News Releases

March 2010

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

No Discharge Zone for Coastal Waters along New Hanover County Now in Effect
RALEIGH - The Division of Water Quality received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its petition to designate coastal waters along the entire length of New Hanover County as a No Discharge Zone – an area where the discharge of boat vessel sewage, both treated and untreated, is prohibited. The approval appeared in the federal register on Feb. 22 and the NDZ designation is now activated. 

Communities in the Broad, Neuse and Pasquotank Basins to Implement Water Quality Protections
RALEIGH - State officials have determined that 12 communities in the Broad, Pasquotank and Neuse river basins must implement more effective measures to prevent stormwater pollution. 

STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES COME TOGETHER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE WORKSHOP
State and federal agencies will use a workshop next week to discuss how to adapt policies to climate change. 

NEW STATE RULES ENABLE CLOSURE OF PUBLIC POOLS NOT MEETING SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Public swimming pools will face being closed if they don't meet new safety rules adopted by a state health commission Wednesday. 

Meeting Scheduled on Jordan Lake Water Allocation
Local governments can now apply with the state for water supplies from B. Everett Jordan Lake. 

North Carolina Environmental Agency Meets Deadline for Economic Recovery Projects
North Carolina communities are getting a timely economic boost and new jobs, thanks to money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for drinking water and wastewater projects. 

N.C. PLAN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION RELEASED
A plan released today will serve as the guiding document for environmental education efforts in North Carolina. 

NORTH CAROLINA RECYCLING DATA SHOWS POSITIVE TRENDS
In North Carolina, people recycled more - a lot more - last year than in the previous year. 

N.C. Coastal Resources Commission Will Discuss Terminal Groin Study Feb. 17
Should terminal groins be used to control erosion along coastal North Carolina? The Coastal Resources Commission will discuss that issue at its Feb. 17 meeting. 

STATE PARKS WARNING HIKERS AND SIGHTSEERS ABOUT ENTERING CLOSED AREAS
State park rangers say people should avoid closed areas of the parks because winter weather could make them dangerous. 

PUBLIC HEARING SET ON RULES FOR ANIMALS AT FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
A public hearing is set on proposed changes to the state rules regarding animals at food establishments. 

N.C. COASTAL RESOURCES COMMISSION STEERING COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON TERMINAL GROIN FEASIBILITY STUDY
A commission meets Feb. 15 on a study of whether to use an erosion control device along the coast. 

Gov. Perdue Proclaims Feb. 7-13 Prescribed Fire Awareness Week
Gov. Bev Perdue has proclaimed this "Prescribed Fire Awareness Week" and wants people to know that some fires can protect people and benefit the environment. 

NEW DRAFT STATE IMPAIRED WATERS LIST AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
State officials are seeking public comments on a draft list of North Carolina's impaired waters. 

CHICKEN PROCESSING PLANT FINED FOR AMMONIA RELEASE
State air quality officials have fined a Robeson County plant in connection with a fatal ammonia release last June. 

Local Water/Wastewater Projects Receive Reallocated Economic Recovery Funds
RALEIGH - State officials today announced the reallocation of more than $4 million in economic recovery funding to five communities for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects as a part of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act awards. This funding allocation was originally earmarked for other projects but became available when final project costs were less than original estimates. 

STATE PANEL TO DISCUSS DRAFT TERMINAL GROIN STUDY REPORT FEB. 8
A state panel will meet Feb. 8 to discuss using terminal groins on the North Carolina coast to prevent beach erosion. 

Solid Waste Disposal in N.C. Reaches Historic Low
Less solid waste was disposed of in North Carolina landfills than any previous year in nearly two decades, a state report finds. 

January 2010

JANET PEARSON IS SUPERINTENDENT OF CARVERS CREEK STATE PARK
Carvers Cark State Park in Cumberland County has its first park superintendent. 

Public Hearing Scheduled for Blue Ridge Paper Products Proposed Permit Renewal
A Jan. 26 public hearing will allow people to comment on the proposed issuance of a discharge permit for a paper plant in Canton. Also, people can submit written comments for at least 30 days after the hearing. 

Public Hearing Set for Reclassification of Catawba River and Headwaters
A Jan. 25 public hearing will enable people to comment on the proposed reclassification of part of the Catawba River. 

COASTAL HAZARDS SCIENCE PANEL TO DISCUSS TERMINAL GROINS AT JAN. 19 MEETING IN RALEIGH
A state science panel will meet Jan. 19 to discuss the use of devices called terminal groins that control coastal erosion. 

MEDIA ADVISORY: NCDENR to Host Science Forum on Sea Level Rise
WHAT: Sea Level Rise Science Forum WHEN: Jan. 14-15, 8:30 a.m. WHERE: Hilton North Raleigh, 3415 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the N.C. Division of Coastal Management will host a Science Forum on Sea Level Rise featuring distinguished speakers from North Carolina, as well as invited speakers from other states. 

N.C. Coastal Resources Commission to Meet Jan. 13 in Raleigh
RALEIGH - The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission will hear public comments regarding its study of the feasibility and advisability of the use of a terminal groin as an erosion control device during its next meeting, Jan. 13, at the Hilton North Raleigh, 3415 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh. The terminal groin study public hearing will take place at 4:30 p.m. This is the third of five scheduled public hearings for the study. 

January is National Radon Action Month: North Carolina Health Officials Urge Citizens to Test for Ra
RALEIGH - State environmental health officials have recognized January as Radon Action Month and are encouraging people to learn more about radon exposure and its health effects. 

Sue McBean is Superintendent of Grandfather Mountain State Park
RALEIGH - Sue McBean, formerly superintendent of Haw River State Park, has been named the first superintendent of the newly authorized Grandfather Mountain State Park, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. 

December 2009

NORTH CAROLINA STATE PARKS DECLARE 2010 ¿YEAR OF THE BIRDS¿
Birds and bird-watching will be the focus of education programs at North Carolina's state parks in 2010. 

Revised State Impaired Waterways List Available for Public Comment
RALEIGH - The N.C. Division of Water Quality has released the revised draft 2008 impaired waters list and is requesting public comment. 

Drought aid, infrastructure funding and sustainable development highlight 2009 environmental achieve
Among its 2009 achievements, the state's leading environmental agency developed new maps to protect people from landslides and helped farmers who suffered during the recordbreaking drought. Learn more about our 2009 accomplishments here. 

Ground broken on office building for Green Square Complex
Ground was broken today on a state government office building in Raleigh that will serve as a model for environmental efficiency. 

State Parks Reservations System Prepared For 2010
RALEIGH - More than 1,300 reservations have already been made for 2010 for campsites, picnic shelters and other facilities in North Carolina state parks, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. 

Public Hearing Set On Air Permit Renewal For Duke Power Plant
RALEIGH - The N.C. Division of Air Quality has scheduled a public hearing for Jan. 14 on the renewal of the air quality permit for the Duke Cliffside power plant in Rutherford County. 

State Program Expanding To Help Businesses Go Green
RALEIGH - In an effort to reach more facilities and reduce overall negative environmental impacts, the N.C. Environmental Stewardship Initiative is offering a two-year pilot program for businesses, institutions and government agencies that are not typically regulated by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 

DROUGHT OFFICIALS: CONDITIONS NORMAL FOR FIRST TIME IN ALMOST THREE YEARS
Thursday marks the first time in almost three years that no county in North Carolina has been experiencing drought or abnormally dry conditions. 

PRESCRIBED BURN PLANNED AT CROWDERS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
State parks officials will conduct a prescribed burn this winter at a park in Gaston County. 

N.C. COASTAL RESOURCES COMMISSION TO HOLD DEC. 16 PUBLIC MEETING ON TERMINAL GROIN FEASIBILITY STUDY
A public hearing on the use of terminal groins along the coast has been set for Dec. 16 in Kill Devil Hills. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS SOUGHT ON HAW RIVER STATE PARK MASTER PLAN
People will have more time to comment on a proposed master plan for Haw River State Park. 

Public hearing scheduled in January on draft permit for composting facility
A January public hearing will give people an opportunity to comment on the permit a Mecklenburg County composting facility is seeking to renew. 

STATE OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE THREE WINNERS OF STATEWIDE RADON POSTER CONTEST
Today, the state is announcing the winners of its radon poster contest. 

REDUCE HOLIDAY WASTE AND HAVE A GREEN HOLIDAY SEASON
Help keep the environment clean this holiday season. 

STATE OFFICIALS DISTRIBUTE BLOOD LEAD TESTING SUMMARY REPORTS
State officials have sent out reports to health care providers summarizing blood lead testing for children. 

PUBLIC MEETINGS ON N.C NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE SCHEDULED
Two meetings have been scheduled in December so the public can comment on the operation and management of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve. 

November 2009

PILOT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK REPORTS SEWAGE SPILL
Pilot Mountain State Park in Surry County has reported a sewage spill of about 2,000 gallons. No surface waters were affected. 

THE COMMUNITY OF POINT HARBOR BEACH BECAME FIREWISE
A North Carolina beach community has taken significant steps to protect homes and property from wildfires. 

State encouraged by improving groundwater levels in eastern N.C.
Groundwater levels are improving in one area of North Carolina, and state officials think the actions of a local water and sewer authority may be the reason why. 

TIPS FOR A SAFE THANKSGIVING FEAST
Have a safe holiday feast by following a few tips when preparing food. 

COASTAL HAZARDS SCIENCE PANEL TO DISCUSS TERMINAL GROINS AT DEC. 1 MEETING IN RALEIGH
A state panel will meet Dec. 1 to discuss the feasibility of terminal groins on North Carolina's coast. 

District forest ranger wins award from national fire agency
An employee in the N.C. Division of Forest Resources was honored for his work to protect homes and people from wildfires. 

STATE AGENCY LOOKING TO HELP SCHOOLS, OTHERS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
Grant money is now available to schools and others that need money for projects that benefit the environment in parts of North Carolina and Virginia. 

Local Wastewater Projects Receive Reallocated Economic Recovery Funds
RALEIGH - State officials today announced the reallocation of about $4 million in economic recovery funding to two communities for wastewater infrastructure projects as a part of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act awards. 

N.C. Division of Forest Resources is Asking for Your Help With Cedar Seeds
RALEIGH - The N.C. Division of Forest Resources wants people to help the state's population of Eastern and Southern Red Cedars by allowing state forestry officials to gather seedlings on their property. 

Participate in an America Recycles Day Event Beginning This Weekend
RALEIGH - Take some time this weekend to participate in America Recycles Day, the only nationally-recognized day encouraging Americans to recycle and buy recycled content products. 

Hearing To Collect Public Comments On Draft Revised Randleman Lake Watershed Rules
RALEIGH - Proposed changes to existing rules and a proposed new rule to govern land development activities in waterside vegetated areas in the Randleman Lake watershed will be the subject of a public hearing on Nov. 19. 

Pledge To Recycle For America Recycles Day
RALEIGH - The N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance, along with the Carolina Recycling Association and North Carolina Keep America Beautiful, reminds the public that America Recycles Day is Nov. 15, 2009. America Recycles Day is the only nationally-recognized day encouraging Americans to recycle and buy recycled content products. 

Use Local Firewood and Keep Invasive Species from Killing North Carolina Trees
Using local firewood can prevent the spread of certain tree-killing insects and diseases. 

William B. Umstead State Park to Improve Sycamore Creek Trail Access
RALEIGH - William B. Umstead State Park will expand and improve access to the Sycamore Bike and Bridle Trailhead and multi-use trails in accordance with its general management plan and will explore ways to improve access to the park¿s U.S. 70 entrance, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. 

N.C. Division of Environmental Health Receives Grant To Enhance Food Protection Surveillance And Eme
RALEIGH - The N.C. Division of Environmental Health has received an Innovative Food Defense grant, totaling $60,416, from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to enhance its food protection capabilities. 

October 2009

COMMENTS SOUGHT ON STORMWATER PHASE II COMMUNITY CANDIDATES
People are invited to comment on whether 22 communities should be required to put in place more stringent controls to prevent stormwater pollution. 

Public hearing upcoming on water transfer permit in eastern N.C.
The Greenville Utility Commission is seeking a permit to transfer water between river basins and then sell that water to three communities in eastern North Carolina. 

State agency has new publication on water and drought
State water experts have put together a publication with easy-to-understand explanations of water conservation and drought. 

NORTH CAROLINA LAUNCHES ORGANICS TRADING WEB SITE
A state agency has launched a Web site to bolster North Carolina's biomass economy. 

Fort Macon to Dedicate New Coastal Education and Visitor Center
RALEIGH - A new 22,547-square-foot coastal education and visitor center at Fort Macon State Park in Carteret County will be formally dedicated Oct. 31 by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. 

Natural Resource Agencies Participate in Annual American Indian Mothers Conference
RALEIGH - State and federal agencies are partnering with the American Indian Mothers Incorporated in its annual conference beginning on Nov. 5 on the campus of UNC-Pembroke. 

First N.C. Outdoor Classroom Symposium Opens Tomorrow
CHAPEL HILL - The first-ever statewide North Carolina Outdoor Classroom Symposium opens Friday at the N.C. Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill. 

N.C. Division of Forest Resources Announces Arbor Day Poster Contest
Schools with 5th graders are invited to participate in the 2010 Arbor Day National Poster Contest. 

N.C. Coastal Resources Commission to Meet Oct. 29-30 in Atlantic Beach
Public comments will be heard Oct. 29 on the state's study of whether to use terminal groins at North Carolina inlets. 

PUBLIC NOTICE ON AIR PERMIT RENEWAL FOR DUKE POWER PLANT
The state has issued a public notice about the renewal of the air quality permit for the Duke Cliffside plant in Rutherford County. 

MERCHANTS MILLPOND STATE PARK TO DEDICATE NEW VISITOR CENTER
DENR's newest visitor center at Merchants Millpond State Park was designed to national green building standards. 

N.C. Divisions of Coastal Management and Water Quality Work to Streamline Environmental Permits in R
The state agency that protects the environment is streamlining one of its permitting processes in two river basins. 

REBATES AVAILABLE FOR EQUIPMENT THAT REDUCES DIESEL TRUCK EMISSIONS
State officials will administer American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds used as rebates on equipment and trucks that reduce air pollution. 

N.C. Division of Forest Resources Encourages Safety During Fall Fire Season
State officials are using National Fire Prevention Week to remind people about safety tips if they decide to burn twigs, leaves and other vegetation. 

LOWEST OZONE LEVELS ON RECORD THIS YEAR
Ozone levels in 2009 are the lowest since the state started monitoring air quality in the 1970s. 

OCTOBER ACTIVITIES TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF ELIMINATING CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING
State and local agencies are hosting events in North Carolina to tell people how to avoid exposure to lead.