The first quarterly test of Duke Energy’s Brunswick Nuclear Plant sirens is scheduled for Jan. 7.
News Briefs
NCDOT releases proposed comprehensive state rail plan
The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Rail Division is accepting comments through Jan. 20 on the proposed Comprehensive State Rail Plan, which officials say “establishes the vision for rail transportation across the state for the next 30 years.”
Second ‘Landscapes that Last’ webinar set for Jan. 15
The second in the online education series explores the core principles of conservation landscaping and how they support healthy land and water systems.
Segment of US 24 in Jacksonville closed for repairs until Jan. 9
NCDOT expects a section of N.C. 24 near the U.S. 17 Bypass in Jacksonville to be closed for utility repairs until Jan. 9.
Untreated sewage released into Jacksonville’s Scales Creek
A broken sewer line found Saturday near Lejeune Boulevard in Jacksonville led to the discharge of an estimated 129,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into Scales Creek.
Three NC ferry routes to follow adjusted schedule Dec. 25
Hatteras-Ocracoke, Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach, and Southport-Fort Fisher ferry routes are to follow an adjusted schedule during Christmas.
Revised discharge permit issued for Vanceboro quarry
The N.C. Division of Water Resources on Wednesday issued Martin Marietta Inc.’s Vanceboro Quarry a revised wastewater discharge permit, which allows for the release of 12 million gallons per day from two outfalls into unnamed tributaries of Blounts Creek.
Mechanical oyster season extended in parts of Pamlico Sound
Beginning last Monday, the mechanical oyster harvest season is extended in portions of Pamlico Sound.
Artist presents painting of beloved historian Darrell Collins
Darrell McNary Collins, who died last year on Christmas Eve and was a historian at the Wright Brothers National Memorial for more than 40 years, is memorialized in James Melvin’s painting, “A Legacy of Greatness.”
Historic Duncan House in Beaufort gutted by fire
The Duncan House at 105 Front St. in Beaufort, a structure that dates back to the mid-1700s, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of only 11 properties in North Carolina designated as Statewide Properties of Significance, is cordoned off Tuesday after a blaze consumed the unoccupied building on Monday. Photo: Dylan Ray
Navassa chemical firm guilty of Cape Fear discharges
The chemical processing firm American Distillation Inc. in Brunswick County is guilty of purposely discharging pollutants into the Cape Fear River, and company owner Andrew J. Simmons Jr. pleaded guilty to failing to pay federal taxes.
State asks public to report any cold-stunned spotted seatrout
Division of Marine Fisheries officials said that cold stuns can occur when there is a sudden drop in temperature or during prolonged periods of cold weather, making the fish so sluggish they can be harvested by hand.
Hertford County to receive grant for water pump replacement
The northeastern North Carolina county has been selected to receive $400,000 to replace a water pump that serves 32 businesses and 644 households.
Recreational bag limits for bluefish to increase Jan. 1
Bag limits for recreationally caught bluefish are increasing on Jan. 1 in North Carolina coastal fishing waters and joint fishing waters.
New cement terminal to be built at Morehead City port
Silvi Cement, a division of Pennsylvania-based concrete supplier Silvi Materials, plans to build a new bulk cement import terminal at the Port of Morehead City.
UNCW Blue Economy Index dips 1.36% in November
The sector known as the Blue Economy — companies operating on oceans and waterways that are focused on environmental sustainability — still showed relative stability during the month, compared with industrial benchmarks.
