The Thomas Dann joins two other vessels at AR-305, the 183-foot Spar and the 439-foot Aeolus, sunk in 2004 and 1988, respectively.
DEQ
Resilient Coastal Communities Program awards 20 grants
The grants are for the program’s Phases 3 and 4 for communities to cover local costs of moving their projects “from concept to completion, building a stronger future by protecting residents and the coastal economy,” DEQ Secretary Elizabeth Biser said.
Hearing Aug. 28 on six proposed Onslow shellfish leases
The Division of Marine Fisheries is holding the hearing that begins at 6 p.m. in the Holly Ridge Community Room.
Commission members balk on 5 proposed PFAS standards
Committees of the Environmental Management Commission stalled proposed health standards for most of the eight synthetic compounds put forth, including two the EPA classified as likely carcinogens.
Cooper declines to sign bill delaying catch-reporting rule
The controversial measure that requires recreational anglers and commercial fishermen to report their catch of five named species takes effect late next year.
Bill change adds terminal groin, limits historical site rules
Language to “rein in” the Division of Coastal Management’s authority has been removed, but a Coastal Area Management Act review could return during the next session.
Bald Head Island seeks to change hardened shorelines law
The first North Carolina beach to build a terminal groin after state lawmakers lifted a 30-year ban on erosion-control structures like those is asking legislators to allow more.
Governor proclaims June 3-7 PFAS Awareness Week
PFAS Awareness Week marks the seventh anniversary of the public learning about the presence of these chemicals that are linked to health effects in the Cape Fear River.
Swimming advisory lifted for Bogue Sound public access
State water quality officials have listed a swimming advisory at an area of Bogue Sound in Morehead City after testing showed bacteria levels have dropped to safe standards.
New plan details strategy to save, restore NC’s salt marshes
The North Carolina Salt Marsh Action Plan released Wednesday has the overarching goal “to protect, restore, and facilitate the migration of salt marshes in North Carolina to minimize loss of function, benefits, and acreage through 2050 and beyond.”
Swift Creek advisory lifted in Craven County
State water quality officials have lifted the advisory to avoid a several-mile portion of Swift Creek in Craven County contaminated by an animal waste spill.
Officials issue swim advisory for Morehead City access
State recreational water quality officials posted a sign advising against swimming at the Sunset Drive public access to Bogue Sound in Morehead City.
Totals on PFAS-contaminated utilities ‘coming down daily’
The state’s top drinking water protection official told the Environmental Management Commission Thursday that a shrinking number of North Carolinians get their drinking water from public systems with at least one of the synthetic chemicals that exceeds new federal limits.
Marine Fisheries Commission set to give final OK to 20 rules
The commission, when it meets in Beaufort this month, is set to consider the remaining 20 of more than 100 rules up for readoption.
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.
Biser urges environmental commission to hear PFAS rules
NCDEQ Secretary Elizabeth Biser is urging the Environmental Management Commission to move forward this week with setting surface and groundwater standards for PFAS, a move the NC Chamber opposes.
