Press Releases

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory for a sound-side swimming area in Beaufort County.

MOREHEAD CITY – 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.

Comment period opens, public hearing scheduled for one marine fisheries rule.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Infrastructure will conduct its Fall 2026 Funding Application Training Aug. 4 - Aug. 12 at four locations statewide (Hickory, Asheville, Research Triangle Park/Durham and Kinston), including an Aug. 10 virtual option that will be recorded and posted on the Division’s website.

Today, Gov. Josh Stein, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, and DEQ Sec. Reid Wilson filed comments opposing the proposed PFAS deal between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Chemours. The comments urge the federal government to withdraw the proposed settlement, which would do almost nothing to address the damage Chemours has done in North Carolina.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is accepting applications for FY2027 funding through the North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program. The BIG Program provides competitive grant funding to construct, renovate and maintain boating infrastructure serving transient recreational vessels 26 feet or longer.

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission Water Quality Committee will hold a special virtual meeting at 2 p.m. on Aug. 4. Members of the public may attend by computer or phone.  

Today Governor Josh Stein and Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson provided an update on ongoing drought conditions.

The application deadline is approaching for those who wish to be considered for a Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) this fall. The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries SCFL Eligibility Board will meet Oct. 14 to consider license applications that are deemed complete and submitted by Sept. 21.

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today advised beachgoers to be aware of the floodwaters being pumped to the ocean surf in Nags Head. Surfers and swimmers should avoid these sites.