A Wilmington-area community action group intends to “shine a spotlight on business-related human rights abuses associated with PFAS contamination in North Carolina” this week at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.
News Briefs
‘Dirty snowball’ swings by Beaufort, Earth
The faint tail of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS pointing away from the setting sun is visible Sunday evening over Taylors Creek in Beaufort. NASA says the “dirty snowball’s” appearance is “a once-in-80,000-years sight.” The comet believed to be from the Oort Cloud at the edge of our Solar System was expected to swing close by at about 44 million miles from Earth — its closest pass — on Saturday. Discovered in 2023, it is named for both China’s Tsuchinshan, or Purple Mountain, Observatory and an Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, or ATLAS, telescope in South Africa. Photo: Mark Hibbs
Researchers begin marine debris survey of US coastlines
The survey is to create a scientifically valid assessment of marine debris, with the findings going toward developing tools to communicate and compare regional debris estimates across the nation’s shorelines.
Well water test kits available for Robeson, nearby counties
UNC Chapel Hill’s Superfund Research Program is offering free water test kits to qualifying residents of Robeson and nearby counties who rely on private well water.
Northern Lights appear down South
Aurora borealis, the result of an intense solar geomagnetic storm reaching Earth, lights up the skies over Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head late Thursday evening. Photo: Catherine Kozak
UNCW Blue Economy Index rises 7% during September
The measure of economic activities in oceans and waterways with an emphasis on environmental impact beat the performance of its closest benchmarks.
Public meeting announced for Pages Creek watershed plan
Pages Creek watershed residents are invited to hear updates on the Pages Creek Watershed Protection Plan later this month.
Brunswick County to begin post-storm mosquito spraying
Crews are scheduled to begin using airplanes to spray insecticides over the county Friday through Oct. 18, weather permitting.
Segment of Highway 211 near Southport to reopen Thursday
A portion of Brunswick County’s N.C. Highway 211 is set to be reopened to vehicle traffic Thursday, ahead of schedule, officials said, after the bridge was damaged by a storm in September.
Paid guides needed this weekend to help run GenX clinic
North Carolina State University is looking for people to assist sampling participants Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Wilmington, a job that pays $12 an hour with no experience required.
Fisheries committee to hear presentation on seagrasses
The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission’s Habitat and Water Quality Advisory Committee meeting is set for Wednesday, Oct. 16, in Morehead City and on YouTube.
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher to embark on ‘Spooky Seas’
The facility just south of Kure Beach will feature Halloween-themed enrichment Oct. 19-Nov. 1 for both critters and visitors.
Marine Fisheries Commission seeks committee members
The commission that makes marine fisheries rules has several vacancies coming up in various advisory committees.
Cape Fear bridge replacement comment period ends Oct. 25
State transportation officials are accepting public comment and have scheduled meetings Oct. 8 and Oct. 9 about the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement project and plans to widen South Front Street.
Parks officials cancel most events as disaster still unfolds
Operations scale back to allow staff to continue assisting with the statewide emergency and rescue efforts in Western North Carolina.
Comment period opens for 8 proposed fisheries rules
The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission has opened a public comment period on proposed rules related to the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, false albacore management and pot marking requirements.
