Gov. Roy Cooper warned Wednesday morning that “we must be on high alert” because slow-moving Tropical Storm Debby can bring dangerous conditions to a number of areas in the state.
public health
Federal court backs EPA’s GenX health advisory
Chemours vows to continue legal challenges against the regulatory agency; and while environmentalists view the ruling as a victory, some legal experts suggest an unpredictable regulatory landscape going forward.
Court dismisses case challenging PFAS health advisory
A federal appeals court this week dismissed Chemours’ petition to review the Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory related to the toxicity of a compound used in the company’s GenX manufacturing.
Red flags fly on most North Carolina beaches
Red warning flags whip against the wind Friday in Atlantic Beach, notifying swimmers to not enter the water. Life-threatening rip currents were likely and the surf zone dangerous for all levels of swimmers on all North Carolina beaches north of Cape Fear Friday, according to the National Weather Service’s experimental Beach Forecast webpage, which is color-coded to indicate the forecast rip current risk level. Yellow flags indicating moderate conditions flew on Brunswick County beaches Friday. Conditions had improved to moderate to low risk Monday. Photo: Dylan Ray
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.
Dangerous heat forecast for July Fourth weekend activities
Health officials advise residents to prepare for the extreme heat expected throughout the weekend, when most folks head outside — including those who seldom do.
Forecasters, lifeguards warn: Rip currents are deadly
Rip currents have killed four times as many people in the Carolinas since 2000 as tornados, floods and wind combined, a National Weather Service official said.
Oak Island adds lighted signs that display beach warnings
Oak Island officials say the town’s new beach warning notification system will enhance safety for beachgoers and add visibility to its warning flag system already in place.
Governor appoints coastal residents to state boards
Several coastal residents have been appointed to state boards and commissions, and one government official to the North Carolina State Ports Authority, Gov. Roy Cooper’s office announced Monday.
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.
Public beach safety focus of June 27 hybrid meeting
A diverse group of emergency managers, social and physical scientists, first responders and other public safety representatives and media representatives have been invited to discuss public safety and to collaborate on future strategies.
As temperatures rise, stay away from algal blooms
State environmental and health officials caution people to steer clear of algal blooms in waterbodies as temperatures get warmer.
Park Service urges public to avoid debris on Rodanthe beach
Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials are advising visitors to avoid the beach adjacent to Ocean Drive because of exposed wires, pipes and septic systems.
Water safe after Jacksonville hazmat incident at facility
Jacksonville officials have confirmed that the city drinking water is safe to consume and there are no public health hazards after a hazardous material incident took place earlier this week at its water treatment plant on New Frontier Way.
Burnin’ up: State offers help for top weather-related killer
North Carolina climate and resilience officials say the heat action toolkit they have developed is a customizable guide for local governments to more successfully prevent heat-related deaths amid rising global temperatures.
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.
