The public is reminded to avoid contact with discolored water as it may indicate the presence of an algal bloom.
DEQ
Oak Island beachgoers warned to avoid an area of ocean surf
State recreation water quality officials are advising beachgoers in Oak Island to stay away from an area of ocean surf where town officials have been pumping floodwaters caused by recent rainfall.
State reminds visitors to maintain distance from wild horses
As tourism season ramps up, visitors to coastal areas where wild horses roam are reminded to keep a safe distance.
Mapping tool helps beachgoers locate public accesses
N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s online map may be used to find public waterfront access sites and nearby amenities.
Swim advisory issued for Southport kayak launch area
Tests of water samples taken at the sound-side site indicate bacteria levels above state and federal recreational standards.
North Carolinians condemn EPA’s PFAS regulation delay
Advocates push state legislation as EPA scales back GenX and PFAS regulations.
Tour highlights importance of state’s coastal reserves
State officials and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality staff took a tour Friday of Masonboro Island Reserve in Wilmington that highlighted the special coastal site.
State issues swim advisories for waters in 2 coastal counties
Swimmers should avoid entering waters within 200 feet of posted advisories at soundside beaches in Beaufort and New Hanover counties, where waters tested for elevated bacteria levels.
Proposed state rules on discharges defanged as EPA retreats
The Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement this week that it will rescind and reexamine four expected PFAS rules follows a state Environmental Management Commission committee’s opaque decision stalling proposed surface water rules on three compounds.
State-led solar coalition community advisory board to meet
The North Carolina Solar for All coalition anticipates launching services to households later this year.
Five coastal counties now see severe drought conditions
Beaufort, Craven, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties are among eastern North Carolina counties experiencing severe drought conditions.
Coastal commission’s counsel moves to Board of Elections
After serving as the Coastal Resources Commission’s legal counsel for close to 15 years, Special Deputy Attorney General Mary Lucasse has been promoted to work with the state Board of Elections.
Public hearing on new wetlands rule set for June
A public hearing on North Carolina’s revised wetlands definition has been scheduled June 26 in Raleigh.
Coastal Land Trust completes purchase of ‘The Point’
North Carolina Coastal Land Trust will own and manage the nearly 150-acre tract at the south end of Topsail Island until it is transferred to the state, where it will remain development free.
Protective zone around Buxton Woods may be unenforceable
Dare County officials are now questioning the legality of the “zone of influence” buffer district the county enacted in 1988 to protect Buxton Woods Reserve from development.
State proposes changes to water quality standards
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality officials are holding a public hearing April 22 in Raleigh to hear comment on proposed changes to the state’s surface water quality standards, including the addition of standard for E. coli as an indicator of disease-causing organisms in certain recreational waters.
