Press Releases

Bacteria testing shows swimming sites in Dare, Currituck counties meet standards

State officials announced today that bacteria levels at swimming sites in Dare and Currituck counties meet state and Environmental Protection Agency standards for swimming and other contact with the water.

Eight North Carolina Coastal Reserve sites reopen to visitors after Hurricane Florence

Eight of 10 N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve sites reopened to visitors on today after closures due to Hurricane Florence.

Memo RE: Coal Ash Images, Data Updates and Key Information for North Carolinians facing Hurricane Damage

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) continues to update their dashboard snapshots daily with information from key areas of concern related to damage from Hurricane Florence. Today, aerial footage from Duke Energy Sutton Site (near Wilmington) and images from H.F. Lee (near Goldsboro) inspections were added to the dashboard.

Statement on Sutton Plant

Update on Duke Energy's Sutton facility.

State environmental officials offer guidance for debris disposal following Hurricane Florence

As waters begin to recede and residents make their way back home, state environmental officials share guidance on the best methods for disposing of storm debris in the wake of Hurricane Florence.

Coastal Management offers Emergency CAMA General Permit for hurricane recovery, tips for speeding up permit process

Coastal property owners who need to replace docks, piers, bulkheads or similar structures damaged by Hurricane Florence along sounds, rivers and creeks may be authorized to do so more quickly through an emergency general permit offered by the N.C. Division of Coastal Management.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Department of Environmental Quality announces meeting cancellations

The N.C. Environmental Management Commission meetings scheduled for Sept. 19 and Sept. 20 in Raleigh have been cancelled. New meeting dates will soon be announced and posted on the commission website at: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-resources-commissions/environmental-management-commission.

The N.C. Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board meeting planned for Sept. 24 has also been cancelled. More information on the board’s meetings is available online at:https://deq.nc.gov/news/hot-topics/genx-investigation/secretaries-science-advisory-board.

Marine Fisheries meetings cancelled due to storm impacts

Marine Fisheries meetings cancelled due to storm impacts

Statement on Sutton Steam Plant Wastewater Discharge

In response to the recent update by Duke on the wastewater discharge at the Sutton Plant, DEQ Communications Director Megan S. Thorpe offered the following comment:

DEQ has been closely monitoring all coal ash impoundments that could be vulnerable in this record breaking rain event. As soon as it is safe to do so, DEQ will be onsite at the Sutton Steam Plant to conduct a thorough inspection. Once the damage is assessed, DEQ will determine the best path forward and hold the utility accountable for implementing the solution that ensures the protection of public health and the environment.

North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission meeting cancelled

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission meeting that was scheduled for Sept. 19-20 in Wilmington has been cancelled due to the potential impacts from Hurricane Florence and the need for state officials to focus on post-storm damage assessments and response.