Press Releases

State certifies new state record Speckled Trout

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has certified a new state record speckled trout (Cynoscion nebulosus) that bests a fish that held the title for more than 60 years.

State Approves Riparian Buffer Impacts for Mining Bridge at Crabtree Creek

 

Secretary’s Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board to meet virtually February 28

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary’s Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board will hold its meeting Monday, February 28, remotely via teleconference. Members of the public are welcome to participate online or by phone. Internet access is not required to attend the meeting.

N.C. Sedimentation Control Commission to meet February 22

The N.C. Sedimentation Control Commission will meet virtually on Tuesday, February 22, 2022., The meeting will begin at 10 a.m., and the public may join the meeting by computer or phone.

State Accepting Applications for Grant Funds to Improve Impaired Waters

The Division of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Division of Water Resources (DWR) is accepting proposals for approximately $1.3 million in federal grant money to address the State’s water bodies most impacted by nonpoint pollution.

REMINDER: State coastal commission to meet in Beaufort Feb. 10; Advisory Council to meet Feb. 9

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet Feb.10 at the Beaufort Hotel, 2440 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort. A public input and comment period is scheduled for noon. At the chair’s discretion, comments may be limited to three minutes per person. Prior to the commission meeting, the Coastal Resources Advisory Council (CRAC) will meet at 3 p.m. on Feb. 9 at the same location. Both meetings are open to the public. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, all attendees should wear a mask and maintain social distance during the meeting.

DEQ’s Administration Plan for American Rescue Plan Act’s State Fiscal Recovery Funds Now Available Online

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s administration plan for the approximately $1.6 billion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State Fiscal Recovery funds for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure is now available online.

MEDIA ADVISORY: State Water Infrastructure Authority to Meet Feb. 9 Virtually, via WebEx

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 9:00 a.m., virtually, via WebEx. The public is invited to join the meeting online or by phone.

DEQ will host Public Meetings on Digester System General Permits in April

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)’s Division of Water Resources will hold four public meetings in April on draft Animal Waste Management Digester System General Permits. Three meetings will be in-person and a fourth will be online via Webex. Members of the public are invited to attend and submit comments on the draft permits.

New state rules for Coastal Reserve take effect in February

New and amended rules will take effect Feb. 1 that will require authorization for some activities at N.C. Coastal Reserve sites. The changes will enhance the Reserve’s ability to balance ecosystem protection and compatible traditional uses.