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.
Spill at Chemours Site Reaches Cape Fear
The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority in Wilmington and Brunswick County’s water utility temporarily stopped drawing water from the Cape Fear River in response to a spill at the Chemours Fayetteville Works site.
Atlantic Beach to Develop Stormwater Plan
Atlantic Beach officials announced Friday that the town has received a $15,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to help create a stormwater resiliency plan.
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.
Oriental Harbor Joins Clean Marina Program
Oriental Harbor Marina is the newest certified North Carolina Clean Marina, a voluntary program under Division of Coastal Management for marinas that exceed minimum regulatory requirements.
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.
Study Eyes Tourism’s Effect On Groundwater
Researchers studying groundwater quality on Bogue Banks, where there’s no central wastewater treatment plant, have shown correlations in nitrogen levels and seasonal population spikes.
Clean Water Secured for Coal Ash Neighbors
The state Department of Environmental Quality announced Friday that the permanent replacement of water supplies have been provided to all eligible households near Duke Energy coal ash facilities in North Carolina.
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.















