NCDEQ’s Division of Water Resources is seeking comment Jan. 26 on swine biogas permit requests for operations in Duplin and Sampson counties.
News Briefs
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.
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.