NCDEQ Secretary Elizabeth Biser is urging the Environmental Management Commission to move forward this week with setting surface and groundwater standards for PFAS, a move the NC Chamber opposes.
water quality
Cooper sets $148M aside for environment in FY 25 budget
The Cooper administration has recommended more than $148 million go toward conservation and resiliency in his proposed fiscal 2025 budget released last week.
Hog waste spill prompts advisory for part of Swift Creek
The Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources staff were alerted Tuesday to animal waste in ditches from an unknown source later identified as St. John Farm in Grifton.
Street inundation linked to elevated bacteria in creek: Study
N.C. State researchers found elevated levels of fecal bacteria in water samples collected from a tidal creek in Beaufort and town streets following rainfall.
Fish, Wildlife Service reveals project plans for $27.25M
The nature-based solutions announced Thursday for nine refuges and game lands in the Albemarle-Pamlico region include shoreline protection, improvements to water quality, climate resiliency, and wetland impoundment upgrades.
Proposed rules address possible Microcystis bloom sources
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing revisions to nutrient discharge standards for meat and poultry processors’ wastewater, a potential source of mysterious blooms in the Cape Fear River a decade ago.
Roanoke River refuge gets federal support to expand
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released plan to conserve up to 287,000 acres of floodplain habitat along the Roanoke River.
Watershed protection group plans Earth Day cleanups, talks
Sound Rivers environmental organization has organized cleanups, wetland walks and more for Earth Day.
Officials post swim advisory at Morris Landing access
The advisory is not a beach closing for Stump Sound, but instead advises against swimming within 200 feet of the sign.
April 12 workshop to emphasize sustainable practices
The seminar in Surf City will feature speakers from the North Carolina Coastal Federation, Plastic Ocean Project, NC Green Travel Initiative, Ocean Friendly Establishments, UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Topsail Island Shoreline Protection Committee.
Secretaries’ Science Board to review PFAS’ effects
The Department of Environmental Quality is set to formally ask the Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board to study and compare existing PFAS data from federal agencies.
Photographer captures Buxton beach after storm damage
Don Bowers, who has been documenting storms in the northern Buxton beach area for decades, says the damage from this week’s low-pressure system “is as bad as I’ve ever seen it.”
Damaged pipe blamed for sewage spill in Morehead City
Morehead City officials say an estimated 1,500 gallons of untreated wastewater was discharged Monday into Peletier Creek, which flows into Bogue Sound.
Health advisory issued for contaminated Buxton beach
Officials said the contaminated soils were likely exposed by beach erosion near the former site of Naval Facility Cape Hatteras and Coast Guard Group Cape Hatteras in Buxton, from near 46285 Old Lighthouse Road to and including the first jetty.
Comment period open for proposed impaired waters list
NCDEQ Division of Water Resources is accepting comments on the proposed list of streams, rivers, reservoirs and other water bodies that do not meet water quality standards in 2024.
EPA steps in on Lear Corp. permit; DEQ adds time for input
The Environmental Protection Agency has informed North Carolina regulators it has invoked a 60-day extension to review the automotive textile and technology manufacturer’s draft permit to discharge compounds into the Northeast Cape Fear River.
