UNC Institute of Marine Science researchers have found that the life cycles of algal blooms caused by cyanobacteria in water correlates to the airborne presence of fine particulate matter that the EPA calls “the greatest risk to health.”
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Handsome eastern towhee had bit part in early NC history
The good-looking bird better known for its varied vocal stylings and found in coastal regions, including Ocracoke Island’s thickets, was depicted in the drawings of John White, the Colonial governor, mapmaker and artist.
EPA proposes excavating Navassa treated wood-storage site
Environmental Protection Agency officials announced a plan Tuesday to remove as much as 12 inches of soil from a roughly 1.6-acre portion of the former Kerr-McGee Corp. site where chemically treated wood was once stored.
Health advisories for GenX, PFAS announced at conference
Radhika Fox, the Environmental Protection Agency’s assistant administrator for water, announced new and updated federal health advisories for GenX and related substances Wednesday during a meeting on emerging compounds held in Wilmington.
Research network to link environmental, social sciences
Researchers, with recent funding from the National Science Foundation, are working to bring forward voices from rural, poorer coastal NC communities most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Book shines light on remarkable women of the Outer Banks
Hannah Bunn West’s new book, “Remarkable Women of the Outer Banks,” reveals the stories of seven impactful coastal NC women.
Climate change sharpens focus on NC farms’ soil quality
As atmospheric carbon dioxide levels increase, the threats to agricultural yields of NC staples such as soybeans, corn and sweet potatoes increase.
Worsening conditions challenge Ocracoke ferry operations
Various solutions have been put forward to address persistent and increasingly disruptive problems affecting navigation in constantly changing Hatteras Inlet, a vital route for Outer Banks residents and the economy.
Officials outline steps to address PFAS contamination
Filtration at the public water treatment level, stopping contamination at the source and setting health standards are steps toward protecting the public from PFAS.
Study finds PFAS health risks inadequately communicated
A recent analysis found that messaging about the health risks of PFAS for significantly exposed communities needs to be stronger and offer the public more guidance.
Vaughn Hagerty: The reporter who broke the GenX story
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bill would fund efforts to support growing shellfish industry
The measure introduced Thursday in the N.C. General Assembly would provide $8.5 million in funding for coastal water quality and oyster habitat restoration projects.
Recent shoaling highlights shallow-draft navigation woes
A nor-easter in May exacerbated already difficult conditions for transportation and businesses that rely on navigable Outer Banks inlets, as officials contend with both federal and private dredge fleets that are stretched thin.
