Local governments in the state’s 20 coastal counties can apply for funding to improve public access to coastal beaches and waters for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
News Briefs
Hearing Set on New Groundwater Standards
The Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources will conduct an online public hearing Feb. 2 on proposed revisions to groundwater quality standards.
New Law Expands National Estuary Program
A new law expands an EPA program to protect and restore estuaries of national significance, including the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system.
Large-Scale COVID Vaccine Events Planned
DHHS has partnered with Albemarle Regional Health Services to provide COVID-19 vaccines at health departments in Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Hertford Pasquotank and Perquimans counties.
NC Marine Debris Symposium Goes Virtual
Coastal Carolina Riverwatch is hosting the eighth annual North Carolina Marine Debris Symposium Feb. 10-12 that is going virtual and global.
Hog Farm Cited for Waste Lagoon Failure
The state has issued a notice of violation and intent to enforce to DC Mills Farms Inc. related to a Dec. 21 animal waste lagoon failure that released 1 million gallons of untreated animal waste in Jones County.
Initiative Results in 140M More Oysters in NC
The North Carolina Coastal Federation and partners restored about 140 million oysters on 43 acres of newly created oyster reefs on the coast, nearly tripling their goal set by the 50 Million Oyster Initiative.
Most NC Voters Support Wind Energy: Poll
A new poll from a wind energy industry advocacy group indicates that North Carolina voters show broad public support for offshore wind and transitioning to 100% clean energy sources.
Riverwatch Encourages Solo Cleanups
The Coastal Carolina Riverwatch board and staff are encouraging the public to join them Monday during Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Day of Service by holding solo cleanups.
Chowan, Gates, Perquimans Road Repairs Set
The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded a $3.9 million contract for road improvements in Chowan, Gates and Perquimans counties.
Duck Hires New Town Manager
Duck town council voted unanimously Thursday to appoint Drew Havens as the new town manager starting Feb. 15.
Nags Head Offices Close Due to COVID-19
The second floor of Nags Head’s town hall and the public works offices will be closed this week for the safety of the public and employees.
Shindig Jan. 21 to Focus on Protecting Waters
Learn about Coastal Carolina Riverwatch’s mission to protect clean water, upcoming projects and ways to get involved during the virtual “Fresh and Salty Shindig” Jan. 21.
Groups Petition State For CO2 Emission Rule
The North Carolina Coastal Federation and Clean Air Carolina have petitioned the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission seeking state action to reduce heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
Habitat Protection Plan Committee to Meet
The N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee will meet Jan. 21 to hear about wetland protection and restoration, reducing inflow and infiltration from wastewater infrastructure and habitat monitoring.
Nags Head Questions Nourishment Funds
Dare County’s plan to fund sand pumping in Southern Shores and Avon by withholding $1.4 million in beach nourishment funds from each of the five oceanfront communities met pushback from Nags Head commissioners.