Two divisions under DEQ have been been awarded funds for coastal community resilience, install living shorelines and low-impact stormwater retrofits.
DEQ
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.
Swimming advisory lifted at Sandy Bay area in Dare County
Officials said Thursday that the advisory was lifted because water testing shows that bacteria levels have dropped below the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s standards set for swimming and water play.
Rick Shiver, retired DEQ manager, supervisor, died May 1
Shiver was employed at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, and its predecessor, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, from Aug. 1, 1973, until his retirement July 31, 2011.
Momentum picks up on draft Flood Resiliency Blueprint
NCDEQ staff and AECOM consulting firm began working with local and state agencies, nonprofits and others last month on creating the draft statewide Flood Resiliency Blueprint.
PFAS mitigation, DEQ staffing funded in Cooper’s budget
The proposed budget includes funding to address PFAS in drinking water sources and to support a team within DEQ to address PFAS statewide.
DEQ now offers online option to request public records
The new online form on the state Department of Environmental Quality website is an effort by the state agency to improve efficiency, tracking and fulfillment of requests by staff, officials said.
Panel to host meeting on threatened oceanfront houses
The Threatened Oceanfront Structures Interagency Work Group that formed in August is to meet at 1 p.m. Feb. 27 by WebEx to discuss property acquisition and financial assistance options for owners.
