Researchers are working to map the extent and density of submerged aquatic vegetation along the N.C. coast, to assess its health, which is important far beyond the state’s estuaries.
water quality
Brunswick Wastewater Permit Hearing Dec. 5
The state Department of Environmental Quality is holding a public hearing in Bolivia Dec. 5 on Brunswick County’s wastewater draft permit modifications for its Northwest Water Treatment Plant in Leland.
Albemarle Algae’s Return Stumps Scientists
Researchers want to better understand what’s causing the large algal blooms in the Albemarle region, which returned four years ago after a long absence.
Chowan River Algal Bloom Prompts Advisory
State officials are urging the public to avoid an algal bloom on the east side of the Chowan River because of “high risk” to human health from a toxin called microcystin.
Officials: Avoid Algal Bloom in Chowan River
While there have been no reports of adverse health effects associated with an algal bloom near Arrowhead Beach in Edenton, state officials encourage the public to avoid contact with the large accumulation of algae.
Officials Urge Public to Avoid Algal Blooms
State officials are urging people and their pets to avoid contact with the water in parts of Albemarle region, where potentially toxic algal blooms have persisted since May.
State Set to Step Up Water Quality Testing
New, additional funding for shellfish sanitation and recreational water quality testing in the state could go a long way in protecting public health.
Closures Result of Record Rainfall in July
Many North Carolina waters were closed to harvesting shellfish and recreational water use after the deluge that made July one of the wettest months on record.
GenX Aware: Old Assumptions, New Attitudes
In the second and final part of our series on the anniversary of the first GenX news report, we examine what has changed in terms of the public’s awareness, behavior and how they may vote.
Collaboratory Studies: Better GenX Detection
Researchers with grants from the North Carolina Policy Collaboratory are proposing new, simpler ways to test for GenX and other emerging contaminants in drinking water and to encourage more frequent water sampling.
SC Group Seeks Data on Offshore Dumping
A S.C. business group has filed requests with the Defense Department and federal nuclear regulatory agencies seeking information on conventional, chemical and radioactive weapons and materials that were dumped into the Atlantic Ocean.
EPA Funds NC Effort to Curb Water Pollution
The EPA has awarded the state Department of Environmental Quality $3.77 million for a variety of projects designed to improve water quality in priority watersheds across the state.
Sound Rivers New Executive Director Chosen
Heather Deck will begin Sept. 1 serving as executive director of Sound Rivers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico River basins.
Summer Recipe: How to Make An Algal Bloom
Not all algal blooms are considered harmful, but the right mix of warmth and nutrients can yield a funky blue-green slime that is potentially toxic to humans, their pets and marine life.
Researcher to Study Eastern NC Lakes
A UNC researcher is set to study water storage in eastern North Carolina lakes with the help of state residents and NASA.
Officials Eye Water Quality As Floods Recede
Rivers have crested and begun to recede in the week and a half since rain from Hurricane Matthew inundated the eastern part of the state, but officials are unsure about the nasty stuff that’s heading downstream.
