The state Department of Environmental Quality is accepting public comments until July 10 on the newly launched community mapping system with environmental justice tool.
News Briefs
Eagle Exhibit to Open at PKS Aquarium
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores announced a July 4 opening for its new “Eagle Landing” exhibit, a 3,000-square-foot home for two bald eagles that are unable to fly or survive in the wild.
Outer Banks Hazard Plan Seeks Public Input
A meeting in Buxton Wednesday on the Outer Banks Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan gave attendees the chance to learn more about the process of updating the Dare-Currituck County Hazard Mitigation Plan that allows the counties to be eligible for FEMA disaster relief assistance.
Bill Proposes 3-Year Ban on New Wind Farms
A bill proposing a three-year ban on new wind farm construction in much of the state most likely will be before the Senate next week.
Coastal Federation Awards First Scholarship
Outer Banks high school senior, Morgan Fairbanks of Frisco, will receive the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s first college scholarship.
Legislators Call For Action on Lake Sutton
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.
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.
