An anole, freshly shed of its skin except the still-peeling tip of the nose, suns in a Beaufort agapanthus bed. For us creatures who don’t normally peel, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that protection from the sun’s rays is important year-round, not just during the warmer months. Photo: Dylan Ray
public health
Officials post swim advisory at Morris Landing access
The advisory is not a beach closing for Stump Sound, but instead advises against swimming within 200 feet of the sign.
NC scientists receive tools for tracking new compounds
Researchers at North Carolina universities that are part of the PFAS Testing Network are now equipped to trace unregistered chemical pollutants back to the source of emission.
Damaged pipe blamed for sewage spill in Morehead City
Morehead City officials say an estimated 1,500 gallons of untreated wastewater was discharged Monday into Peletier Creek, which flows into Bogue Sound.
EPA overstepped its authority in PFAS order: Appeals court
The 5th Circuit vacated the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to stop a Texas-based firm from creating per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances as a byproduct of its plastic containers manufacturing process.
Health advisory issued for contaminated Buxton beach
Officials said the contaminated soils were likely exposed by beach erosion near the former site of Naval Facility Cape Hatteras and Coast Guard Group Cape Hatteras in Buxton, from near 46285 Old Lighthouse Road to and including the first jetty.
Dirty birds prompt worry over shellfish safety, state staffing
It’s rare for bird droppings to cause shellfish illness, but officials say there is potential, and the state Division of Marine Fisheries has fewer than 60 officers along the entire coast to do federally required inspections and check deterrent effectiveness.
Exposure study evolves to measure PFAS’ long-term effects
Researcher Jane Hoppin, who is leading a study of North Carolina residents exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in their drinking water, says the ongoing work will help in understanding how these compounds affect human health over time.
Progress steady toward opening Ocracoke Island pharmacy
Christie Woolard is set to open and manage the island’s first — and what could be North Carolina’s most remote — pharmacy.
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.
Cooper appoints coastal residents to boards, commissions
Several of the appointments to boards and commissions Gov. Roy Cooper announced Monday reside on the coast.
Dare wins international award for ocean safety campaign
The “Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean” campaign is a multiorganizational effort to bring awareness to potentially life-threatening beach and ocean hazards.
‘Catastrophic crisis’: Imported shrimp flood US market
Shrimp imports are overwhelming domestic shrimp producers and driving prices for locally sourced shrimp to record lows, prompting demands that the federal government declare a fishery resource disaster.
Utility chief meets with science board on PFAS request
The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority executive director met this week with state science advisers to discuss adding a persistent compound to the state’s priority per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances list.
Swim advisory posted at Beaufort County river access
The advisory is for the public access to Pamlico River at Havens Gardens Park off Park Drive in Washington.
Be ‘SepticSmart’ to protect health, environment
The state and EPA are bringing attention to the importance of septic system care during “SepticSmart Week” this week.
