The public is reminded to avoid contact with discolored water as it may indicate the presence of an algal bloom.
water quality
Oak Island beachgoers warned to avoid an area of ocean surf
State recreation water quality officials are advising beachgoers in Oak Island to stay away from an area of ocean surf where town officials have been pumping floodwaters caused by recent rainfall.
Swim advisory issued for Southport kayak launch area
Tests of water samples taken at the sound-side site indicate bacteria levels above state and federal recreational standards.
North Carolinians condemn EPA’s PFAS regulation delay
Advocates push state legislation as EPA scales back GenX and PFAS regulations.
State issues swim advisories for waters in 2 coastal counties
Swimmers should avoid entering waters within 200 feet of posted advisories at soundside beaches in Beaufort and New Hanover counties, where waters tested for elevated bacteria levels.
Cape Fear River Watch’s Dana Sargent heading for new post
After seven years as Cape Fear River Watch executive director, Dana Sargent is taking on a different environmental advocacy role with hopes to spend more time with her family.
Proposed state rules on discharges defanged as EPA retreats
The Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement this week that it will rescind and reexamine four expected PFAS rules follows a state Environmental Management Commission committee’s opaque decision stalling proposed surface water rules on three compounds.
Draft state rules for 1,4-dioxane, PFAS dischargers delayed
State staff need more time before presenting draft monitoring requirements for dischargers of PFAS and 1,4-dioxane for the Environmental Management Commission to consider.
Water quality workshop to focus on strategies, challenges
The North Carolina Water Resources Association’s workshop, “Restoring Coastal Water Resources — Challenges, Opportunities and Successful Approaches,” set for May 16 will examine water quality conditions, strategies and proven strategies.
Public hearing on new wetlands rule set for June
A public hearing on North Carolina’s revised wetlands definition has been scheduled June 26 in Raleigh.
Cape Fear River Watch to host ‘Postcards Against PFAS’ event
The “Postcards Against PFAS” event is from 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday in Wilmington ahead of the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission’s May 8 meeting.
Senate bill pushes for prohibiting, fining for balloon releases
After lobbying, letter writing, cajoling and presentations, “one-woman crusader” Debbie Swick of Southern Shores has seen her efforts to ban balloon releases become a bipartisan-supported senate bill.
Cape Fear River Watch honored for advocacy, cleanup work
Cape Fear River Watch has received a state award for the organization’s anti-PFAS and anti-litter efforts.
Carteret’s litter-free program needs volunteers for cleanup
Carteret County’s Litter Free Land and Sea, a collaborative initiative between the county and community, needs volunteers for its annual cleanup April 26 taking place at seven sites across the county.
State proposes changes to water quality standards
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality officials are holding a public hearing April 22 in Raleigh to hear comment on proposed changes to the state’s surface water quality standards, including the addition of standard for E. coli as an indicator of disease-causing organisms in certain recreational waters.
Algal blooms, coastal issues center of collaborative event
North Carolina Center for Coastal Algae, People, and the Environment, or NC-CAPE, has scheduled “Connecting The Coast: Networking and Resource Swap” April 11, at the Estuarium on the Pamlico River in Washington.
