Careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina, and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality has issued a reminder that, “If it doesn’t grow, don’t burn it.”
air quality
Commission sets vote on Tar-Pamlico wastewater hearing
The Environmental Management Commission, when it meets this month, is to consider approving a public notice and hearing on proposed revisions to wastewater-discharge rules put in place to reduce fish kills, harmful algal blooms and other longstanding water quality problems in the Pamlico estuary.
Environmental Management Commission to meet July 10-11
Committee agendas include DEQ’s proposed groundwater and surface water standards for PFAS.
Air permit reclassifies Wilmington terminal to major source
While emissions will not increase, state air quality officials say a change in ownership of the former Buckeye gasoline and fuel oil terminal on Front Street means more frequent inspections and more stringent reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Two Wilmington firms score state grants to curb emissions
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has announced Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grants totaling $1.11 million, including awards to Waste Management and Southeast Crescent Shipping Co. of New Hanover County.
Administration unveils $3B plan for cleaner air near ports
EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced the new federal program’s launch Wednesday at the N.C. Port of Wilmington.
$1.1M in grants available for emission reduction projects
Businesses and organizations from the public and private sector are eligible to apply for grants to fund projects that reduce emissions from diesel engines.
Chowan group to host program on air quality research
The event is set for 5:15 p.m. Monday at the Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library in Edenton.
Commission committees to hear PFAS rulemaking updates
Two Environmental Management Commission committees will hear overviews this week on PFAS rulemaking and monitoring.
Brunswick prescribed fire ‘escapes’; air quality alerts issued
Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover counties are under red and orange air quality alerts because of a 3,500-acre fire east of N.C. Highway 211 in Brunswick County.
Northeastern coastal counties under Code Orange alert
As smoke from Canadian wildfires travel south, officials determined that Wake County, the northern coastal plain, and the Triad region are under a Code Orange Air Quality alert until 11:59 p.m. Friday because of fine particle pollution.
Your perfectly mown lawn may be harming pollinators
An awareness campaign called “No Mow May” is urging people not to mow their lawns this month, or even this whole season, as a way to help make sure that pollinators have enough to eat.
EMC to consider supporting water quality program funding
The Environmental Management Commission is to consider a resolution asking decisionmakers to provide more funding for landowner cost-share programs that reduce pollution entering coastal estuaries.
Public meetings set on draft Clean Transportation Plan
Open house meetings on the coast will take place the evening of March 1 at First Christian Church in Elizabeth City, and Leland Cultural Arts Center in Leland.
Projects awarded $1.4M to reduce diesel vehicle pollution
Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grants are awarded yearly for projects to replace, retrofit or repair diesel vehicles and reduce emissions.
Enviva plant in Ahoskie must install air pollution controls
Under the newly modified permit, Enviva Pellets’ flagship plant in Hertford County must install new equipment to cut emissions of volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants.
