N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson said addressing PFAS and other emerging compounds is a top priority during the N.C. Water Resources Research Institute’s annual conference Thursday.
DEQ
NC officials promote joining state government workforce
Last week, NCDEQ officials and staff tried to recruit for the long-understaffed agency during a conference, and the governor’s office announced a website for those displaced due to Hurricane Helene or recent federal cuts.
Volunteers sought to count for coastal ‘Terrapin Tally’
The 11th annual volunteer headcount of diamondback terrapins in coastal waters from Carteret County to Brunswick County kicks off next month.
5 eastern NC counties experiencing severe drought
Of the 99 counties experiencing drought or abnormally dry conditions in the state, Carteret, Craven, Jones, Onslow and Pamlico counties are classified as experiencing severe drought.
Draft plan would evenly shift southern flounder catch quotas
A draft amendment to the state’s Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan would level the catch quota 50/50 between commercial and recreational fishers a year ahead of schedule.
State officials: Burning trash against North Carolina law
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.”
Commission set to further curb state wetlands protections
The Environmental Management Commission is to consider Thursday moving to public comment with a proposed amendment to align the state’s definition of wetlands with the federal definition, which was narrowed by a May 2023 Supreme Court decision.
CAMA county governments may apply for resiliency funding
Local governments within the state’s 20 coastal counties and contractors may apply for the next round of funding for resiliency projects.
State seeks impaired watershed restoration project proposals
The Department of Environmental Quality expects to receive $1.5 million in federal grants to fund all or portions of eligible watershed restoration projects.
DEQ adds meetings on greenhouse gas reduction efforts
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is hosting a series of public meetings to discuss efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Navassa Superfund site progress update set for next week
Ongoing and future work at the former Kerr-McGee Chemical Corps site in Navassa will be discussed during a March 4 meeting at the town’s community center.
Old-Growth Forest Network adds Bald Head Island Reserve
A nearly 200-acre forest of large, old live oak trees on Bald Head Island has been added to the national Old-Growth Forest Network.
Committee calls special meeting on industry dischargers
Updated Feb. 25: The Environmental Management Commission’s water quality committee special meeting scheduled for Feb. 25 has been canceled, NCDEQ officials announced Tuesday morning.
Water quality officials monitor weekend hog waste spill
State Division of Water Resources officials say more than 80,000 gallons of hog waste spilled into tributaries of the Northeast Cape Fear River over the weekend.
State Energy Office seeks feedback on lowering emissions
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s State Energy Office will be taking suggestions in a series of public meetings to discuss how the state can further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Division to hold flounder advisory committee workshop
The workshop will be Monday at the Division of Marine Fisheries Central District Office in Morehead City.
