The state agency that manages inland waters voted last week to hold an abbreviated recreational flounder season in its waters Sept. 1-2, and Sept. 7-8.
News & Features
EPA chief, governor visit Brunswick County to hail funding
Under a canopy of towering pines in the Green Swamp Preserve, Gov. Roy Cooper, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan and others touted grants to reduce carbon emissions and help communities become more resilient.
Beaufort residents blast dock operator selection process
Beaufort residents are worried that town officials are secretly entering a long-term deal with a predetermined new operator of the town docks, which officials here deny and say they’re doing right by bringing in needed investment.
‘Waist-deep in whale innards’: Vessel strikes, speed at issue
The state is reviewing NOAA’s proposed changes to the North Atlantic right whale speed rule, which may affect the marine economy, as necropsies show half of whale mortalities since 2017 were from vessel strikes.
Chowan community embraces Timbermill Wind at kickoff
The governor, local officials, landowners and folks from around Chowan County turned out at the blade-signing event for the 45-turbine wind energy project that is being credited as a needed economic boost that sustains farming.
Court dismisses case challenging PFAS health advisory
A federal appeals court this week dismissed Chemours’ petition to review the Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory related to the toxicity of a compound used in the company’s GenX manufacturing.
Deputy’s arrest does little to assuage group’s concerns
The Native American group’s leaders say law enforcement and the media perpetuated a racist and biased narrative until the former deputy was arrested two weeks after the June 23 altercation, which they call a hate crime.
Flood history questions added to real estate disclosure form
Home sellers, as of July 1, now have to respond to detailed flood history questions relevant to the property on a form to be provided to buyers before an offer is made, but gray areas remain.
Long-running UNCW field course merges science, policy
One scholar calls the seven-night, eight-day University of North Carolina Wilmington summer class an “eye-opener” to the environmental issues coastal North Carolina faces.
Commission members balk on 5 proposed PFAS standards
Committees of the Environmental Management Commission stalled proposed health standards for most of the eight synthetic compounds put forth, including two the EPA classified as likely carcinogens.
Emergency channel depth alarms Waterways Commission
With no dredging currently in the works and a busier-than-average hurricane season forecast, the Dare County Waterways Commission agreed this week to alert county commissioners that the emergency evacuation channel from Hatteras Island is dangerously shoaled.
Ocracoke visitors share their success in dimming the lights
Kaye and Rick Kohler, longtime Ocracoke vacationers, shared during their recent stay how artificial light harms people and wildlife and how they helped their community park back home in Virginia get certified as a Dark Skies Park.
Cooper declines to sign bill delaying catch-reporting rule
The controversial measure that requires recreational anglers and commercial fishermen to report their catch of five named species takes effect late next year.
Sea turtle deaths lead to federal review for nuclear plant
Because the deaths exceed the allowable limit for the federally listed species, the plant near Southport is to undergo an Endangered Species Act review.
Measure gives Bald Head Island OK to study adding groin
Village officials say the bill allows the option to study whether a terminal groin would be viable in controlling erosion at the east end of the island’s south beach, but it remains unclear whether it will happen.
Legislature to revisit significant archaeological resources
Sen. Norm Sanderson last week vowed to again take up measures to deal “with all the archaeological situations that we have in North Carolina that have kind of sprung up on us recently.”
