The temporary shellfish closures and swimming advisories cover from Dare County to the South Carolina line and are due to heavy rainfall and resultant polluted runoff associated with Tropical Storm Idalia.
News Briefs
Tropical Storm Idalia tracks just off NC coast
Winds were increasing over Pamlico Sound and the Outer Banks with moderate rainfall as of the National Hurricane Center’s 8 a.m. update.
NCDOT suspends Ocracoke passenger ferry ahead of storm
Ocracoke Express passenger ferry service will be suspended starting Wednesday because the expected storm, and all other routes will suspend operations if and when conditions worsen, NCDOT officials said.
NCDOT seeks input on draft transportation access plan
The plan, which outlines transportation improvements from 2025-2029, identifies opportunities to expand mobility options to seniors and individuals with disabilities, especially in small urban and rural communities.
Hurricane, tropical storm forecast to affect NC coast
Hurricane Franklin is several hundred miles southwest of Bermuda, and Tropical Storm Idalia is strengthening over the northwestern Caribbean Sea.
Threatened Oceanfront Structures Work Group to meet
NCDEQ’s Division of Coastal Management and Cape Hatteras National Seashore have postponed the interagency work group meeting originally planned for Wednesday because of the approaching storm.
Dare County releases water illness educational video
Dare County Department of Health and Human Services has a released a video advising the public how to reduce the risk of contracting recreational water-related illnesses after several cases of Vibrio infections have been confirmed along the East Coast.
Coastal Review recognized in NC Press Association contest
The awards were presented Thursday during the association’s annual conference held this year at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel.
Navassa Superfund site cleanup update meeting Tuesday
Officials will discuss Tuesday evening safety measures, including traffic control, air monitoring and other precautions to minimize impacts to the small Brunswick County town during cleanup of operable unit 2.
NCDOT needs volunteers for statewide fall Litter Sweep
Those interested in volunteering for the cleanup Sept. 16-30 should contact to their county’s litter management coordinator to get started.
Petition seeks industrial discharge prevention mandate
The Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf Cape Fear River Watch, MountainTrue, and Yadkin Riverkeeper has petitioned the N.C. Environmental Management Commission to rule that the state must force industries to install technologies that stop pollution at the source.
Division seeks comment on proposed oyster, clam plans
Division of Marine Fisheries officials are holding public meetings and accepting comments Sept. 11-22 on potential management strategies for the eastern oyster and hard clam.
Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry increases midweek departures
NCDOT has increased departures for the Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicle ferry route from 36 to 52 Tuesday through Thursday until Sept. 21.
Meeting rescheduled for Hammocks Beach history project
The town hall meeting rescheduled for 6-8 p.m. Sept. 14 in Swansboro will begin with an hourlong open house followed by a presentation on the Office of State Archaeology project to survey Hammocks Beach State Park.
Carteret County Wildlife Club celebrates Neusiok Trail
The Carteret County Wildlife Club and Mountains-to-Sea Trail are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Neusiok Trail Sept. 30 with hikes, guest speakers and lunch.
NC King Tides Project teams up with Virginia-based effort
Wetlands Watch environmental organization has teamed up with North Carolina King Tides Project to document extreme high tide events.