A state audit released Monday found that more than three-quarters of almost 700 identified landfill sites where municipal solid waste disposal occurred without regulatory oversight have never been investigated by state environmental regulators.
water quality
Stein signs budget with safe water provisions, new ferry tolls
Gov. Josh Stein signed the $34.4 billion spending plan featuring coastal environmental spending and policy provisions, and new tolls on state ferries that have long been free to ride.
Advocates challenge proposed Castle Hayne quarry expansion
Environmental groups argue that Martin Marietta’s preferred plan to enlarge its Castle Hayne quarry would permanently destroy 140-plus acres of pristine wetlands and around 10 acres of open water classified as primary nursery and strategic habitat areas, and essential fish habitat.
EMC to hear progress on habitat protection plan update
The 15-member Environmental Management Commission are scheduled to hear an update to the N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan at its July 9 meeting.
Two speaker series to look at relationships of people, place
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center is now offering two different speaker series this summer, both of which delve into the relationship between people and place.
Stein to Chemours: ‘Pay to help us clean up the pollution’
Gov. Josh Stein says Environmental Protection Agency’s settlement agreement with Chemours on PFAS pollution will likely do little to help North Carolina and that the state Environmental Management Commission and EPA handling of these contaminants were “unfortunate steps.”
Committee to discuss draft habitat plan, seagrass formula
The Habitat and Water Quality Advisory Committee’s meeting scheduled for Thursday will include discussion of the draft 2026 amendment to the North Carolina Coastal Habitat Protection Plan.
Crews set out to pull more abandoned boats from area waters
The North Carolina Coastal Federation, with a $450,000 grant from the BoatUS Foundation, has launched its latest effort to rid coastal marshes and waterways of abandoned and derelict vessels.
Coastal Carolina Riverwatch opens symposium registration
The annual event, set for Oct. 19-20 at the Sturgeon City Environmental Education Center in Jacksonville, is designed for fishermen, students, researchers, agency partners, local governments, decision makers, educators, advocates, and coastal community members who care about clean water, healthy fisheries, and working waterfronts.
New book, ‘A Spectacular Coast and its Guardians’: An excerpt
Author Glenn Blackburn, professor emeritus of history at University of Virginia’s College at Wise, has written his second book about the North Carolina Coastal Federation and the nonprofit’s history, people and accomplishments.
Public reminded to avoid contact with discolored waterbodies
State water resources officials remind the public this summer to avoid contact with discolored water, a potential sign that an algal bloom is present.
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.
