As Hurricane Preparedness Week gets underway, the state has introduced Know Your Zone, a tiered evacuation system that highlights areas most vulnerable to storm surge from hurricanes and tropical storms, and other hazards.
State Environmental Commission to Meet
The state Environmental Management Commission and its Groundwater and Waste Management Committee are set to meet remotely this week by teleconference.
NC Joins Suit Against Clean Water Rewrite
North Carolina and 16 other states have filed a legal challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency’s new rule redefining waters protected by the Clean Water Act.
HUD approves NC Florence Funding Plan
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved North Carolina’s plan for spending $542 million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funding related to Hurricane Florence.
Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Meeting Set
The Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee will meet 9 a.m. May 11 by webinar to review draft sections of the 2021 Coastal Habitat Protection and hear about the North Carolina Marine Debris Action Plan .
NC Beach Towns Adjust Restrictions
North Carolina’s beach towns have announced changes to restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Ferry Division Cancels Ocracoke Express
Because of COVID-19 concerns, the state Department of Transportation has canceled its 2020 contract for the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry.
Vulnerable Adults Eligible For Fan Program
Those 60 and older as well as adults with disabilities are eligible to receive fans May 1 to Oct. 31 to help stay cool during the warmer months.
Hyde to Reopen to Nonresident Owners
Hyde County officials say entry restrictions for Ocracoke’s nonresident property owner will be lifted May 11 but haven’t made a decision on visitor entry, meanwhile officials in Currituck and Dare counties are working to determine a date to allow visitors.
Carteret County Reopens Its Beach Accesses
Carteret County government announced Monday that the beach access points maintained by the county, which are in Salter Path, Radio Island and Harkers Island, have been reopened to the public.
Environmental Justice Board to Meet May 18
The state Department of Environmental Quality Secretary’s Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board will meet via teleconference Monday, May 18, instead of having an in-person meeting.
Governor Extends Stay-At-Home Order
Gov. Roy Cooper announced Thursday that North Carolina’s stay-at-home order has been extended through May 8.
Clean Water Act Covers Some Groundwater
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 Thursday that some groundwater falls under the Clean Water Act.
Two Projects to Reduce Runoff Complete
A parking lot in Wilmington and concrete at Wrightsville Beach businesses have recently been replaced with permeable materials to reduce stormwater runoff.
Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve Grows by 35 Acres
The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management purchased 35.6 acres in Dare County to be added to the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve.
Dare Lifts Entry Restrictions for Homeowners
Dare County officials, in consultation with the Dare County Control Group, will begin allowing in early May nonresident property owners with the proper permit.
