The Division of Marine Fisheries has closed 2,450 acres of shellfish waters, a move prompted by unsafe bacterial levels measured during sanitary surveys and reviews during the last five years.
News Briefs
Hunting Permit System Proposed for Reserve
The public is invited to comment at an upcoming meeting in Beaufort on proposed plans for a hunting permit system for the Rachel Carson Reserve in Carteret County.
Trump to Slash EPA Budget, Regulations
President Trump is taking aim at the Environmental Protection Agency’s funding and authority in his forthcoming proposed budget and an executive order signed Tuesday.
Judge Allows Blounts Creek Case to Continue
Environmental groups can now pursue an appeal in a Blounts Creek case after a motion to dismiss the appeal was denied by a judge.
Federation Plan Links Restoration, Economy
The North Carolina Coastal Federation is set to release a set of recommended strategies for bolstering coastal economies, unveiling the plan at a summit March 22-23 in Raleigh.
Cooper Replaces Top DEQ Official
The Cooper administration has replaced Michael Ellison, director of the state’s Division of Mitigation Services, naming an interim director to lead the division.
Pender Seeks Public Input on Planning
Officials in Pender County invite residents to comment during an upcoming meeting to discuss resilient redevelopment plans and needs in response to flooding from Hurricane Matthew.
Emerald Isle Seeks Grant for Land Purchase
Emerald Isle has applied for a state grant for use in purchasing a nearly 30-acre tract near the old town hall for preservation and recreation purposes.
Dare Supports Naming Bridge for Etheridge
Dare County commissioners have OK’d a resolution offered by outgoing Board of Transportation member Malcolm Fearing to name the new Pea Island bridge in honor of Capt. Richard Etheridge.
Work Set to Begin on Neuse Oyster Sanctuary
A public-private partnership is set to begin work this spring on a 15-acre oyster sanctuary in the Neuse River, a project anticipated to provide both economic and environmental benefits.
Navassa Superfund Update Set for March 14
Officials in charge of the cleanup at the former Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp. EPA Superfund site in Navassa have set a public meeting to update residents on the status.
Trawling Restrictions OK’d in 5-3 Vote
The Marine Fisheries Commission on Thursday approved a measure prompted by a North Carolina Wildlife Federation petition that places new restrictions on shrimp trawling in state waters.
Ives to Lead UNC Policy Collaboratory
Brad Ives, the interim director of the North Carolina Policy Collaboratory at UNC, has been named director of the environmental policy and research center.
Board Upset With Sen. Cook Over Wind Farm
The Amazon Wind Farm is now fully operational, and Pasquotank County leaders express frustration at a lawmaker critical of the project.
Dare OKs $500K for Southern Shores’ Sand
Dare County will pay for about half of the proposed Southern Shores beach nourishment project, capping the county’s share of the amount at $500,000.
Selenium Found in Fish From Coal Ash Lakes
A Duke University study published this week shows high levels of selenium in fish from lakes that receive coal ash waste from power plants, including Sutton Lake near Wilmington.
