Dry conditions continue across North Carolina this week, despite localized heavy rainfall in portions of the state.
DEQ
Opponents call EPA proposal on persistent PFAS ‘dangerous’
Speakers during an online public hearing Tuesday largely and roundly criticized the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to repeal federal drinking water limits for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and delay the deadline for water utilities to comply with limits for related compounds by two years.
DEQ seeks feedback on draft river basin action plans
The public may provide feedback on draft plans for the Lumber and Tar-Pamlico river basin action strategies during a July 20 virtual information session.
Advocates challenge proposed Castle Hayne quarry expansion
Environmental groups argue that Martin Marietta’s preferred plan to enlarge its Castle Hayne quarry would permanently destroy 140-plus acres of pristine wetlands and around 10 acres of open water classified as primary nursery and strategic habitat areas, and essential fish habitat.
EMC to hear progress on habitat protection plan update
The 15-member Environmental Management Commission are scheduled to hear an update to the N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan at its July 9 meeting.
Officials urge responsible behavior when visiting Masonboro
State Division of Coastal Management and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office officials are urging visitors to Masonboro Island Reserve this holiday weekend to act responsibly on the island and surrounding waters.
Stein to Chemours: ‘Pay to help us clean up the pollution’
Gov. Josh Stein says Environmental Protection Agency’s settlement agreement with Chemours on PFAS pollution will likely do little to help North Carolina and that the state Environmental Management Commission and EPA handling of these contaminants were “unfortunate steps.”
Science panel to present hardened structure report findings
The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission is expected to hear from its science advisory panel its findings on the effects hard structures have on sandy, open-ocean coastlines.
Sept. 1-14 is recreational flounder season for all NC waters
Fishers are allowed to keep one fish per day if it is 15 inches or longer that they caught with hook and line only in inland, coastal and joint fishing waters.
Volunteer Pony Patrollers protect public, Carteret wild horses
For the fourth year, volunteers are spending their days on Shackleford Banks and Rachel Carson Reserve in an effort to guide visitors on safely observing Carteret County’s wild horses.
Leland man lands new state record for graysby grouper
A Brunswick County man landed the new state record for graysby grouper while fishing about 45 miles offshore of Southport earlier this month.
DEQ sets session on draft Neuse Basin flood resilience plan
The public will get the opportunity to ask questions and provide input during a June 11 virtual information session on the draft Neuse River Basin Action Strategy.
DMF to give update on blue crab stock assessment progress
The Division of Marine Fisheries stock assessment team during a May 28 webinar plan to review their work on developing a new benchmark stock assessment for the blue crab fishery.
Interactive tool lets users find nearby public water accesses
The N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s interactive online beach and waterfront access map lets users find nearby accesses to ocean beaches and estuarine waters.
Public reminded to avoid contact with discolored waterbodies
State water resources officials remind the public this summer to avoid contact with discolored water, a potential sign that an algal bloom is present.
State takes over management of ‘The Point’ at Topsail Island
During a beachfront ceremony on Tuesday, state and local officials, and the North Carolina Land Trust gathered to officially transfer the Topsail Nature Preserve at the south end of Topsail Island to state management.
