The pandemic has increased funding pressures on the state’s already strained Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and trust funds for clean water projects and parks.
News & Features
PFAS Highest in Cape Fear’s Raw Water: Study
A preliminary study found that the state’s highest levels of forever chemicals, known as PFAS, have been found in Cape Fear River’s raw water supply.
Analysis: DEQ Braces for Budget Cuts
With staggering revenue shortfalls from the pandemic and the yearslong budget stalemate, slashed funding for state environmental programs and project delays are inevitable.
Hyde Seeks FEMA Grants to Raise 114 Homes
Hyde County is applying for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to elevate 114 houses in Ocracoke Village, which was inundated during Hurricane Dorian in September 2019.
Dare County Dredge A Step Closer
Dare County officials have given the go-ahead for a private partner to proceed with a contract with a Louisiana firm to build a dredge.
Designer to Create Shoes Made From Litter
Genevieve Gholizadeh, an NC State grad student, is designing and creating a pair of beach running shoes made from litter found on the coast.
Shoaling, Weather Derail Bridge Debris Plan
Debris from the dismantling of the Bonner Bridge was to go to enhance artificial reefs near Oregon Inlet but now it may be destined for reefs off Carteret County.
A Changed Season On the Outer Banks
With vacation season in apparent full swing on the Outer Banks amid the pandemic, shops, restaurants and tourism sites are busy but business is different.
Recycling Remains On Hold in Nags Head
Uncertainty and rising costs prompted Nags Head commissioners to halt the town’s curbside recycling program in May, but service still hasn’t resumed as visitors arrive in droves.
Kerr-McGee Restoration Projects Selected
More than $12 million worth of habitat restoration projects have been identified in the first phase of a plan to offset environmental damage at the Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp. site in Navassa.
Research Suggests PFAS-Coronavirus Link
Studies say people with high levels of PFAS in their systems could be more susceptible to contracting COVID-19.
Audubon Challenges CBRA Sand Mining Rule
The National Audubon Society has sued Interior Secretary Bernhardt over a decision to allow federal funds to pay for mining sand from Coastal Barrier Resources Act zones.
OIB Plan Includes Bike Paths, Raising Street
Ocean Isle Beach’s plans to add bicycle paths and resurface First Street means more impervious asphalt where flooding is already a problem.
Executive Order Could Fast-Track Port Project
A presidential order calling for agencies to use emergency powers to speed environmental review and permitting of infrastructure projects could fast-track a Wilmington port project.
Coastal Provisions Amid End-Of-Session Bills
Along with coronavirus response measures, the North Carolina General Assembly passed bills with numerous environmental and coastal provisions before adjourning last week.
Hard-Hit Oyster Growers Ineligible For Aid
Oyster farmers have experienced huge crop losses as a result of the pandemic, but because oysters are not considered specialty crops by the USDA, shellfish growers aren’t eligible to receive federal aid such as the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.
