Water quality degradation from nutrients and sediments reduce light penetration needed for seagrass survival and is a threat to coastal fisheries.
Coastal commission delays vote on clarified septic rules
The Coastal Resources Commission wants more feedback before changing language covering exposed and damaged septic systems for oceanfront houses on erosion-prone beaches.
Emerald Isle board hears plan for 30-acre, forested park
Town commissioners and the public were briefed on the two-phased design for McLean-Spell Park, an undeveloped tract with maritime forest and wetlands the town purchased in 2018.
PFAS contamination likely at 58,000 sites in US: Study
The presumptive contamination map features sites that are often sources of contamination, but where no testing has confirmed the presence of PFAS.
New partnership aims to restore water quality, vegetation
Essential coastal habitat is declining because of deteriorating water quality. Now a private-public partnership is coming together to protect the resource.
Tools, partnerships aim to help shellfish growers adapt
Climate change is affecting aquaculture, but state and federal agencies are developing new tools for farmers.
Why do sharks matter? Author Dr. David Shiffman explains
Dr. David Shiffman is on a mission to reach the public through his new book “Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator.”
Toxins study notes Clean Water Act’s ‘unfulfilled promise’
The upper New and the lower Cape Fear River watersheds were two of the nation’s top five watersheds with the highest amounts of toxins discharged in 2020, according to the new study from the N.C. Public Interest Research Group.
White House rolls out plan to fight hunger, improve health
The national strategy focuses on improved access for Americans to more nutritious food options with more than 100 organizations and businesses ponying up more than $8 billion to help reach the plan’s goals.
EPA launches office for advancing environmental justice
The new Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights will oversee a $3 billion climate and environmental justice grant program created under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Two events set to pay tribute to fishing industry, families
The 25th Blessing of the Fleet in Morehead City is set for Sunday morning and the Swansboro Blessing of the Fleet is Oct. 7.
PFAS detected in stain-resistant school uniforms: Study
A new study finds that children’s school uniforms marketed as waterproof or stain-resistant contain high levels of PFAS.
Discharge permit requires Chemours remove 99.9% of PFAS
Environmental advocates who pressed for tighter standards than first proposed say the result is the nation’s most stringent limits on discharges of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
New program to fund stormwater management projects
The deadline is 5 p.m. Sept. 30 for towns and counties to apply for a new state-run program that offers funding opportunities for stormwater management projects.
Cape Fear River advocate blasts Chemours’ expansion plans
Chemical manufacturer cites critical economic demand for its products.
Friends to celebrate 45 years of Mountains-to-Sea Trail
The 1,175-mile trail that connects the Smokey Mountains to Jockey’s Ridge in the Outer Banks is celebrating 45 years.
