Press Releases

North Carolina commercial fishermen landed less seafood in 2020; Recreational harvest remained stable

Commercial fishermen sold 42.9 million pounds of fish and shellfish to North Carolina seafood dealers in 2020, a decrease of 19% from 2019 and about a 23% decrease from the previous five-year average.

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. Aug. 3.

New Turtle Excluder Device requirement for skimmer trawl vessels takes effect Aug. 1

A new turtle excluder device (TED) requirement for larger skimmer trawl vessels will take effect Aug. 1.

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

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

DEQ to host a public hearing on Duke Energy landfill permit for Mayo Coal Ash Impoundment Closure

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management (DWM) will host a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, August 10, on a draft solid waste permit for a new, lined landfill at the Mayo Steam Electric Plant. The draft permit will include Duke Energy’s construction and operation of a new landfill (called the Ash Basin Landfill) for the disposal of excavated coal ash at the Mayo facility. Members of the public are invited to attend the hearing online or by phone and provide their comments on the proposed permit.

Precautionary swimming advisory lifted for ocean site in Oak Island where floodwater pumping occurred

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a precautionary swimming advisory in Oak Island. The advisory was lifted because floodwaters have rescinded, and pumping has ceased. 

Precautionary swimming advisory issued for ocean area in Oak Island where floodwater pumping has occurred

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.

REMINDER: State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet July 14 in Raleigh

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet Wednesday, July 14, at 9:00 a.m. in the Archdale Building’s Ground Floor Hearing Room in Raleigh.

DEQ issues Permit to Construct New Lined Onsite Landfill for Disposal of Coal Ash at Duke’s Belews Creek Steam Station

RALEIGH – Following a comprehensive application review and public comment period, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management (DWM) has issued a permit to allow Duke Energy to construct and operate a new, lined onsite landfill at the Belews Creek Steam Station for the disposal of excavated coal ash.

EMC to Hold Special Meeting July 13

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) will hold a special meeting  on Wednesday, July 13 at 9 a.m. in the Ground Floor Hearing Room of the Archdale Building at 512 N. Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC.