Press Releases

Invasive Species Sold in N.C. Pet Stores Could Impact Water Resources

North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Wildlife Resource Commission (NCWRC) and Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (DA&CS) are alerting citizens who recently purchased aquarium plants. Specifically, moss balls, an aquatic plant used in home aquariums, were found to be contaminated with an invasive and potentially destructive, fresh water species called zebra mussels.

RELEASE: Public Hearing Rescheduled on Draft Air Permit for Madison Asphalt

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has rescheduled the public hearing on the Madison Asphalt, LLC draft air permit to Monday, May 3 at 6 p.m.

RELEASE: State awards rebates for electric vehicle charging infrastructure

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has awarded the second group of rebates for Level 2 charging projects to be funded by the NC Volkswagen

MEDIA ADVISORY: Marine Fisheries Commission to meet virtually on March 31

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet by web conference on March 31 beginning at 1 p.m.

REMINDER: Public Hearing on Scott Farm Road Mine to be held March 29

The Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) will hold a public hearing on the Scott Farm Road Mine application on Monday, March 29 at 6 p.m.

Changes to tarpon, commercial fishing license and vessel transfer rules now in effect

Changes to two marine fisheries rules are now in effect. One of the rules pertains to tarpon and the other to the transfer of Standard and Retired Standard Commercial Fishing Licenses.

REMINDER: North Carolina Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board to Meet April 5

The state Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board will meet on Monday, April 5, via WebEx, to continue discussion on PFAS toxicity testing.

Today’s Marine Fisheries Commission meeting is postponed

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting scheduled for this afternoon has been postponed.

State coastal commission to hold special meeting March 22

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet by web conference on Monday, March 22 at 11:00 a.m. to discuss two litigation cases. The CRC will receive information on Kastberg v. DCM, 20 EHR 03105 and consult with its attorney regarding Batson v. Coastal Resources Commission, COA No 21-110.  The meeting will be limited to these two agenda items. The second agenda item will be handled in closed session.

The public may join the open session of the Commission by computer or phone.

State awards first ever Resilient Coastal Communities Program grants

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is awarding grants to 25 communities for technical assistance in risk assessment and resilience planning work. A total of $675,000 will be made available for completion of Phases 1 and 2 of the new NC Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP). DCM will contract directly with selected contractors to provide direct technical assistance services to localities.