N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Donald R. van der Vaart has responded to an EPA administrator’s warning over pollution permit challenges.
Archives
Study Finds Lack of Coral, Fish Protection
A new study finds that designated marine protected areas do not adequately conserve the evolutionary history of fish and coral in reefs across the globe.
Guest Column: ‘Island Time’ on Hatteras
Life slows down on Hatteras Island in the winter. The tourists are gone, and most of the shops are closed. January is a time for beach combing and catching up with neighbors.
Work Begins on Stormwater Ponds
Long-planned work on two eyesore ponds to improve stormwater drainage and protect nearby Deer Creek and Bogue Sound got underway last week in Cape Carteret.
First Come a Flood of Reports
The N.C. General Assembly ordered a bevy of studies — stormwater, beach erosion and wetlands to name a few — that are due this spring. The studies offer hints of legislation to come.
Effort On to Save Cold-Stunned Turtles
The sudden drop in temperature surprised young sea turtles. More than 200 stunned by the cold, a condition similar to hypothermia, were rescued this week at various locations along the coast.
Congressmen Urge Halt to Seismic Permitting
Thirty-three congressmen have signed a letter urging federal regulators to consider new research before allowing seismic testing to begin off the East Coast.
Are We There Yet?
Health Advocates Blast N.C.’s Power Plan
Public health and environmental advocates say the state’s response to the federal clean power plan, which seeks to limit the country’s carbon emissions, is too limited.
Outer Banks Chamber to Host Energy Forum
Lunchtime talk to include representatives from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association and the N.C. Electric Membership Corp.
Our Celestial Coast: More Meteors in 2016
Begin 2016 looking skyward: The new year starts with an astronomical light show courtesy of the Quadrantids meteor shower and possibly a glimpse of comet Catalina.
Our Coast’s Food: Hoppin’ John
Tradition has it that eating black-eyed peas on Jan. 1 guarantees a prosperous new year but proper preparation is key with the dish known as “hoppin’ john.”
‘Snack Time’
Photographer Brian Horsley captured this image, “Snack Time,” in September at Shackleford Banks.
Sam’s Field Notes: Eastern Red Cedar
The eastern red cedar, which thrives in dunes along the N.C. coast, has long been important to wildlife and man, and some native Americans consider it sacred.
Crystal Skipper Earns Species Status
The rare crystal skipper butterfly has the unusual distinctions of being a newly identified species that’s found only along a small section of the central N.C. coast.
N.C. Experts See Hope in Climate Deal
Our correspondent Cate Kozak covered the recent international climate conference in Paris, where agreement was reached that could present opportunity for N.C. firms in the move toward more renewable energy.
