Press Releases

NC Climate Change Interagency Council to meet Thursday, October 28

The N.C. Climate Change Interagency Council will hold an online meeting on October 28 to discuss the Energy Solutions for North Carolina Act and the state’s fleet electrification.  The public is invited to attend online or by phone.

Water quality swimming advisories lifted for two sound-side sites in New Hanover County

State recreational water quality officials today lifted water quality swimming advisories at two sound-side sites in New Hanover County.

State officials award more than $1.1 million to improve public beach and coastal waterfront access

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management has awarded more than $1.1 million to nine local governments to improve public access to coastal beaches and waters for the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Public Hearing to be held December 2 on update to NC Environmental Policy Act rules

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to its 15A NCAC 01C “Conformity with North Carolina Environmental Policy Act” rules as part of the required rule review and readoption process set forth in N.C. Gen. Stat. §150B-21.3A.

State to host public information session on November 16 about PFAS/GenX at Chemours’ Fayetteville Works facility

RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will host a community information session remotely via teleconference Tuesday, November 16, about current actions to prevent and remediate PFAS contamination at the Chemours Fayetteville Works Facility. The public is invited to participate by phone or online.

Water quality swimming advisories lifted for four sound-side sites in New Hanover County

State recreational water quality officials today lifted four water quality swimming advisories at sound-side sites in New Hanover County. 

MEDIA ADVISORY: Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee to meet

The N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee will meet by web conference at 1 p.m. Oct. 25.

Public Hearings Scheduled on Piedmont Lithium Carolinas Mining Application

The Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) will hold a public hearing on the Piedmont Lithium Carolinas mining permit application on November 15, 2021, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., followed by a virtual overflow hearing on November 18. The application for Mining Permit No. 36-35 (Pending) is for a lithium mining operation in Gaston County. In accordance with The Mining Act of 1971 § 74-51(c), the public hearing must be held by November 30, 2021.

Tips for a healthy oyster eating; Hand harvest from public bottom begins Friday

Nothing says fall on the coast of North Carolina like the beginning of oyster season, when people pull out the fire grates and steamer pots and get ready to slurp down a salty treat.

DEQ Accepting Public Comment on draft Priority Rating System for Viable Utility Reserve-funded drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects

The Division of Water Infrastructure is accepting comments on the draft Priority Rating System for Viable Utility Reserve (VUR) wastewater and drinking water construction project funding until November 1, 2021.