Groups that have for more than 40 years led the fight for clean water say the public may not be fully aware of the potentially devastating effects the latest federal rule could have for NC wetlands.
water quality
EMC to hear Coastal Habitat Protection Plan presentation
The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission meets Sept. 13-14 at Carteret Community College in Morehead City.
New federal rule puts 2.5 million acres of wetlands in peril
The Clean Water Act rule issued Tuesday redefines “waters of the United States” and leaves unprotected wetlands with no surface connection to navigable water bodies.
NC closes shellfish waters, issues swim advisory after storm
The temporary shellfish closures and swimming advisories cover from Dare County to the South Carolina line and are due to heavy rainfall and resultant polluted runoff associated with Tropical Storm Idalia.
Scientist urges more Vibrio awareness as risk moves north
Recent data finds that warming coastal waters from climate change impacts have resulted in Vibrio wound infections spreading north along the East Coast, and those with health issues are urged to immediately seek medical attention if exposed.
Neuse monitoring shows high salinity from dry weather
Conditions checked through the Neuse River Estuary Modeling and Monitoring, or ModMon, Project show low river flow and saltier-than-normal water.
State urges caution after 3 Vibrio-related deaths
During this period when North Carolina saltwater and brackish waters remain warm, state health officials advise that those with wounds could be exposed to Vibrio, which can lead to illness.
State issues swimming advisory for access near Frisco
The swimming advisory posted Thursday is for the Sandy Bay sound-side access near Frisco, along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
State lifts swimming advisories at two Morehead City sites
Testing shows bacteria levels had dropped below the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s standards set for swimming and water play.
Hearings set on draft animal feeding operations permits
Public comment is due by Nov. 3 on general permits for eligible nondischarge swine, cattle and poultry facilities with liquid waste management systems, and animal feeding operations with farm digester systems.
Comment deadline Oct. 2 on proposed fisheries rule changes
A public hearing is set for Aug. 16 in Morehead City for the 103 proposed rule changes to be considered by the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission for oyster sanctuaries, the shellfish lease program, and commercial shellfish sanitation.
Study is first to sample NC rivers, streams for microplastics
North Carolina researchers have estimated the amount of plastic pollution the size of grains of sand that are entering the Pamlico Sound from the Neuse River Basin. It’s a lot.
Carteret offers three new oyster recycling drop-off sites
New and newly decorated oyster shell recycling drop-off dumpsters are now in place at three county convenience sites.
Ongoing study may show overlooked algal bloom causes
A year into a 30-month public science study, preliminary data appears to show that higher than expected nutrient loads in minor tributaries may contribute to increasingly regular and persistent blue-green algal blooms in northeastern North Carolina rivers.
Swimming advisory issued for Bogue Sound public access
Recreational water quality officials found bacteria levels in the water at the Sunset Drive public access in Morehead City that exceed state and federal recreational water quality standards.
Analysis: Farm Act axes motive to protect shoreline trees
Water quality advocates worry that the reduced civil penalty in this year’s Farm Act for removing trees in riparian buffers may result in tree loss in protected shorelines.
