Rep. Deb Butler and Sen. Harper Peterson, both New Hanover Democrats, presented Tuesday a plan for responding to a recently published study indicating a long-term process of coal ash contamination at Lake Sutton.
News Briefs
Aquariums to Celebrate World Oceans Day
The state’s aquariums in Pine Knoll Shores, Roanoke Island, Jennette’s Pier and Fort Fisher are each hosting events Saturday in honor of World Oceans Day.
QAR Copyright Suit heads to Supreme Court
The filmmaker who created footage of the recovery of the Queen Anne’s Revenge wreckage, the 1718 ship run aground by Blackbeard in Beaufort Inlet, will have his case against the state heard in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Drought Conditions Return to Eastern NC
Ten southeastern counties are experiencing moderate drought while 30 eastern and central counties had abnormally dry conditions as of Thursday, according to the state Drought Management Advisory Council.
See Sea Critters At Touch Tank Tuesdays
The North Carolina Coastal Federation’s Touch Tank Tuesday program begins for the summer on June 4 at the Fred and Alice Coastal Education Center and will be held every Tuesday in June, July and August.
Navassa Superfund Site Meeting June 25
The next community meeting on the Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp.-Navassa Superfund Site is set for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, in the Navassa Community Center.
Swansboro Board Won’t Object to Permit
Despite one commissioners’ concerns, the Swansboro town board won’t object to a proposal to expand a strip mall in an area that would include filling in nearly a quarter acre of wetlands.
Officials Urge Water Conservation
After exceeding 90% of system capacity over the holiday weekend, Brunswick utilities officials have declared an alert, and Pender and New Hanover County suppliers are also asking customers to conserve.
Hyde County Octagon House to Open Doors
The mid-19th century Octagon House in Hyde County will have an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday for visitors to catch a glimpse of the two phases of completed restoration work.
Swine Farm Rules Change Proposed
Farm Act of 2019, which focuses on hemp industry regulations, but could loosen swine operation construction and upgrade requirements, will go before the Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Committee next week.
Water System Merger Bill Advances
Senate Bill 434 requiring the merger of the Bay River Metropolitan Sewerage District, which serves about 3,000 customers in Pamlico County, and the West Bay River system, which serves about 300 customers, would go into effect Oct. 1 if approved.
Forest Service Tames Browns Island Fire
Officials are working to learn the cause of the large wildfire Thursday morning on Browns Island near Beaufort, which was transitioned to a controlled burn to expedite the burning process.
 Lower Neuse River Seeing Distressed Fish
North Carolina Division of Water Resources staff and other state officials are investigating a recent fish kill in the lower portion of the Neuse River near Havelock in the areas of Flanners Beach and Carolina Pines.
Ocracoke Express Ready for Reservations
Travelers between Ocracoke and Hatteras through June 15 can now make reservations for a spot on the Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry either online or by calling 800-BY-FERRY.
Cape Hatteras Cleanups Set for June 22
Cape Hatteras National Seashore and North Carolina Beach Buggy Association are hosting the morning of June 22 several drop-in volunteer beach cleanups of seashore beaches.
Astronomy Night Programs Resume Saturday
Astronomy Night at the Cape Lookout National Seashore’s Harkers Island Visitor Center with park rangers and members of the Crystal Coast Stargazers is from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday.
