The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority executive director met this week with state science advisers to discuss adding a persistent compound to the state’s priority per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances list.
News & Features
Nonnative apple snails, zebra mussels found in NC waters
A type of snail harmful to native habitat, can make people sick and is outlawed in North Carolina is the second confirmed aquatic invasive species in the state in less than a month.
Plans in motion to rid public lands of single-use plastics
The Department of Interior — including national parks — must phase out single-use plastic products within the decade, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced Thursday, but advocates remain worried.
National Park Service plans unclear as shutdown looms
Update Oct. 2: The U.S. House and Senate have approved a continuing resolution that funds federal government operations through Nov. 17, putting a hold on potential closure of the three national parks located on the Outer Banks.
USFWS plans to chemically treat part of Lake Mattamuskeet
The EPA warning label for an algaecide proposed for use in a trial project at algal-bloom-plagued Lake Mattamuskeet cites the product’s potential risks to birds.
Budget strips certain powers from local governments
Environmental groups and Dare County officials object to provisions in the $30 billion spending plan that take away towns’ and counties’ rule-making authority, including for regulating plastics use and affordable housing.
Outer Banks homeless shelter grapples with cut in resources
There is a real need to help people experiencing homelessness in Dare County, but resources are limited, said Shari Fiveash, the new executive director for the Outer Banks homelessness program.
Oyster Highway Project reaches milestone with final phase
This year marks the project’s third and final phase for the project to revive and restore the New River, which had become nearly choked to death by wastewater pollution.
Refuge’s 15-year water plan a conservation balancing act
Maintaining the natural dynamic between fire and water in Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is key in the latest plan to restore, protect and conserve this unusual landscape.
Edenton culvert upgrade to open up habitat for river herring
Funds from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will go to replace a culvert over an Edenton creek that will allow river herring to reach important spawning ground.
Part of former Navassa Superfund site up for highest bidder
An invitation to bid has been announced for 87 acres at the site of the former Kerr-McGee Corp. wood treatment operation
Volunteers help remove Venus flytraps from harm’s way
The perennial, carnivorous plants have migrated to ditches alongside the roadsides in Boiling Spring Lakes, but imminent development has made their relocation a race against time.
NC, VA organizations combine efforts to monitor king tides
As the East Coast readies for fall king tides — the highest high and lowest low tides of the year — two organizations that track the related flooding are encouraging volunteers to submit observations via smartphone apps.
NC’s coastal national parks boost economy by $1B in 2022
The five national parks on North Carolina’s coast saw a total direct visitor spending in 2022 of nearly $724, yielding an economic output of around $964 million.
Scientist urges more Vibrio awareness as risk moves north
Recent data finds that warming coastal waters from climate change impacts have resulted in Vibrio wound infections spreading north along the East Coast, and those with health issues are urged to immediately seek medical attention if exposed.
NOAA to fund oyster sanctuary, marine sciences program
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration is awarding $14.9 million to the North Carolina Coastal Federation for oyster habitat restoration and a program to encourage underrepresented university students to study marine sciences.
