases in Onslow County at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27.

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is accepting public comment on proposed management to implement comprehensive, long-term measures to achieve sustainable harvest in the southern flounder fishery.