Press Releases

State coastal commission will meet July 12-13 in Beaufort

The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission will meet July 12-13 at the NOAA/NERR Administration Building Auditorium, 101 Pivers Island in Beaufort. The meeting will begin at 1:15 p.m. on July 12 and 9 a.m. on July 13. The meeting is open to the public.

County sheriff's office and state coastal agency remind visitors to act responsibly on July Fourth holiday at Masonboro Island

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and the state’s coastal management agency are urging the public to act responsibly this weekend during the July Fourth holiday at the Masonboro Island Reserve.

Rainfall deficit brings severe drought to four southwestern N.C. counties

Severe drought has returned to North Carolina for the first time since September 2015 as rainfall deficits continue to impact the southwestern mountains.

Coastal recreational fishermen hooked more fish in 2015

Coastal recreational fishermen hooked more fish in North Carolina in 2015 than they did in 2014.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Public hearing scheduled to gather comment on Marshall Steam Station permit

The state environmental department will hold a public hearing June 22 in Hickory to hear comments on a draft modified wastewater discharge permit for Duke Energy’s Marshall Steam Station.

North Carolina asks federal government to review findings about new coal ash landfill

As part of Governor Pat McCrory’s initiative to protect low-income and minority communities from the effects of coal ash, the state environmental agency has evaluated the potential impact of storing ash in a new lined landfill in Wilmington.

New water control plan at Kerr Lake dam will benefit environment, local fish and game species

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun implementing a revised water control plan at Kerr Lake dam, as negotiated by the Corps, the state’s lead environmental agency, other state and federal agencies, non-government organizations and Dominion.

McCrory administration protects air quality, cuts red tape for more than 50% of permitted businesses

A new environmental rule will reduce paperwork for more than 1,400 business owners while freeing up resources North Carolina will use to protect air quality. The businesses that would qualify for air permit exemptions include food manufacturing and colleges and universities.

DATE CORRECTION: Marine Fisheries to hold public meeting on proposed new reef near Oregon Inlet

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a public meeting on a proposed new artificial reef near Oregon Inlet. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. June 16 in Room 168 of the Dare County Administrative Building, 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo.

McCrory administration helps coastal communities plan for growth, lower insurance costs

Governor Pat McCrory has awarded $75,000 in grants to five coastal cities and towns for local planning and management that will help them prepare for the future.

The awards are: