Press Releases

Precautionary advisory lifted for ocean swimming sites from Fort Fisher to Fort Macon

State officials today lifted a precautionary advisory against swimming for ocean beaches from Fort Fisher to Fort Macon.

N.C. Environmental Management Commission to Meet September 11-12

The N.C. Environmental Management Commission (EMC) will meet September 11-12 at the Archdale Building, 512 N. Salisbury Street in Raleigh.

State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet Sept. 11

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the City of Hickory Water Treatment Plant, 1560 Old Lenoir Road NW, HIckory 28601.

Three North Carolina Coastal Reserve sites open to visitors after Hurricane Dorian

Three N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve sites are open to visitors after closure due to Hurricane Dorian. These include:

Department of Environmental Quality’s Fayetteville Regional Office closed Friday, Sept. 6

RALEIGH – The Department of Environmental Quality’s Fayetteville Regional Office will be closed Friday,

Additional offices that will be closed Friday:

Department of Environmental Quality offices close due to Hurricane Dorian

Some Department of Environmental Quality offices will close due to forecasted impacts of Hurricane Dorian. The Department of Environmental Quality Wilmington Regional Office closed at noon today and will remain closed Thursday and Friday.

All North Carolina coastal waters to close to shellfish harvest

All coastal waters in North Carolina will temporarily close to shellfish harvest at sunrise Thursday. The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is temporarily closing state shellfish waters due to the impending impacts of Hurricane Dorian.

Excessive rains, flooding from Hurricane Dorian may cause high bacteria levels in coastal waters

State recreational water quality officials are advising the public to avoid swimming in all coastal waters of North Carolina following Hurricane Dorian. Residents and visitors should avoid swimming in all coastal waters until testing indicates bacteria levels meet state and federal standards.

North Carolina Coastal Reserve sites close to visitors due to risk of storm impacts and damage

The sites of the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve will close to visitors at dusk today until further notice due to the threat of damage from Hurricane Dorian and to protect public safety from the potential risk of downed trees, flooding and other hazards.

Public hearing in Cashiers September 5 on water quality certification

State officials will host a public hearing September 5 in Cashiers to gather comments on a water quality certification for Cashiers Canoe Club Development, LLC.