June 2010

Keep Your Independence Day Celebration Safe with these Fire Safety Tips
RALEIGH - Officials with the state Division of Forest Resources encourage people to celebrate the Independence Day weekend by viewing public fireworks displays rather than risk setting wildfires with their own fireworks. 

Water Efficiency for Irrigation Webinar Planned for July, Proclaimed as "Smart Irrigation Month"
RALEIGH - Because summer months are a peak time for outdoor watering, which can place a strain on the state's water supply, Gov. Beverly Perdue has named July Smart Irrigation Month for North Carolina. 

North Carolina high school students win scholarships and awards at environmental workshop
Seven students earned college scholarships and cash prizes at a resource conservation workshop last week in Wake County. 

State Scientists Collecting Fish and Shellfish Samples in Preparation for Any Potential Effects from
MOREHEAD CITY - State fisheries scientists are collecting samples of fish and shellfish to use for baseline background comparisons for seafood harvested in North Carolina if contaminants from the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico reach North Carolina waters. 

Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice
RALEIGH - Air quality officials issued a health notice today for air pollution in the Charlotte, Fayetteville, Hickory, Rocky Mount, Triad and Triangle metropolitan areas on Wednesday as well as high-altitude locations near Asheville. Forecasters have predicted Code Orange conditions, which means that air quality in these areas is likely to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. 

Johnston County Family Wins State Conservation Award
RALEIGH - John M. Langdon and his family were recognized Friday as North Carolina's 2010 Outstanding Conservation Farm Family at a celebration on their farm near Benson. 

Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice
RALEIGH - Air quality officials issued a health notice today for air pollution in the Charlotte, Hickory, Triad and Triangle metropolitan areas on Tuesday as well as high-altitude locations near Asheville. Forecasters have predicted Code Orange conditions, which means that air quality in these areas is likely to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. 

Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice
RALEIGH - Air quality officials issued a health notice today for air pollution in the Charlotte metropolitan area on Saturday. Forecasters have predicted Code Orange conditions, which means that air quality in Charlotte is likely to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. 

Public Hearings to Gather Comments on Falls Lake Nutrient Strategy Scheduled
Two public hearings have been scheduled to gather comments on the proposed rules to reduce nutrient pollution in the Falls Lake Reservoir. 

Construction to Interrupt Boating Access at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Upcoming construction will temporarily interrupt some boat ramp access at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. 

Public Hearing on Wastewater Pretreatment Rule Amendments Scheduled
A public hearing June 16 will enable people to give their two cents on the state's pretreatment rules for wastewater treatment. 

Revised Randleman Lake Watershed Rules Go Into Effect
New rules governing land development activities in the Randleman Lake watershed took effect on Tuesday. 

Jockey's Ridge State Park Erects Wind Turbine to Supply Electric Power
One state park on the coast will be supplied with electricity generated by the wind. 

State agency seeking nominations for 2010 urban forestry awards
Nominations are being accepted to honor people who have made significant contributions to protect and enhance community forests. 

May 2010

Food Safety Tips for Staying Healthy During Picnic Season
RALEIGH - Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and more North Carolinians are welcoming warm weather with camping, picnics and barbecues. 

Comment Period Extended On Permit For Alamance County Incinerator
RALEIGH - The N.C. Division of Air Quality has extended the written comment period until June 30, 2010, on the renewal of an air quality permit for an Alamance County incineration facility. 

Grass Carp to be introduced into reservoir in Wilson County
Officials will deposit grass carp into a reservoir in Wilson County in a move aimed at getting rid of an aquatic invasive plant that can be harmful to fish and people. 

Blue Ridge Paper Products Water Quality Permit Renewal Issued
RALEIGH - The N.C. Division of Water Quality today issued a permit renewal to Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc. for the discharge of treated wastewater from the company's Canton Mill to the Pigeon River in Haywood County. 

Mayo River State Park to Hold Special Event for Community, Park Supporters
Come learn more about Mayo River State Park at an event June 5 at the park in Rockingham County. 

Weeklong observation used to urge swimmer safety in North Carolina
The state has some great tips to prevent swimmers from getting sick this summer. 

Website Shows Link Between Recycling and Climate Change 

Public Meeting Will Consider Chimney Rock State Park Master Plan
People have an opportunity on May 26 to weigh-in on the process to create a master plan for Chimney Rock State Park. 

Lake at William B. Umstead State Park Closed to Boating and Fishing
State officials have closed a lake to boating and fishing at a Raleigh park due to the presence of an algae that could be dangerous. 

N.C. Coastal Resources Commission to meet May 19 in Beaufort
A state commission that establishes policies and rules to protect the coastal environment meets May 19. 

State Leaders and Educators Launch Environmental Literacy Plan for N.C. Students
The state's new environmental literacy plan will be launched Wednesday by state leaders and educators. 

Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice
Air quality officials issued a health notice today for air pollution in the ­­­­Charlotte and Hickory metropolitan areas on Friday as well as high-elevation areas near Asheville. 

Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice
RALEIGH - Air quality officials issued a health notice today for air pollution in the Charlotte, Triad and Triangle metropolitan areas on Thursday. Forecasters have predicted Code Orange conditions, which means that air quality in these areas is likely to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. 

North Carolina Student Wins State Award for National Fight the Bite Poser Contest
A Union County student earned top honors as one of the state winners of a national poster contest. 

North Carolina Student Wins State Award for National Fight the Bite Poster Contest
A fifth grade student from Asheville earned top honors today in a national poster contest. 

Notice of Proposed Changes to the North Carolina Coastal Management Program
A state commission is letting federal officials know of proposed rule changes to the state's Coastal Management Program. 

April 2010

NORTH CAROLINA HEALTH OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO FIGHT THE BITE!
State health officials give tips on how to prevent tick and mosquito bites as we get ready for Tick and Mosquito Awareness Month. 

Appalachian State University Recognizes Dee Freeman During Honors Day
RALEIGH - Appalachian State University's College of Arts and Sciences last week recognized Secretary Dee Freeman of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources as one of three receiving its 2010 Outstanding Alumni Award at the college's annual Honors Day celebration. 

May 2-8 is National Drinking Water Week
State officials are stressing the importance of clean drinking water, as next week is National Drinking Water Week. 

Abnormally dry conditions return to part of North Carolina
It's dry again in parts of central and southeastern North Carolina due to a lack of rainfall in those areas. 

North Carolina State Parks to Implement New Fee Schedule May 1
A new fee schedule starts May 1 at North Carolina state parks - the first increase in fees in the Tar Heel State since 2003. 

State officials training in airborne firefighting system
State officials are training this week on how to use one of the world's largest firefighting aircraft. 

HAMMOCKS BEACH STATE PARK TO ESTABLISH A TRASH-FREE ZONE ON BEAR ISLAND
State officials soon will launch an effort to make Bear Island a "trash-free" zone. 

Public Hearing Set on Permit for Incinerator in Alamance County
State officials will host a public hearing May 25 on the proposed renewal of an air permit for an incineration facility in Alamance County. 

State Renews Operating Permit For Wallace Farm Inc.
RALEIGH - The N.C. Division of Waste Management has renewed Wallace Farm Inc.'s permit to operate its large, type 3 solid waste composting facility in Huntersville. 

$400,000 in Grants Awarded by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program
More than $400,000 in grants have been awarded to projects aimed at protecting and restoring the environment in parts of North Carolina and Virginia. 

Media Advisory: Journalists invited to cover state level environmental science competition
Reporters are invited to Alamance County Friday and Saturday to cover one of the state's largest environmental science competitions. 

New Policy Board Leadership Appointed for Coastal Protection Program
Two new people will direct the policy board for a program that protects the coastal environment. 

Renovation Project Will Block Marina Area at Carolina Beach State Park
State officials next week will close marina and boat access at Carolina Beach State Park during the final phase of a renovation. 

EMC Corporation - Apex Facility Recognized as Environmental Steward
RALEIGH - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources today recognized EMC Corporation as a 2009 Environmental Steward. 

North Carolina's Environmental Educators Honored
DURHAM - During a special ceremony tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the Research Triangle Park Sheraton, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources will honor 185 educators who have completed a comprehensive certification program designed to enhance science-based environmental education in the state. 

State environmental agency invites people to celebrate Earth Day
Come celebrate the Earth with staff from the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC in Wilson Recognized As 2009 Environmental Steward
RALEIGH - The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources today recognized Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC as a 2009 Environmental Steward. The award recognizes the Wilson facility's superior environmental performance, commitment to continued reduction of its environmental impact and demonstrated commitment to go beyond compliance. 

The N.C. Division of Forest Resources Launches Team to Prevent Wildfires
Three staff members from the state's forestry agency are headed to western North Carolina to encourage people not to burn during the dry, windy weather. 

Grants Awarded to Aid in Emissions Reductions From Construction Equipment
RALEIGH - State environmental officials have awarded $138,466 in grants for three projects to reduce air pollution from diesel-powered construction vehicles in a second call for projects through the N.C. Clean Construction Leading to Early Adoption Diesel Emission Reductions (NC LEADER) program. 

MEDIA ADVISORY: EMC Corporation - Apex To Be Recognized As 2009 Environmental Steward
RALEIGH - The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources will name EMC Corporation - Apex as one of the state'ss 14 Environmental Stewards on Thursday, as part of the department's Environmental Stewardship Initiative. 

MEDIA ADVISORY - Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations To Be Recognized As 2009 Environmental Steward
RALEIGH - The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources will name Bridgestone Americas Tire Operation in Wilson as one of the state's 14 Environmental Stewards on Wednesday, as part of the department's Environmental Stewardship Initiative. 

North Carolina Environmental Education Week Set for Next Week
RALEIGH - Gov. Bev Perdue has proclaimed the week of April 11-17 as "National Environmental Education Week" in North Carolina, joining a nationwide effort to foster greater awareness of environmental education and to encourage children and adults to enjoy the outdoors. 

Pollen Reaches Record High Levels
RALEIGH - Pollen levels in North Carolina this week have reached some of their highest concentrations since air quality agencies started measuring pollen in the late 1990s. 

State Officials Discouraging Outdoor Burning Due to Dry, Windy Weather
State officials say people should not burn yard debris during the next few days because of dry, windy weather. 

Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice
RALEIGH - Air quality officials issued a health notice today for air pollution in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Forecasters upgraded today's forecast to from Code Yellow to Code Orange conditions, which means that air quality in these areas is likely to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. 

Hazards Remain on Grandfather Mountain State Park Trails
State officials warn hikers to be careful because some trails in Grandfather Mountain State Park have ice and debris. 

March 2010

Woodland Steward Series Expands Statewide
RALEIGH - A team of land management experts from federal and state agencies, universities and the private sector are offering a series of workshops to woodland owners interested in managing their land and developing an understanding of the basic principles of woodland stewardship. 

Air Quality Forecasts Renew Statewide
RALEIGH - The "ozone season" begins Thursday as state and local environmental agencies renew their daily air quality forecasts for ozone in metropolitan areas across North Carolina. 

Winter Storms Damage Morrow Mountain State Park Boating Facility
Boat and canoe rentals at one state park will not be available this year but should be open in 2011. 

Funding available for swine lagoon conversion program
Another round of funds are available for hog farmers to switch from conventional lagoons to a more environmentally-friendly waste management system. 

New Mayo River State Park Will Open to the Public Thursday
Mayo River State Park in Rockingham County will open interim facilities to the public on Thursday. 

Fort Macon State Park Facility Earns Gold Rating from U.S. Green Building Council
A state park's new visitor center meets an industry standard for environmental design. 

Damaged Courtesy Boat Docks Removed at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Efforts to replace two courtesy docks at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area may interrupt access to some boat ramps. 

State Offers Safety Tips for Post-Storm Tree Inspections
Be sure to inspect your trees for storm damage. You may need to hire a professional to determine if damaged trees can be saved, state forestry officials say. 

Study finds social media helps increase recycling rates at Charlotte university
CHARLOTTE - State, Mecklenburg County and UNC-Charlotte officials say a study conducted last year found that using social media to promote recycling resulted in improved attitudes about recycling and increased recycling rates on the university campus. 

N.C. Coastal Resources Commission Votes on Terminal Groin Recommendations
RALEIGH - The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission today voted to recommend specific considerations that must be met if the N.C. General Assembly should desire to lift some of the current limitations on permanent erosion control structures on North Carolina's ocean and inlet shorelines. 

Hearing for Wastewater Infrastructure Funding Plan Scheduled
A hearing has been set so people can comment on which wastewater infrastructure projects are funded. 

$118,022 in Grants Awarded by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program
More than $118,000 in grants are going to protect the environment and boost environmental education in North Carolina and Virginia. 

N.C. Coastal Resources Commission To Discuss Terminal Groin Study March 24-26 in Sunset Beach
A state board next week will talk about use of terminal groins to control erosion along the North Carolina coast. 

National drought workshop to be held in Raleigh on April 1
Drought will be the focus of a national workshop in Raleigh on April 1. 

Engineered Sintered Components in Troutman Recognized As 2009 Environmental Steward
RALEIGH - The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources today recognized Engineered Sintered Components as a 2009 Environmental Steward. The award recognizes the Troutman facility's superior environmental performance, commitment to continued reduction of its environmental impact and demonstrated commitment to go beyond compliance. 

Two Gastonia City Agencies Receive Recognition As 2009 Environmental Stewards
RALEIGH - The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources today recognized both the city of Gastonia Water Supply and Treatment Division and its Crowders Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility as 2009 Environmental Stewards. 

Celebrate Arbor Day on Friday by Planting a Tree
Celebrate Arbor Day in North Carolina by planting a tree and you'll make the state a cleaner, more beautiful place to live. Arbor Day in the Tar Heel State is Friday. 

Celebrate Arbor Day on Friday by Planting a Tree
Celebrate Arbor Day in North Carolina by planting a tree and you'll make the state a cleaner, more beautiful place to live. Arbor Day in the Tar Heel State is Friday. 

HEARINGS FOR RECLAIMED WATER RULE REVISIONS SCHEDULED
Three public hearings are scheduled for March on proposed changes to North Carolina's reclaimed water rules. 

MEDIA ADVISORY: Engineered Sintered Components in Troutman Recognized As 2009 Environmental Steward
To recognize Engineered Sintered Component's commitment to superior environmental performance and continuous improvement, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources during a Wednesday ceremony will name the facility an Environmental Steward. Engineered Sintered Components is one of 14 Environmental Stewards. 

Two Gastonia City Agencies to be Recognized as 2009 Environmental Stewards
To recognize the city of Gastonia's Water Supply and Treatment Division and Crowders Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility commitment to superior environmental performance and continuous improvement, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting will name both facilities as Environmental Stewards. DENR is recognizing a total of five Environmental Stewards for 2009. 

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION APPROVES RANDLEMAN LAKE WATERSHED RULES
The proposed rules approved by the EMC would revise regulations aimed at protecting stream buffers in the Randleman Lake watershed. 

Fix A Leak Week Set for March 15-21
RALEIGH - The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources is partnering with EPA's WaterSense program to promote "Fix a Leak Week" March 15-21, to remind people to check their household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks. Minor leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes. 

First Meeting Next Week for Mountain Resources Commission
The Mountain Resources Commission will identify issues involving development in 27 western counties and give advice to local governments on topics such as planned growth. 

STATE COASTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE TO MEET ON TERMINAL GROIN FEASIBILITY STUDY
A March 18 meeting on the terminal groin feasibility study has been scheduled. 

North Carolinians Urged To Check Pantries Following Recall Of Flavoring Ingredient
RALEIGH - State environmental health officials are urging people to make sure they do not consume recalled products flavored with hydrolyzed vegetable protein, following a nationwide recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after Salmonella Tennessee was identified in one company's HVP supply. 

Statewide "Love-A-Tree" Environmental Education Program Kicks Off Tomorrow
CHARLOTTE - Children and local students visiting the Charlotte Nature Museum tomorrow at 11 a.m. will join guests from International Paper, the Environmental Education Fund and the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources to participate in activities from this year's statewide "Love-A-Tree" Environmental Education Program. 

Many Roads, Trails Closed at DuPont State Forest Due to Recent Storm Damage
Much of DuPont State Forest will be closed starting Saturday and won't reopen until weather conditions improve and debris can be removed from trails. 

CRC Science Panel to Meet on Final Terminal Groin Study Report, Inlet Hazard Areas
A state science panel will meet in Raleigh March 12 to discuss inlet hazard areas and a report on terminal groins. 

February 2010

January 2010