Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Elizabeth Biser was called before a hurricane response committee this week to explain the agency’s progress and use of state funding on a flood resilience tool for decision-makers and the public.
DEQ
Tancred Miller named new Coastal Management director
Tancred Miller becomes the new Division of Coastal Management director effective Monday.
$10M available for coastal storm damage recovery projects
The Division of Water Resources oversees the Coastal Storm Damage Mitigation Fund that provides grants to local governments for beach nourishment or dune projects.
State asks for EPA grant project ideas for reducing pollution
NCDEQ officials are asking for ideas from low-income, disadvantaged communities and communities experiencing environmental justice concerns to help guide its application for the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant.
Commission restores 16 recently nullified, years-old rules
The Coastal Resources Commission on Wednesday adopted 16 emergency rules to temporarily replace the most critical of the 30 that were stripped from the books after the Rules Review Commission objected to them in October.
Federation founder Miller to step back, Davis new director
North Carolina Coastal Federation Executive Director Todd Miller announced Monday that he is stepping down and that Dr. Braxton Davis, director of the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, will step into the role in February.
DEQ plans to use federal funds to expand coastal programs
Two divisions under DEQ have been been awarded funds for coastal community resilience, install living shorelines and low-impact stormwater retrofits.
Chemours directed to sample more private wells
More than 14,000 additional private water wells in a four-county area in southeastern North Carolina may qualify for PFAS testing.
Navassa site cleanup job, training opportunities on agenda
Federal and state officials are to discuss Thursday the upcoming cleanup of part of the Navassa Superfund site as well as hiring and training opportunities for residents and businesses.
EPA pulls plug on previously approved GenX imports
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reversed its approval for Chemours to import GenX into North Carolina.
State’s Native Americans at higher risk of preterm births
Native Americans in North Carolina face a disproportionately higher risk for preterm birth because of exposure to mixtures of toxic metals in their private drinking water wells, according to a recent study.
New state funding may ease DEQ staff vacancies challenges
The recently approved budget includes new raises for North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality staff as well as fee increases for agency permits.
DEQ Secretary Elizabeth Biser to lead national association
Biser was elected during the fall meeting of the Environmental Council of the States this week.
$1M in grants to go to five coastal towns for resilience
Five coastal communities are in line to receive a total of $1.1 million in grants to carry out resilience projects.
Swimming advisory lifted for Oak Island beach site
State recreational water quality officials had announced the advisory Friday when stormwater from flooded streets and roads was being pumped onto the beach.
AECs: A way for people to promote responsible development
North Carolina has a process the public can use to nominate an Area of Environmental Concern and protect the natural and cultural treasures in coastal areas that belong to everyone.
