The state Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board will meet at 10 a.m. Monday via WebEx, to continue discussing hexavalent chromium, compounds that are harmful to the eyes, skin and respiratory system.
News Briefs
Sea Turtle Rescue Group’s Virtual Auction Set
Network for Endangered Sea Turtles, or N.E.S.T., is holding a Valentine’s virtual auction fundraiser that begins Friday and ends Feb. 6, featuring restaurant gift certificates, jewelry and fashion items.
Manteo to Move to Subscription Recycling
Manteo residents have until Jan. 31 to opt in to the paid subscription-based recycling program through Bay Disposal.
Commission Talks Dredge Material Disposal
Dare County Waterways Commission heard details during its Wednesday meeting on a comprehensive proposal laying out numerous options for disposal of dredge material.
Grant to Boost OBX Parks Group’s Outreach
Outer Banks Forever has been awarded a Strong Parks, Strong Communities capacity building grant from the National Park Foundation to expand its reach during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Planning Board OKs Radio Island Townhomes
Morehead City’s planning board has approved development of a long-planned townhome complex on Radio Island with 61 units, a 122-slip marina, a clubhouse and a bathhouse.
President Biden Addresses COVID, Climate
President Biden signed executive orders, one of which enforces mask wearing on the federal level to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and acted to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement.
Meeting Set on Swine Biogas Permit Changes
NCDEQ’s Division of Water Resources is seeking comment Jan. 26 on swine biogas permit requests for operations in Duplin and Sampson counties.
Shoreline Cleanups Planned for Feb. 6
The North Carolina Coastal Federation’s northeast office is looking for extra hands Feb. 6 to help with debris cleanups in Wanchese, Nags Head and Rodanthe.
Interior Department Announces New Leaders
The Biden-Harris administration announced Wednesday key leaders for the Department of the Interior tasked with addressing COVID-19, economic recovery, racial equity and climate change.
Effort On to Protect Stump Sound Oysters
A $75,000 grant from N.C. Land and Water Fund to the N.C. Coastal Federation will be used to develop a plan to maintain water quality and reduce flooding at Stump Sound in Onslow County.
Aquarium Mourns Education Opossum
Webster, under the care of N.C. Aquarium at Roanoke Island, was humanely euthanized Wednesday after the veterinary team found the Virginia opossum had inoperable cancer.
Applications Open for Research Opportunities
North Carolina Sea Grant and North Carolina Space Grant are encouraging undergraduate and graduate students to apply for research fellowship and scholarship opportunities.
Towns Can Apply for Public Access Funds
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.
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.
