As North Carolina’s population has grown and the factory farming industry expanded, the state’s environmental agency staff has been slashed by almost a third in less than 15 years.
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Brunswick Nuclear Plant’s sirens to be tested next month
The first quarterly test of Duke Energy’s Brunswick Nuclear Plant sirens is scheduled for Jan. 7.
NCDOT releases proposed comprehensive state rail plan
The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Rail Division is accepting comments through Jan. 20 on the proposed Comprehensive State Rail Plan, which officials say “establishes the vision for rail transportation across the state for the next 30 years.”
Imported shrimp served at restaurants touting local catch
A sizeable majority of Outer Banks restaurants that claim to serve local, wild-caught shrimp have been found through genetic testing to be serving imported farm-raised shrimp instead.
Second ‘Landscapes that Last’ webinar set for Jan. 15
The second in the online education series explores the core principles of conservation landscaping and how they support healthy land and water systems.
Segment of US 24 in Jacksonville closed for repairs until Jan. 9
NCDOT expects a section of N.C. 24 near the U.S. 17 Bypass in Jacksonville to be closed for utility repairs until Jan. 9.
Untreated sewage released into Jacksonville’s Scales Creek
A broken sewer line found Saturday near Lejeune Boulevard in Jacksonville led to the discharge of an estimated 129,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into Scales Creek.
Climate change compounds challenge to stabilize beaches
Stabilizing Outer Banks beaches is becoming more challenging with the quickly evolving and often unpredictable consequences of a changing climate: Sea levels are increasing faster than projected, storms are intensifying, rainfall is heavier.
Three NC ferry routes to follow adjusted schedule Dec. 25
Hatteras-Ocracoke, Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach, and Southport-Fort Fisher ferry routes are to follow an adjusted schedule during Christmas.
Revised discharge permit issued for Vanceboro quarry
The N.C. Division of Water Resources on Wednesday issued Martin Marietta Inc.’s Vanceboro Quarry a revised wastewater discharge permit, which allows for the release of 12 million gallons per day from two outfalls into unnamed tributaries of Blounts Creek.
Mechanical oyster season extended in parts of Pamlico Sound
Beginning last Monday, the mechanical oyster harvest season is extended in portions of Pamlico Sound.
Carteret chairman rejects call to extend Jewish greetings, too
“How could Jews not take offense?”: Carteret County Board of Commissioners Chairman Chris Chadwick said he was “caught off guard” when another commissioner suggested he also wish the public a “Happy Hanukkah” in addition to his “Merry Christmas.”
Artist presents painting of beloved historian Darrell Collins
Darrell McNary Collins, who died last year on Christmas Eve and was a historian at the Wright Brothers National Memorial for more than 40 years, is memorialized in James Melvin’s painting, “A Legacy of Greatness.”
Historic Duncan House in Beaufort gutted by fire
The Duncan House at 105 Front St. in Beaufort, a structure that dates back to the mid-1700s, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of only 11 properties in North Carolina designated as Statewide Properties of Significance, is cordoned off Tuesday after a blaze consumed the unoccupied building on Monday. Photo: Dylan Ray
New Hanover County agrees to purchase, preserve 28 acres
Commissioners have unanimously agreed to a $2.24 million deal that includes two undeveloped tracts across from downtown Wilmington that will remain preserved from development once they are county-owned.
Navassa chemical firm guilty of Cape Fear discharges
The chemical processing firm American Distillation Inc. in Brunswick County is guilty of purposely discharging pollutants into the Cape Fear River, and company owner Andrew J. Simmons Jr. pleaded guilty to failing to pay federal taxes.
