North Carolina will likely tighten its recreational swimming standards this year at some places along the coast in response to new federal water-quality guidelines.
News & Features
A New Way to Control Stormwater
It took a couple of years of busting up concrete, moving dirt around and digging holes for plants, but the first saltwater wetland in the state that’s designed to treat polluted runoff is now open in Manteo as a town park.
New Legislature, Governor Get to Work
For the first time in modern N.C. history, Republicans control the state legislature and the governor’s mansion. What that will mean for the state’s environment is still an open question.
Another Turn in The Hammocks Legal Dispute
The N.C. Court of Appeals has unanimously ruled against the state Board of Education and others who were seeking to transfer 289 mainland acres to the education board, ultimately to become a part of Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro.
River’s Residents Are a Little Crazy
It’s fair to say that some of the folks who live along the Lockwoods Folly River in Brunswick County are a little crazy — about clean rivers and sounds, native plants and healthy oysters and fish.
McDonald’s Seeks Exemption From Runoff Rules
McDonald’s wants to build a new restaurant in Swansboro and is seeking to take advantage of a loophole in state rules that would allow the company to do nothing to control polluted stormwater.
Old Christmas Trees Can Keep On Giving
The pretty Christmas tree that was, just a couple of days ago, the center of the family celebration will soon be… well, trash. But it doesn’t have to be. Trees can be recycled to build sand dunes and replenish soil. Backyard birds will like them, too.
Ruminations on the Shortest Day of Year
The winter solstice just passed. The shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter is also a good time to take stock of our natural resources and commit ourselves to sufficiency, rather than sustainability.
Sandy Relief Bill May Rescue Oregon Inlet
Emergency legislation before Congress that is intended to provide relief to victims of Hurricane Sandy would also send $11 million to the Outer Banks to dredge clogged Oregon Inlet and the Hatteras ferry channels.
Poll: N.C. Voters Say Don’t Trash Environment
A new poll of N.C. voters seems to offer a warning to state legislators and the new governor as they pursue policies they say will create more jobs: Don’t run roughshod over the environment while doing it.
A Close Encounter With a Humpback Whale
A Surf City paddleboarder’s recent encounter with a whale is captured in a photograph that has become a Facebook favorite.
Legislators Worry About Va. Uranium Mining
A state legislative commission yesterday sent a letter to Virginia’s governor expressing “significant concern” about the possible adverse effects uranium mining in the Roanoke River Basin could have in North Carolina.
Feds Call for Offshore Wind Proposals
In a significant first step toward developing wind energy off the N.C. coast, the federal government yesterday asked for project proposals for three offshore areas, one off the Outer Banks and two near Wilmington.
Pelican Award Winners: The Lyons
Jim and Marcia Lyons of Buxton have been steadfast federation volunteers for more than a decade. They are the kind of people we need to do our work.
Enjoy the Holiday Celestial Light Show
The Geminid meteor shower, the final major meteor shower of every year and one of the best, peaks overnight Dec. 13 and Dec. 14, though you can see Geminid meteors any evening starting Thursday.
Possible Uranium Mining Raises Fears
While Virginia ponders mining uranium, residents along the Roanoke River, state officials and legislators worry about the consequences for North Carolina.
