Researchers want to better understand what’s causing the large algal blooms in the Albemarle region, which returned four years ago after a long absence.
Public Health
Vibrio Survivor, Wife Warn of Bacteria’s Risks
Richard Flaherty of Oriental was just helping a neighbor last year after Hurricane Florence hit the area, but hours later he nearly died after exposure to bacteria in the standing water.
Study Examines PFAS Data From 3 States
A three-year study is underway to better understand the extent of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances contamination in North Carolina, Colorado and Michigan and its effects on residents.
Five Research Teams Seek Answers on PFAS
Scientists from seven North Carolina universities who make up the PFAST Network Research Initiative are working in teams to study per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and their effects on human health and the environment.
Samples Suggest Unreported Coal Ash Spills
Contamination levels from coal ash in Lake Sutton’s sediment indicate a long-term process of unreported, unmonitored spills, according to findings of a Duke University study announced Monday.
Creative Caregivers Lend Help After Storms
People in Wilmington and other coastal North Carolina communities are coping with lingering effects of recent hurricanes, with assists from community groups and visiting professionals.
Forum to Spotlight PFAS Scientists, Research
Scientists monitoring pollutants known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances will be on hand to answer questions about the environmental and health risks during a free forum in May.
New Signs Warn of Lake’s Troubled Waters
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service posted new signs this week at Lake Mattamuskeet to warn the public about the harmful algal blooms, another problem associated with the lake’s deteriorating water quality.
EJ Board Gives Voice to Poor Neighborhoods
The N.C. DEQ’s Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board this week toured poor communities near Wilmington that are plagued by contamination.
Riverkeeper, SELC Defend GenX Agreement
The Cape Fear Riverkeeper and a Southern Environmental Law Center attorney explained Wednesday in Wilmington their reasons for joining a controversial consent order that would give a nonprofit enforcement power over Chemours.
Blood Tests Show 4 PFAS, But No GenX
The results of blood samples from a health study of Wilmington public water customers revealed four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, but no GenX was detected.
Brunswick Seeks EPA Loan for H2O Upgrades
The EPA has selected Brunswick County to apply for a loan program to help pay for $99 million in planned water plant improvements to address GenX and other contaminants.
Studying Bacteria In Florence’s Wake
North Carolina scientists are gathering data in the wake of Florence in hopes they can get a better count of cases of a serious bacterial infection associated with flooding.
Deadline Here for GenX Emissions Cut
Friday is the Department of Environmental Quality’s announced deadline for the Chemours Co. to cut its GenX emissions by 97 percent.
Risky Work: Commercial Fishing’s Health Toll
Commercial fishermen endure numerous health challenges and injuries related to their profession but most lack health insurance, as research by the N.C. Agromedicine Institute at ECU shows.
