Press Releases

Public Hearing to be held Nov. 3 on updated Groundwater rules and standards

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources (DWR) will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the state’s Groundwater Classifications and Standards, known as rule 15A NCAC 02L .0100 – General Considerations. The hearing will be held via Webex from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021. The purpose of this public hearing is to allow interested persons to submit oral comments regarding the DWR’s proposed amendments to Permanent Rules 15A NCAC 02L .0100, which govern the protection of North Carolina’s groundwater resources.

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.

State Environmental Stewardship Initiative recognizes new and long-standing members at annual conference

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality recognized the newest members of its Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI) this week for their commitment to environmental excellence during the ESI annual conference.

Mining permit issued for Scott Farm Road Mine

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) has issued a mining permit for the Scott Road Farm Mine, covering 38 acres in Jones County.

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

An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in New Hanover County, where state officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards. 

Division of Marine Fisheries reminds aquaculture operators that permits are required

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding anyone conducting or interested in aquaculture operations that permits are required for different activities, and they are available at no cost.

REMINDER: DEQ accepting public comment on Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan amendment

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is accepting public comment on the Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment and Appendix.

REMINDER: Public Hearing on Draft Enviva Sampson Permit to be held October 19

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will host a digital public hearing on Tuesday, October 19 on the draft Title V permit for Enviva Pellets Sampson, LLC. 

REMINDER: Public Hearing for Draft Regional Haze Plan to be held on October 6

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is accepting public comment on the Draft Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) and will host an online public hearing on Wednesday, October 6.

RELEASE: North Carolina Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board to delay meeting on October 4

Due to technical difficulties, the state Secretaries' Science Advisory Board will delay the meeting until 11 a.m. on Monday, October 4, via WebEx. Those who previously registered to speak do not need to register again.