His curiosity-driven “Googling around” led to a research paper about contaminants detected in the Cape Fear River that, in turn, led to a news story that rattled the region and helped shape five years of environmental policy on PFAS.
Archives
Labor shortage, shoaling leads to ferry schedule changes
Because of labor shortage at Hatteras and severe shoaling issues in Pamlico Sound, ferry summer schedules to and from Ocracoke Island have been adjusted until further notice.
Wilmington fisher catches first state record Graysby grouper
The Division of Marine Fisheries certified the 2-pound, 3-ounce fish George Dale caught May 31 near Masonboro Inlet.
Researchers make strides in 5 years since GenX reported
Developments have been swift in the five years this week since the public first learned of an emerging contaminant in the drinking water source for thousands in the lower Cape Fear region, but work remains.
State seeks input on proposed Chowan wind energy facility
The state is to hold a public hearing July 21 on the wind energy facility application.
Measure would hold Chemours liable for contamination
House Bill 1095 would set human health standards for chemical substances in the drinking water supply and force the polluter to reimburse public water systems for their removal costs.
Endangered crocs have new home in Pine Knoll Shores
The critically endangered Orinoco crocodile hatchlings can be viewed when their exhibit, Journey to the Orinoco, opens this month at the N.C. Aquarium.
Fox boxing
Fox kits roughhouse in a clearing on the edge of the Croatan National Forest. Photo: Dylan Ray
Climate change, pollution imperil Cape Fear, advocates say
Industrialization, pollution, climate change and PFAS are among the hurdles the Cape Fear River faces, speakers explained Wednesday during Cape Fear River Watch’s first State of the River forum.
Navassa’s historic Reaves Chapel steeple restored
The restored steeple has been returned to the top of Navassa’s historic Reaves Chapel, a mid-1800s church built by people who were formerly enslaved.
Here’s what you sign up for when fishing the flats in June
Summer fishing on grass flats and tidal creeks requires special considerations and planning in terms of gear, location and avoiding heat stroke, but big speckled trout and red drum are among the possible rewards.
Various readopted fisheries rules take effect June 1
More than three dozen readopted rules went into effect June 1 but Division of Marine Fisheries officials say that fishers will notice little change.
Island Farm’s historic food series to highlight ‘taters’
It’s “Tater Day” June 15 at the historic Island Farm on Roanoke Island., when the Irish potato will get top billing.
New Bern to host weeklong Juneteenth celebration
Juneteenth of New Bern, a volunteer group, has organized a weeklong celebration of the end of slavery in the United States.
Capitol to host Juneteenth tours, exhibit
The North Carolina State Capitol in Raleigh will host an exhibit and offer tours on Saturday, June 18, to commemorate Juneteenth.
Commission to hear sandbag variance request
The state Coastal Resources Commission meets June 8 by web conference to consider a variance request to add oversize sandbags to an existing revetment in a 10-lot Sunset Beach subdivision.
