State water resources officials remind the public this summer to avoid contact with discolored water, a potential sign that an algal bloom is present.
water quality
Indigenous nonprofit’s seminar to center on agriculture
“In the Spirit of Wingina 3: Seeds of Wisdom and Sustenance,” set for May 29-30, will concentrate on agricultural patterns with an emphasis on ancient, indigenous agricultural methods and, on the second day, how they apply to modern-day gardening.
Nearly 36,000 gallons of raw sewage spills in Jacksonville
“At no time was city drinking water compromised and there is no danger to the public,” according to the state-mandated announcement.
DEQ calls for comment on draft Cape Fear River Basin plan
The N.C. Division of Water Resources is accepting written comments on the draft 2026 Cape Fear River Basin plan through Aug. 4.
Effort seeks to replicate tech incubators for shellfish growers
Framing it as a saltwater flavor of technology hubs, officials broke ground this week on the planned Shellfish Mariculture Hub in Carteret County that will feature a 2,500-square-foot structure next to the boat ramp at Straits Landing, cold storage, equipment, an outdoor workspace and water access for growers.
Watershed guide aims to help towns develop land use rules
Waterkeepers Carolina created the guide with support from the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, to provide options to protect water quality and flood protection that local governments can consider when implementing in land use rules.
Hearing set for proposed sand, limestone mine expansion
Neighbors have circulated and submitted a petition opposing expansion of the mine that they say has already caused a range of problems for them, area roads, animals and wildlife.
Recent rains did little for current drought: NC Climatologist
The rainfall most of the state experienced over the weekend didn’t help the varying degrees of drought conditions North Carolina has been experiencing for the last several months.
Speakers scold EMC, share health issues at PFAS rules hearing
About 230 crowded into Wilmington’s Skyline Center Thursday for the Environmental Management Commission’s hearing and dozens spoke, often angrily, about proposed PFAS monitoring and minimization rules.
Public sways officials to ax parkway plan’s preferred NC route
State transportation officials, in response to public feedback, said Wednesday that the North Carolina portion of the formerly preferred Carolina Bays Parkway Extension Alternative 4 will not be built as initially proposed.
Proposed industrial wastewater rules ‘completely inadequate’
Nearly all who spoke Tuesday during a public hearing in Fayetteville criticized the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission’s proposed industrial discharge rules fail to protect the drinking water supply of people who live farther down the Cape Fear River.
Workshop to focus on resilience in unincorporated Dare
The North Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Program is hosting an interactive development workshop on Tuesday that focuses on key preliminary findings from a coastal vulnerability and needs assessment of unincorporated Dare County.
EPA adds microplastics, pharmaceuticals to contaminant list
In a first, the Environmental Protection Agency has included microplastics and pharmaceuticals on its draft list of substances in public drinking water that are unregulated but merit further scientific scrutiny.
NCDOT gears up for this month’s spring litter sweep
The biannual statewide roadside litter removal initiative, usually held last two weeks of April and September, encourages residents to join efforts in their community to help clean up North Carolina’s roadways.
State accepting water restoration, management proposals
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources is accepting proposals for stream restoration, water-based restoration and water management projects.
New state Clean Water Act certification rules take effect
Applicants for permits for construction and other projects with impacts to waters or wetlands that meet thresholds and conditions under the state’s newly implemented general certification will be waived from the 30-day notice requirement.
