Money for the five efforts here is part of $144 million for projects that enhance the resilience of coastal communities and improve habitat for fish and wildlife in 31 states and U.S. territories.
water quality
State’s Native Americans at higher risk of preterm births
Native Americans in North Carolina face a disproportionately higher risk for preterm birth because of exposure to mixtures of toxic metals in their private drinking water wells, according to a recent study.
State on ‘aggressive’ timeline to meet PFAS water standards
North Carolina environmental regulators are expediting a plan to meet proposed federal limits on PFAS in drinking water and reduce related costs to consumers by addressing upstream discharges.
Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project needs extra hands
Commercial fishers along the northern and central coasts have until Dec. 15 to submit their application to participate in the annual Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project.
Comment period open on proposed rules for 3 grant programs
Comments will be accepted until Jan. 2, 2024, on proposed rules for the Aquatic Weed Control Fund, Coastal Storm Mitigation Fund and the Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging Fund.
State awards $2.3M in Environmental Enhancement Grants
Just shy of $1 million funded through the N.C. Department of Justice’s Environmental Enhancement Grant program is going to projects with coastal benefits.
PFAS, offshore wind, resilience focus of Nov. 6 forum
“Priority Issues in Coastal North Carolina” is a full-day discussion with coastal experts, professionals and officials at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science in Wilmington.
Public meeting on Lake Mattamuskeet work set for Nov. 2
The meeting in Swan Quarter is expected to provide attendees with an overview of the work that has been completed over the past year to implement the Lake Mattamuskeet restoration plan and an opportunity to speak with each project partners.
EMC to consider stormwater programs, hear PFAS updates
The Environmental Management Commission committees are to meet Nov. 8 and the full commission Nov. 9, both days in Raleigh and available online.
Sound Rivers receives grant for Craven stormwater project
The state awarded Sound Rivers more than $250,000 to put in place a stormwater project at West Craven Middle School in Vanceboro to protect the Neuse River.
Changes from Hurricane Florence Down East still visible
New series: The Down East Resilience Network brought together state agency representatives, scientists, residents and advocates for a two-day community conversation on changes Down East since the 2018 Category 1 storm and how to prepare for the next.
Utility chief meets with science board on PFAS request
The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority executive director met this week with state science advisers to discuss adding a persistent compound to the state’s priority per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances list.
Land, Water Fund awards $45M to protect NC places
Funds will go to projects to restore or enhance over 10 miles of streams, rivers, lakes, and estuaries and more than 7,000 acres of wetlands, for projects to evaluate innovative techniques for managing stormwater, and to planning projects to identify key water quality and conservation opportunities in watersheds.
Albemarle-Pamlico flooding study project kicks off Oct. 23
During the meeting, residents will be encouraged to share their experiences with where flooding happens, conditions that lead to flooding, things that make flooding worse, and other water-related concerns, as well as what they value about the region and important places to protect.
Swim advisory posted at Beaufort County river access
The advisory is for the public access to Pamlico River at Havens Gardens Park off Park Drive in Washington.
Outrigger club completes second leg of coastal NC trek
Wrightsville Beach Outrigger Canoe Club paddlers recently completed a three-day, 125-mile journey from Swansboro to Cape Hatteras in a traditional oceangoing Polynesian canoe to raise awareness of risks to water quality.
