N.C. DENR News Releases

Growing North Carolina's Urban Forests One Acorn at a Time

Brian Haines — July 23, 2010

RALEIGH - Population growth is impacting North Carolina's urban forests, and to help address this issue the N.C. Division of Forest Resources is co-hosting a conference in September focused on planning and maintaining sustainable green urban environments.

The “Acorns to Mighty Oaks: Growing a Healthy Urban Forest” conference, held in conjunction with the N.C. Urban Forest Council, is scheduled for Sept. 14-16, 2010, in Raleigh. The N.C. Division of Forest Resources, the N.C. Urban Forestry Council, N.C. State University and a variety of public interest groups will be participating in this event.

Speakers for the conference include Karen Neill, N.C. Urban Forest Council chairman, who will give the opening address for the two-day conference and one-day pre-conference workshop, and keynote speakers Richard Roti, of the Charlotte Public Tree Fund, and Dr. Kim Coder, of the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources.

More than 200 people are expected to attend and learn about environmental policy and educational issues, as well as the technical tools and resources needed to assure urban forest quality and health throughout North Carolina municipalities. Attendees will include people from local tree boards, elected officials, planning commissions, appearance commissions, tree care companies, the development community, city staff, landscape architects, the general public and other state agencies. They will have the opportunity to meet representatives from arborist services, nonprofit organizations focused on urban and community forestry, urban forestry educators and researchers.

The full agenda and registration information can be found online at www.ncsu.edu/feop/urbanforest/; or for more information, call the Forestry and Environmental Outreach Program at N.C. State University at (919) 515-9563. The discounted early registration fee deadline is July 31.

The conference will take place at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel. For more information call Leslie Moorman, Urban Forestry Program coordinator with the N.C. Division of Forest Resources, at (919) 857-4842.

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Thompson New Superintendent at Haw River State Park

Charlie Peek — July 20, 2010

RALEIGH – Kelley Thompson, a veteran state park superintendent and ranger, has been chosen as superintendent of Haw River State Park in Guilford and Rockingham counties, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. She succeeds Susan McBean, who became superintendent of Grandfather Mountain State Park earlier this year.

A superintendent is the chief of operations and administration at a state park or state recreation area with wide-ranging responsibilities for staffing, training, law enforcement, visitor services, natural resource protection and environmental education. At the new Haw River State Park, Thompson will be responsible for operating the state parks system’s first residential environmental education center and for managing the development of traditional state park facilities guided by a new master plan.

A native of Knoxville, Tenn., Thompson was raised in Chapel Hill and graduated in 1990 from Western Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management.

She joined the state parks system in 1994 as a ranger at Jockey’s Ridge State Park and later served at Jones Lake State Park as a senior ranger in charge of interpretive and education programming. She was promoted to superintendent at Goose Creek State Park in December 2004. Thompson is a certified environmental educator, a CPR instructor and holds advanced law enforcement certification.

“Kelley provided outstanding guidance and innovation at our first environmental education center at Goose Creek and she brings that experience and enthusiasm to Haw River State Park, where environmental education is a central component of the park’s mission,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “Her skills in leadership and community relations will also serve us well as the park continues to develop.”

Haw River State Park was authorized by the N.C. General Assembly in 2003 and now encompasses 1,334 acres, including the campus of the environmental education center.

(EDITORS: A jpeg image of Thompson is available on our website, www.ncparks.gov under “News”.)

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Heavy-Duty Trucks Must Reduce Idling Under New Rule

Tom Mather — July 13, 2010

RALEIGH – Operators of heavy-duty trucks must reduce unnecessary idling to help improve air quality in North Carolina, under a new rule that took effect this week.

The state Environmental Management Commission adopted the rule in July 2009, but its effective date was delayed until the end of the 2010 session of the General Assembly. The EMC adopted the rule as part of the state’s efforts to reduce air pollution in order to meet more stringent federal air quality standards. The rule applies to on-road gasoline and diesel-powered motor vehicles with a loaded weight greater than 10,000 pounds.

Under the rule, operators should not idle their vehicles more than five consecutive minutes in any 60-minute period except for instances dealing with safety, health and economic concerns. For example, trucks and buses can idle if necessary to perform essential functions such as refrigerating, hoisting, loading and responding to emergencies. The rule also exempts farm and military trucks.

“Exhaust from idling trucks is a significant source of air pollution that we can’t ignore,” said Sheila Holman, director of the N.C. Division of Air Quality. “The idle rule will help improve air quality while conserving large amounts of fuel.”

The state Division of Air Quality estimates the rule will reduce nitrogen oxide, or NOx, emissions, the primary cause of ozone in North Carolina, by up to 1,300 tons per year. In comparison, two coal-fired power plant units in the Asheville area emitted 485 tons of NOx in 2007.

The Environmental Protection Agency adopted more stringent standards for ozone in 2008 and particle pollution in 2006. The agency is expected to adopt an even stricter ozone standard in August. Many of North Carolina’s counties currently are not meeting the 2008 ozone standard, and that number is likely to increase when the EPA strengthens the standard. The EPA is expected to designate a number of counties as non-attainment for ozone, and such areas could face tougher restrictions on industry.

Although complying with the idle rule may involve some costs or inconveniences for truckers, those costs should be more than offset by fuel savings, in addition to the improvements in air quality. The Division of Air Quality estimates the idle rule will save up to 9 million gallons of fuel per year overall. The rule also could reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas, by as much as 100,000 tons per year.

Many truckers idle their trucks to provide power for air conditioners, refrigerators and other equipment while stopping to rest. However, truckers can avoid such idling by resting at truck stops that provide electricity and other services or by installing auxiliary power units, or APUs, to provide their own electricity.

Even though APUs can cost as much as $10,000 to install in a truck, the Division of Air Quality estimates that the fuel and wear-and-tear savings from reduced idling would offset those costs in about one to two years for most trucks, depending on fuel costs. In addition, the Division of Air Quality is offering rebates to some truckers who install APUs in their vehicles. Information about APU rebates can be found at this page on the division’s website: http://www.ncair.org/motor/Rebates/.

In addition to the idle rule, the state Division of Air Quality started a public awareness effort to reduce unnecessary idling voluntarily for cars and trucks. As part of that effort, the state agency is distributing free signs that urge drivers to reduce idling at schools and other areas. More information about the idle reduction program can be found at the following link on the division’s website, www.ncair.org/motor/idle.

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Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice

Tom Mather — July 8, 2010

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

The Code Orange forecast means people who are sensitive to air pollution should limit outdoor exertion in the afternoon. Sensitive groups include children, the elderly, people who work or exercise outdoors, and those with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other respiratory ailments.

The primary pollutant of concern is ozone, a highly reactive form of oxygen. Ozone can be unhealthy to breathe, damage plants and reduce crop yields. High ozone levels generally occur on hot sunny days with stagnant air, when pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons react in the lower atmosphere.

The air pollution forecast for Friday predicts that ozone levels will exceed the federal standard of 75 parts per billion (ppb) averaged over 8 hours. High ozone levels can impair breathing and aggravate symptoms in people with respiratory problems, and irritate the lungs in healthy individuals. People with chronic lung ailments, the elderly and children should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity in the afternoon, when ozone levels are highest.

The N.C. Division of Air Quality issues daily air forecasts for the Triangle, Charlotte, Asheville, Hickory, Fayetteville and Rocky Mount metropolitan areas. In the Triad, forecasts are issued by the Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department. The forecasts are part of the N.C. Air Awareness Program, a voluntary effort aimed at reducing air pollution in the state’s major metro areas. As part of this program, air quality officials are asking residents of Wake, Mecklenburg, Buncombe, Catawba, Cumberland, Forsyth, Nash, Edgecombe and surrounding counties to help reduce air pollution by taking some of the following actions:
• Limit driving by riding the bus, walking, bicycling or postponing trips.
• If you drive, avoid idling for long periods of time, stay within speed limits, combine errands to reduce the number of small trips, and use vehicles with higher fuel economies.
• Conserve electricity by setting thermostats at the highest comfortable temperature and turning off appliances that are not in use.

In addition, residents of affected areas should refrain from outdoor burning on Code Orange and Red days. It is always illegal to burn paper, trash, construction materials and other non-vegetative matter in North Carolina.

The DAQ estimates that more than half of North Carolina’s citizens live in counties where ozone levels exceed the standard during warmer months. In 1999, the N.C. General Assembly passed legislation aimed at reducing ozone-forming emissions from cars and trucks, including an expansion of the motor vehicle emissions inspection program from nine to 48 counties. In 2002, the General Assembly enacted legislation that requires the state's coal-fired power plants to reduce their ozone- and haze-forming emissions by three-fourths over the next decade.

For more information about air quality forecasts, open burning restrictions and other air issues, visit the DAQ website at www.ncair.org or call 1-888-RU4NCAIR (1-888-784-6224). Information about air quality in the Triad can be found at Forsyth County’s website, http://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/EnvAffairs/

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N.C. Zoo Attendance Hits 13-Year High

Rod Hackney — July 8, 2010

The North Carolina Zoo’s attendance for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009-2010 hit the three-quarter million mark for the first time in 13 years and ranked as the fourth highest annual total in zoo history.

Zoo officials credit several factors for the increased attendance, including the opening of two new major exhibits over the past year, the “Acacia Station” giraffe feeding platform and the Lemur Island exhibit. Zoo Director Dr. David Jones also credited an increased target marketing effort that included the integration of Social Media, such as Twitter, Facebook and Youtube, into the marketing program. Jones said generally good weather during the year and the zoo’s value for families still concerned about the wavering economy were also factors.

Zoo Parkway (N.C. 159) six miles southeast of Asheboro off U.S. 220 and U.S. 64. Summer hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for children 2-12 and $8 for senior citizens 62-plus and college students. For information, visit the zoo website at www.nczoo.org.

Agricultural Drought Conditions Surface in Western and Northeastern North Carolina

Sarah M. Young — July 8, 2010

RALEIGH – Moderate drought conditions have resurfaced in parts of North Carolina for the first time since last summer, according to Thursday’s map issued by the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The drought map indicates that 18 counties in the western and northeastern portions of the state have reached moderate drought status, the least severe of the four drought categories. This is the first time since August that any part of North Carolina has experienced drought. Officials say the worsening conditions are driven by a lack of rainfall that has hurt crops and impacted farmers in parts of North Carolina.

“Agricultural reports indicate a lack of rainfall and higher sustained temperatures are beginning to impact croplands in North Carolina,” said Candice Craig, statistician for National Agricultural Statistics Service. “Pastures and hayfields have been depleted of soil moisture. Corn conditions are deteriorating and some corn crops are showing drought stress.”

In addition, a lack of rain has thrust 11 more counties into abnormally dry conditions this week. Last week, 51 counties were abnormally dry, a category that means drought is not present but could return without sufficient rainfall.

North Carolinians know something about drought conditions and water conservation. In 2007-08, the state experienced its worst drought since recordkeeping began on the subject in 1895. As drought has reemerged, state officials are encouraging residents, businesses, towns and others to conserve water whenever possible.

The following are some water conservation tips:

• Install low-flow shower heads, turn off water when brushing teeth, do only full loads of laundry, wash dishes by hand and repair leaking toilets.
• Water plants early in the day, plant only native grasses and shrubs, fix leaks in hose connections, use mulch to keep soil moist and collect and recycle rainwater.

For other tips, go to www.savewaternc.org. To see the drought map, go to www.ncdrought.org.

Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice

Tom Mather — July 7, 2010

RALEIGH --- Air quality officials issued a health notice today for air pollution in the Charlotte and Triad 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.

The primary pollutant of concern is ozone, a highly reactive form of oxygen. Ozone can be unhealthy to breathe, damage plants and reduce crop yields. High ozone levels generally occur on hot, sunny days with stagnant air, when pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons react in the lower atmosphere.

The air pollution forecast for Thursday predicts that ozone levels will exceed the federal standard of 75 parts per billion (ppb) averaged over eight hours. High ozone levels can impair breathing and aggravate symptoms in people with respiratory problems, and irritate the lungs in healthy individuals. People with chronic lung ailments, the elderly and children should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity in the afternoon, when ozone levels are highest.

· Limit driving by riding the bus, walking, bicycling or postponing trips.

· If you drive, avoid idling for long periods of time, stay within speed limits, combine errands to reduce the number of small trips, and use vehicles with higher fuel economies.

· Conserve electricity by setting thermostats at the highest comfortable temperature and turn off appliances that are not in use.

For more information about air quality forecasts, open burning restrictions and other air issues, visit the DAQ website at www.ncair.org or call 1-888-RU4NCAIR (1-888-784-6224). Information about air quality in the Triad can be found at Forsyth County’s website, http://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/EnvAffairs/.

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N.C. Coastal Resources Commission Will Meet July 15 in Beaufort

Michele Walker — July 7, 2010

RALEIGH - The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission will meet at 10 a.m. July 15 at the NOAA/NCNERR Administration Building, 101 Pivers Island Road, in Beaufort.
The commission will discuss issues related to marina dredging and primary nursery areas, sandbags and Inlet Hazard Area boundary revisions.
The following items are on the CRC’s agenda:

• South Carolina Shoreline Change Advisory Committee Report - Braxton Davis, director of the Policy and Planning Division, S.C. Office of Ocean & Coastal Resource Management, will present findings of a South Carolina advisory committee on shoreline management.
• Inlet Hazard Area Discussion – Staff with the N.C. Division of Coastal Management will present GIS data of the recommended revisions to the Inlet Hazard Area boundaries for the state’s 12 developed inlets in an effort to address the impact of the revisions on existing structures and properties.
• Sandbag Overview/Update – Staff with the N.C. Division of Coastal Management will give an overview and history of sandbag rules and an update on the current status of sandbag structures on the oceanfront. Staff also will seek guidance from the commission on how to proceed when the current moratorium on removal of sandbag structures expires on Sept. 1.
• Outer Continental Shelf Update – Staff with the N.C. Division of Coastal Management will provide an update on oil and gas leasing activities and alternative energy projects on the Atlantic coast.
• Oil Spill Response – Lt. Shannon Scaff of the U.S. Coast Guard will provide a briefing on response to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Land Use Plan Certification – Commissioners will consider certification of a land use plan for the town of Sunset Beach.
• Contested Case/Variance Request - The commission will hear one contested case and one request for a variance from the CRC's coastal development rules.
• Public Input and Comment (12 p.m.) – Members of the public may comment on coastal issues not already on the commission’s agenda for this meeting.

A full meeting agenda and meeting materials are posted on the N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s website at www. nccoastalmanagement.net.

Raven Rock State Park to Dedicate New Visitor Center

Charlie Peek — July 7, 2010

RALEIGH – A new 7,190-square-foot visitor center and related facilities at Raven Rock State Park in Harnett County, which was designed to national green building standards, will be formally dedicated July 17 by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

The 10 a.m. ceremony is open to the public and will celebrate an important milestone in the history of the state park.

Similar to visitor centers built at 19 state parks and state recreation areas since 1994, the facility at Raven Rock offers a unique design reflecting the park’s character. The project also includes a picnic shelter, improvements to the picnic grounds, an accessible nature trail, a paved entrance road to the park and paved parking areas with space for 139 vehicles. The project represents an investment of $4.3 million from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the principal funding source for state park capital projects and land acquisition.

“Nearly 200,000 visitors enjoy this growing state park each year, and this facility will add to their experience,” said Lewis Ledford, director of the division. “Beyond being a focal point for the park and a gathering place for visitors, the center will be a place to learn about the state park and its natural resources. Like all our visitor centers, it offers an integrated exhibit hall, a teaching auditorium and classrooms.”

Museum-quality exhibits in the visitor center explore the natural history and the unique geologic events that resulted in the Raven Rock landscape, along with the history of Cape Fear River navigation and the river’s importance to local culture and commerce. Interactive exhibits invite visitors to consider “Nature Holding the Upper Hand” in efforts to control and profit from such a large river.

The state parks system has increased its commitment to sustainability by seeking certification for all large projects by the national Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program of the U.S. Green Building Council. Features at the Raven Rock State Park visitor center that will contribute to certification include a geothermal heat pump, solar hot water heating and low-flow water fixtures, the use of natural lighting along with low-energy lighting fixtures and solar lighting in the parking area, recycled building materials and natural landscaping.

The structure was designed by LS3P Associates Ltd. of Raleigh, and general contractor was Harrod and Associates Constructors Inc. of Raleigh. The exhibits were designed by Riggs Ward Design of Richmond, Va., and constructed by Studio Design Inc. of Charlotte.

Raven Rock State Park was established in 1969 and now encompasses 4,694 acres.

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Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice

Tom Mather — July 6, 2010

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.

The air pollution forecast for Wednesday predicts that ozone levels will exceed the federal standard of 75 parts per billion (ppb) averaged over eight hours. High ozone levels can impair breathing and aggravate symptoms in people with respiratory problems, and irritate the lungs in healthy individuals. People with chronic lung ailments, the elderly and children should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity in the afternoon, when ozone levels are highest.

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Meeting to be held next week for Tar-Pamlico River Basin hydrologic model and plan

Sarah M. Young — July 6, 2010

RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Water Resources will host a public meeting July 15 to launch the planning process for the Tar-Pamlico River Basin water resources plan and the development of the Tar River Basin hydrologic model.

The meeting is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 153 of Pitt County Community College’s Fulford Building in Winterville.

The purpose of this meeting is to receive information and comments from the public regarding the planning process for the Tar-Pamlico River Basin. The development of a hydrologic model for the Tar River Basin is a key component of the final Tar-Pamlico River Basin Plan.

The state Division of Water Resources is responsible for developing a water resources plan for each river basin in North Carolina. Each plan is based on 50-year water use projections and on a detailed hydrologic model that tracks all surface water withdrawals, the return of treated wastewater to the basin and reservoir operating rules.

“These plans describe the water resources of the basin and evaluate current and future conditions to determine if there will be enough water throughout the basin to satisfy all the uses of the water under all types of hydrologic conditions,” said Steve Reed, the division’s river basin management section chief.

A hydrologic computer model is a critical tool for surface water management. State agencies use the models to make decisions about proposed water withdrawals, plan for increased water use due to growth and manage river basin water demands during a drought.

Similar models have been developed for the Cape Fear and Neuse river basins. When the Tar River Basin hydrologic model is completed, local governments can use it to evaluate options for expected water needs in the basin during the next 50 years.

Registration is not required for this meeting. The public is encouraged to attend and participate. People can also watch presentations made during the meeting online. To watch, please visit https://DENR.ncgovconnect.com/DWRTarPam and type your name in the space labeled “guest.” Please call (919) 501-4273 to listen to the presentations.

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State renews air permit for Duke Cliffside power plant

Jamie Kritzer — July 1, 2010

RALEIGH – State officials this week renewed the air quality permit for the Duke Energy Carolinas' Cliffside power plant in Rutherford County.

The permit renewed by the N.C. Division of Air Quality enables Duke Energy to continue operating its coal-fired boilers and associated pollution control equipment at the Cliffside Steam Station, 573 Duke Power Road, in Rutherford County. Duke has operated power plants at the site since the early 1940s.

The permit renewal covers all of the air emissions sources at Cliffside, including existing Units 1-5 and the new Unit 6 that is under construction. To approve the permit renewal, state officials had to find that Duke can comply with state and federal rules for controlling particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, visible emissions, volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. The plant will use various air pollution control devices, including a wet scrubber, electrostatic precipitators and a selective catalytic reduction system to meet those requirements.

The renewed permit requires that Duke:
• Monitor air pollution control equipment.
• Conduct periodic stack testing of emissions from recovery furnaces and boilers annually.
• Operate continuous emission monitors for nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and visible emissions.

The state agency based its renewal decision on the state’s determination of Duke Energy Carolinas’ ability to meet state air quality regulations based on the particular emission sources and air pollution controls as well as written and verbal comments made during a January public hearing and subsequent comment period.

Duke Energy Carolinas submitted its application for renewal of the air permit on Jan. 22, 2008. A draft permit was proposed by the N.C. Division of Air Quality and a public hearing on that draft was held on Jan. 14, 2010. A hearing officer’s report was submitted to Keith Overcash, director of the N.C. Division of Air Quality. On April 13, Overcash recommended issuing the renewed permit after the required 45-day review period from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The renewed permit can be found at http://www.ncair.org/permits/TV_permits/Duke_Cliffside.pdf. The permit is good for five years.

Unit 6 will face further state and federal permitting requirements after it is constructed. Duke Energy Carolinas is required by state and federal air regulations to submit an application for an operating permit for the sixth unit within 12 months of beginning operation. That permitting process will include an opportunity for public comments and EPA review of the operating conditions for the unit.

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Thirteen State Park Rangers Receive Law Enforcement Commissions

Charlie Peek — July 1, 2010

RALEIGH – Thirteen new state park rangers received commissions as law enforcement officers today, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

The rangers were sworn in by Superior Court Judge Gary E. Trawick at a special ceremony in Raleigh.

Receiving a commission as a Special Peace Officer at the end of 17-week basic law enforcement training is generally regarded as the last formal step before a ranger takes on full duties in a unit of the state parks system. During the training period prior to commissioning, a ranger is assimilated into the park and begins assuming duties in resource management and visitor service.

“It requires a lot of dedication and training for our candidates to earn the right to wear the campaign-style hat of a state park ranger,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “These men and women are true multi-specialists who are frequently asked to assume many roles during a day at work from finding a lost hiker to giving an interpretive program to dealing with violations of state law.”

State park rangers are required to have at least a two-year degree, and many come to the job with four-year university degrees in curricula related to resource and/or park management. Beyond law enforcement training, all are trained in medical first response, search-and-rescue, wildfire suppression, natural resource management, interpretive skills and environmental education.

The rangers who received commissions are: Michael Lee Annas at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area; Joshua Dean Clawson at Crowders Mountain State Park; Jarid Adam Church at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area; Jason Bradley Costner at South Mountains State Park; Robert Michael McGraw at Lake Norman State Park; Jannon Roy Murr at Morrow Mountain State Park; Ryan Edward Newsome at Medoc Mountain State Park; Andrew Thomas Partin at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area; Charles Stephen Rogers at Pettigrew State Park; Jack Kenneth Singley at William B. Umstead State Park; Eric Bradley Siratt at Lumber River State Park; Renee Anne Tomczak at Hammocks Beach State Park; James Lee Trostle at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.

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Keep Your Independence Day Celebration Safe with these Fire Safety Tips

Brian Haines — June 30, 2010

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.

Many wildfires that occur during this time of the year start due to the careless use of fireworks such as sparklers, fountains, glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers and other Class C fireworks.

Each year, wildfires in North Carolina endanger peoples’ lives, destroy millions of dollars worth of timber and property, and damage the environment.

If people take the risk of using their own fireworks, here are some simple ways to help keep the holiday safe:

• Don’t use fireworks such as ground spinners, firecrackers, round spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, which are not legal in North Carolina.
• Do not use fireworks near woods or any combustible material.
• Make sure fireworks are always used with adult supervision.
• Follow the instructions provided with the fireworks.
• Do not use under the influence of alcohol.
• Always use in a large, open, preferably paved, area or near a body of water.
• Have a rake or shovel as well as bucket or two of water on hand.
• Monitor the area for several hours after use.

An increased number of homes are being built in North Carolina’s wooded areas, and officials with the N.C. Division of Forest Resources stress the need to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires in residential areas. In addition to taking measures to use fireworks safely, campfires or grills should never be left unattended and should never be started with gasoline. It is also important when disposing of ashes to never put them in a paper bag or other flammable container, but to instead place them in an outside metal container or bury them in mineral soil in your garden; if you live in an area with organic soils, however, keep in mind that peat can catch fire. Never store ashes in your garage, on your deck or in a wooded area. Double-check the ashes and coals before throwing them away to make sure they won’t start a fire.

For more information, contact your county ranger or Brian R. Haines, public information officer, at (919) 857-4828. For more information on fire safety, visit www.ncfirewise.org or www.dfr.state.nc.us.

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Water Efficiency for Irrigation Webinar Planned for July, Proclaimed as "Smart Irrigation Month"

Chris Frazier — June 29, 2010

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.

To support the governor’s proclamation and promote efficient watering practices, the N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance is conducting a Webinar for irrigation professionals and operators titled “Water Efficiency for Irrigation Systems,” on July 8 at 1 p.m. To sign up for the Webinar, please visit http://bit.ly/bjYMEp .

Facilities with landscape irrigation or technical assistance providers working with facilities on landscape irrigation will benefit from attending this Webinar. Experts with the Carolinas Irrigation Association will outline the latest methods and technologies that maximize the green returns for every drop of water invested. Topics discussed will include precision water application, water budgeting and measurement, irrigation control technology and alternative water sources.

Smart Irrigation Month will also be promoted statewide with a billboard campaign funded by the N.C. Green Industry Council, The Carolinas Irrigation Association, The N.C. Irrigation Contractors Licensing Board, the N.C. Nursery and Landscape Association, the Irrigation Association and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

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North Carolina high school students win scholarships and awards at environmental workshop

Cindy Draughon — June 28, 2010

RALEIGH – Seven North Carolina high school students were awarded college scholarships and cash prizes at the conclusion of the 47^th annual Resource Conservation Workshop last week in Wake County.

Soil and water conservation district boards statewide chose 81 students to participate in the workshop based on demonstrated conservation interests. Scientists, foresters, biologists, wildlife experts and engineers provided classroom instruction and outdoor study in the environmental sciences. Students also received information and insight into careers in natural resource management.

“How many opportunities do kids get to explore so many different career fields in one week?” asked Kevin Pittman, a Resource Conservation Workshop resource professional volunteer and educational forest ranger with the N.C. Division of Forest Resources at Clemmons Educational State Forest in Clayton.

Pittman’s supervisor, Michael Huffman, agreed.

“After 34 years, I still think this workshop is the best thing a high school student can do if they want to go into natural resource management,” Huffman added.

The Resource Conservation Workshop scholarships and cash awards are given to students with the top five scores from Thursday’s written exam. In addition, all counselors nominated one student to be interviewed by a panel of judges. Students with the top two interview scores earned the Grady Lane and District Employees Association Scholarships.

The following students received scholarships and/or cash awards:

· Lucas Paynter, of Warren County, received a $1,000 District Employees Association Scholarship.

· Madison Capps, of Transylvania County, received the $500 Grady Lane Scholarship and a $100 cash award.

· Frank Scott, of Wilson County, received a $500 Resource Conservation Workshop Scholarship and a $100 cash award.

· Andrew Norris, of Cumberland County, received a $275 Resource Conservation Workshop Scholarship and a $100 cash award.

· Ryan Sutton, of New Hanover County (sponsored at the workshop by Durham county), received a $100 Resource Conservation Workshop Scholarship.

· Thomas Lineberger, of Johnston County, received a $75 Resource Conservation Workshop Scholarship.

· James Lunsford, of Pender County, received a $50 Resource Conservation Workshop Scholarship.

Study locations for the workshop included N.C. State University and the university’s Lake Wheeler Research Farm, Clemmons Educational State Forest and Falls Lake State Recreation Area. An award ceremony was held last week at the McKimmon Center for Extension and Continuing Education at N.C. State University in Raleigh.

Instructors and judges came from the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources; N.C. State University’s Continuing Education and Professional Development Center; soil and water conservation districts in Wake, Johnston and Durham counties; U.S. Department of Agricultural Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The workshop is sponsored and organized by the N.C. Division of Soil and Water Conservation, the N.C. Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Hugh Hammond Bennett Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society and N.C. State University’s Soil Science Department and the McKimmon Centerfor Extension and Continuing Education.

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State Scientists Collecting Fish and Shellfish Samples in Preparation for Any Potential Effects from

Patricia Smith — June 24, 2010

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.

“We still believe there is a very low probability that our state will see any significant effects from the oil spill, but just in case, we’re collecting these samples and securing them for analysis at a later date,” said Secretary Dee Freeman of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Biologists with the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries are collecting fish, shrimp and crabs from different coastal rivers, sounds and ocean waters of the state, following specific scientific collection protocols for handling and storing the samples.

Likewise, environmental specialists with the Shellfish Sanitation and Recreational Quality Section of the N.C. Division of Environmental Health are collecting oysters and clams.

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill has caused extremely large amounts of crude oil to be released into the environment. Oil contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are chemical hazards. These contaminants can accumulate in seafood at levels that can cause illness. The presence of petroleum taint can also render seafood unfit for human consumption.

Additionally, fish or shellfish exposure to high concentrations of these toxins, either directly or through eating contaminated plants or animals, may reduce their growth and reproduction, affecting populations. These effects can last for many years, depending on the concentration of oil.

Should state authorities begin to see impacts in North Carolina waters from the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the fish and shellfish samples collected now can be tested and used as a baseline to compare to samples collected in North Carolina following observed impact from the oil spill to help determine the extent of contamination.

This information, should it show contamination levels high enough to cause a health risk, could help fisheries officials determine if they should close certain waters to seafood harvesting and fishing. The information would also offer proof of environmental impact, leading to economic impact, should the state seek financial compensation for damages from the oil industry.

For more information, contact Patricia Smith, public information officer with the Division of Marine Fisheries, at (252) 808-8025 or Tricia.Smith@ncdenr.gov, or Laura Leonard, public information officer with the Division of Environmental Health, at (919) 715-3204 or Laura.Leonard@ncdenr.gov.

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Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice

Tom Mather — June 22, 2010

In Code Orange conditions, people who are sensitive to air pollution should avoid moderate exertion outdoors in the afternoon. Sensitive groups include children and the elderly who are active outside, people who work or exercise outdoors, and those with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other respiratory ailments.

The air pollution forecast for Wednesday predicts that ozone levels will exceed the federal standard of 0.075 parts per million (ppm) averaged over 8 hours. High ozone levels can impair breathing and aggravate symptoms in people with respiratory problems, and irritate the lungs in healthy individuals. People with chronic lung ailments, the elderly and children should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity in the afternoon, when ozone levels are highest.

The DAQ estimates that more than half of North Carolina’s citizens live in counties where ozone levels sometimes exceed the standard during warmer months. In 1999, the N.C. General Assembly passed legislation aimed at reducing ozone-forming emissions from cars and trucks, including an expansion of the motor vehicle emissions inspection program from nine to 48 counties. In 2002, the General Assembly enacted legislation that will require the state's coal-fired power plants to reduce their ozone- and haze-forming emissions by three-fourths over the next decade.

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Johnston County Family Wins State Conservation Award

Cindy Draughon — June 22, 2010

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.

John and Eileen, with their children John Michael, James Hunter and Megan, were selected for the award from a statewide field of contenders. The award is presented annually by the N.C. Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the state’s 96 local districts to a farm family who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to natural resource stewardship, conservation knowledge, educational outreach and community leadership.

The Langdons worked with the Johnston County Soil and Water Conservation District to develop and implement a farm-wide conservation plan that would protect and improve water quality and soil resources. Over the years, many conservation best management practices have been installed on the farm to achieve that goal.

“Land ownership gives you a responsibility to your property and everyone connected with it,” said Langdon. “We must work the land and preserve it for the next generation.”

Conservation runs in the Langdon family. John’s grandfather, Bill Langdon, began the conservation legacy when he bought the Langdon farm. James Robert Langdon, John’s father, won the Johnston County Outstanding Conservation Farm Family award 29 years ago. In 2006, son John Michael also contributed to the family’s tradition of conservation by winning the state Future Farmers of America (FFA) award for Soil and Water Conservation. This year, son James Hunter, won the state FFA Proficiency Award for best management practices in swine production. In addition, he travels to Indiana in October to receive the degree Future Farmers of America confers only to an elite group at the national level: the American FFA degree.

“Conservation and natural resource stewardship is family heritage,” said John Langdon. “It’s just the right thing to do.”

Attending the celebration were nearly 200 guests that included local, state and federal soil and water conservation agency staff and district supervisors, elected officials, legislators, local businesses and family friends.

Speakers at the event included leaders from the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Soil and Water Conservation Commission, N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Murphy Brown LLC, the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association, and a pre-recorded speech by Megan Langdon entitled Farmland Under Fire.

The event was organized by the Langdon family, the Johnston County Soil and Water Conservation District and the N.C. Division of Soil and Water Conservation.

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Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice

Tom Mather — June 21, 2010

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.

The air pollution forecast for Tuesday predicts that ozone levels will exceed the federal standard of 0.075 parts per million (ppm) averaged over 8 hours. High ozone levels can impair breathing and aggravate symptoms in people with respiratory problems, and irritate the lungs in healthy individuals. People with chronic lung ailments, the elderly and children should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity in the afternoon, when ozone levels are highest.

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Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice

Tom Mather — June 18, 2010

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.

Code Orange conditions could continue through Sunday and Monday in Charlotte and other large metropolitan areas in the state unless showers develop over the weekend. In Code Orange conditions, people who are sensitive to air pollution should avoid moderate exertion outdoors in the afternoon. Sensitive groups include children and the elderly who are active outside, people who work or exercise outdoors, and those with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other respiratory ailments.

The air pollution forecast for Saturday predicts that ozone levels will exceed the federal standard of 0.075 parts per million (ppm) averaged over 8 hours. High ozone levels can impair breathing and aggravate symptoms in people with respiratory problems, and irritate the lungs in healthy individuals. People with chronic lung ailments, the elderly and children should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity in the afternoon, when ozone levels are highest.

The DAQ estimates that more than half of North Carolina’s citizens live in counties where ozone levels exceed the standard during warmer months. In 1999, the N.C. General Assembly passed legislation aimed at reducing ozone-forming emissions from cars and trucks, including an expansion of the motor vehicle emissions inspection program from nine to 48 counties. In 2002, the General Assembly enacted legislation that will require the state's coal-fired power plants to reduce their ozone- and haze-forming emissions by three-fourths over the next decade.

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Public Hearings to Gather Comments on Falls Lake Nutrient Strategy Scheduled

Susan Massengale — June 16, 2010

RALEIGH – The Environmental Management Commission, or EMC, has scheduled two hearings to gather public input on proposed rules to reduce nutrient pollution in the Falls Lake Reservoir.

The public comment period is open until Aug. 16.

Falls Lake Reservoir, the primary drinking water source for Raleigh and several nearby communities, is impaired for excessive amounts of chlorophyll a, an indicator of high levels of nutrients. Nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, can be carried by stormwater runoff into Falls Lake and the watershed streams that feed it. While nutrients are beneficial to aquatic plant and animal life in the proper quantities, excessive levels can cause algae blooms that impair aquatic habitat and may lead to fishkills, increase the cost of treatment for drinking water and affect recreational activities. In 2005, the N.C. General Assembly passed legislation which requires the EMC to adopt a nutrient strategy for Falls Lake.

In 2008, stakeholders from local governments, agriculture, environmental groups and other concerns began work with the N.C. Division of Water Quality to formulate a nutrient management strategy. The stakeholders used three years of lake watershed data and subsequent modeling to help form the nutrient management strategy. The draft rules were approved for public comment by the EMC in March 2010.

The rules address reduction of nutrients from several sources including agriculture, new development, existing development and wastewater treatment plants. The two-stage approach is spread over 25 years and includes opportunities for evaluating progress towards the nitrogen and phosphorus reduction goals and adjusting requirements appropriately. The projected maximum cost for implementing the rules is approximately $1.5 billion. However, emerging technologies and management efficiencies may reduce that cost significantly. Copies of the draft rules and other helpful information are available on the N.C. Division of Water Quality’s website at: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/nps/fallslake.

The hearing schedule is:

· 7 p.m. June 30 at Neal Middle School, 201 Baptist Church Road, Durham;

· 7 p.m. July 1 at Campbell Lodge, Durant Nature Park, 3237 Spottswood St., Raleigh.

Registration for those who wish to speak at the hearings will begin at 6:30 p.m. Time for presentations may be limited to allow time for all registered speakers. Therefore, it is requested that printed copies be provided for remarks that are longer than three minutes. Written comments may also be submitted at the hearings or by mailing them to: John Huisman, DWQ Planning, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1617 or john.huisman@ncdenr.gov.

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Construction to Interrupt Boating Access at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Charlie Peek — June 16, 2010

RALEIGH – The Ebenezer boat ramp access at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area will close Mondays through Thursdays beginning June 21 so courtesy docks damaged by winter flooding can be replaced, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

The work is expected to be completed before the July Fourth holiday weekend.

During the construction period, the boat ramp access will be open Fridays through Sundays, but without the benefit of courtesy docks. Boats that require or prefer the use of courtesy docks should launch from the Robeson Creek or Farrington Point boat ramp areas, which are open 24 hours a day, or from the New Hope access, which is open during normal state park operating hours.

In coming weeks, the state parks system will replace all of its existing floating courtesy docks at the Poplar Point, Seaforth and Vista Point boat access areas with those of a design that does not rely on permanent pilings. Those areas will be closed Mondays through Thursdays during three-week construction periods. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is contributing design and construction assistance for installation of the new courtesy docks.

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Public Hearing on Wastewater Pretreatment Rule Amendments Scheduled

Susan Massengale — June 11, 2010

RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Water Quality will conduct a public hearing on June 16 to gather comments on proposed revisions to the state’s pretreatment rules for wastewater treatment.

The public hearing is set for 7 p.m. in the Ground Floor Hearing Room of the Archdale Building, 512 North Salisbury St., Raleigh. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. for people wishing to speak.

Municipal treatment plants are typically designed to treat domestic and commercial wastewater. Treatment plants that accept significant amounts of processor other non-domestic wastewater develop pretreatment programs in order to ensure that the plant is compliant with water quality standards as well as state and federal permit requirements.

The proposed rule amendments will bring the state’s pretreatment program in line with the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2005 streamlining of pretreatment regulations, ensure consistency with federal reporting requirements and allow for flexibility in the state program. This includes amendments to ensure adequate communication and coordination regarding industrial users when one treatment plant sends wastewater to another treatment plant for additional treatment. Such “satellite” systems are becoming more common in North Carolina, especially with regionalization of wastewater services. A new rule is intended to consolidate and update processes associated with civil penalties and administrative orders.

Overall, the result of the rule revisions will be to reduce the burden associated with monitoring and inspection requirements for extremely small categorical industrial users with good compliance records that have no potential to harm the municipal wastewater system or the environment. They will also provide more flexibility to the towns implementing their programs and to DWQ in its oversight role.

The proposed rule amendments and the new rule are on the DWQ website at: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/swp/ps/pret.

Hearing officers may limit time allowed for oral presentations to allow all registered speakers an opportunity to be heard. Therefore, it is requested that written copies be provided for statements longer than three minutes. Written comments may be presented at the hearing or by sending them to Deborah Gore, PERCS Unit Supervisor, NCDWQ, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617. You may also e-mail written comments to: deborah.gore@ncdenr.gov or fax them to (919) 807-6489.

The comment period will remain open until Aug. 2. A hearing officer’s report will be presented to the state Environmental Management Commission for approval this fall.

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Revised Randleman Lake Watershed Rules Go Into Effect

Susan Massengale — June 4, 2010

RALEIGH – Revised rules that govern land development activities in the vegetated areas along the lake and streams in the Randleman Lake watershed went into effect on Tuesday.

The Randleman Lake watershed includes parts of three Piedmont counties – Forsyth, Guilford and Randolph.

In April 1999, the Randleman Lake watershed was one of the first areas to come under N.C. Division of Water Quality rules to protect waterside vegetative buffers. Recently, the state Environmental Management Commission revised the rules to make them easier to understand and to bring them in line with similar buffer protection programs in other parts of the state. A public hearing was held in High Point Nov. 19 to gather public comments on the then-proposed rules. Written comments were accepted until Dec. 14.

Among the changes implemented to the Randleman Lake Watershed Program:

· A table of uses clearly defines activities that are exempt (can be done as long as impacts to the watershed and the lake are minimized), potentially allowable (must have approval from the state Division of Water Quality or a delegated local government), or allowable with mitigation (must have approval and a mitigation plan for water quality improvements in the watershed).

· A variance application process for activities which are prohibited – that is, they do not appear in the table of uses – as long as they meet certain criteria. This process also includes an opportunity for mitigation.

· The state Division of Water Quality will review and determine whether to approve local ordinances required by the rules. The state agency also will periodically audit local government programs.

Although the draft rule revisions included a proposal that waterways subject to the protection of the rules should be found on maps, that change was not adopted. A survey of the watershed identified several streams that are not represented on area maps. In order to better protect the watershed, unmapped streams that meet certain criteria are still subject to the protection of the rules, as they have been since the original rules were developed.

To view the revised Randleman Lake water supply watershed buffer protection and mitigation rules, visit the state Division of Water Quality’s website at: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/swp/ws/401/riparianbuffers/rules. For more information, contact Amy Chapman, statewide riparian buffer coordinator with the N.C. Division of Water Quality, at amy.chapman@ncdenr.gov or (919) 733-1786.

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Jockey's Ridge State Park Erects Wind Turbine to Supply Electric Power

Charlie Peek — June 2, 2010

RALEIGH – The wind that has shaped the sands at Jockey’s Ridge State Park for centuries will now supply electric power to the park through a 60-foot-high wind turbine erected near the visitor center, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

The wind turbine with three blades is 23 feet in diameter and is positioned on a single pole near the visitor center and several hundred yards from the 80-foot-high sand dune that gives the coastal state park in Dare County its name. Construction of the turbine was completed in late May and park officials anticipate it will begin generating electricity in June.

“Part of our mission in the state parks system is to exemplify good stewardship and explore sustainable ways of operating and helping people enjoy the natural resources,” Park Superintendent Debo Cox said. “The wind turbine will help us cut costs, and it will also serve as a working educational exhibit for visitors.”

Exactly how much power the turbine will produce is not known, but upon final inspection, it will be connected to the power grid via Dominion North Carolina Power. Park officials anticipate its power generation will offset most of the cost of supplying the visitor center, which includes an exhibit hall, an auditorium and park offices.

Park staff worked with the town of Nags Head to secure permits and also conducted early studies with a mobile lift to assess any negative visual impact the turbine might have. The staff and biologists with the state parks system also conducted a year-long study to ensure the turbine would not have any negative impact on coastal or migratory birds. The monopole-style structure, which doesn’t require guy wires, was chosen to reduce effects on birds in flight.

The turbine was manufactured by Bergey Windpower Inc. The cost of the project was $140,000, which includes outdoor exhibits that explain its operation to park visitors. The project was supported by the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the principal funding source for state parks capital projects and land acquisition.

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State agency seeking nominations for 2010 urban forestry awards

Brian R. Haines — June 1, 2010

RALEIGH - The N.C. Division of Forest Resources is seeking nominations for its annual urban forestry awards, which honor people, communities and groups for their efforts to protect, enhance and educate others about community forests.

Nominations for the 2010 North Carolina Urban Forestry Awards are due by 5 p.m. June 30. Award recipients will be recognized at the N.C. Urban Forest Council’s 2010 Annual Conference Awards Banquet on Sept. 14 at the Sheraton Hotel, 421 South Salisbury St., Raleigh.

The awards recognize individuals, organizations, corporations and institutions whose work during the past three years has set an example of excellence in urban and community forestry, resulting in significant enhancement of the urban forest. The winners may also be nominated for the National Arbor Day Awards program.Awards for the national program are presented during a ceremony held each April in Nebraska.

The state Division of Forest Resources will accept nominations for the following award categories:

· Outstanding Tree Board or Urban Forestry Committee

· Outstanding Project

· Outstanding Individual

· Outstanding Professional

· Tree City of the Year

Winners will be judged by a panel comprised of N.C. Division of Forest Resources’ urban forestry staff and selected North Carolina Urban Forest Council members. Entries will be judged for impact, quality, innovation and the degree to which the work serves as a worthy example for others to follow.

The N.C. Urban Forestry Council is a nonprofit organization that promotes and educates elected officials, decision-makers and the public about the benefits of urban forest management and healthy community forests. They also serve as a resource for networking and discussing urban forestry, while supporting communities in their urban forest management efforts. To learn more, visit them online at http://www.ncufc.org/.

For more information about the North Carolina Urban Forestry Awards Program, please visit our website at www.dfr.nc.gov/Urban/Urban_awards.htm or contact Jennifer Rall at (919) 857-4849 or

Jennifer.Rall@ncdenr.gov.

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Food Safety Tips for Staying Healthy During Picnic Season

Laura Leonard — May 30, 2010

RALEIGH – Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and more North Carolinians are welcoming warm weather with camping, picnics and barbecues.

With this in mind, North Carolina health officials remind people to follow several basic safety tips when planning their outdoor barbecues and picnics, because as food heats up in summer temperatures, bacteria rapidly multiply.

Environmental health officials recommend the following safety tips to prevent food-borne illnesses:
• Clean — Use soap and water to frequently wash your hands. If clean water is not available for hand-washing, use clean, wet disposable towelettes. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water. Pre-packaged produce labeled ‘ready-to-eat’ or ‘washed’ do not need to be rinsed.

• Separate — Avoid cross-contamination. Separate raw and cooked or ready-to-eat foods to prevent contamination during preparation, cooking and serving. Do not return cooked foods to the same platter used for raw foods, unless the platter has been washed in hot, soapy water. Make sure raw meat, seafood and poultry are wrapped securely to prevent juices from contaminating ready-to-eat food and beverages.

• Cook — Cooking foods to a high enough temperature for a long enough time will kill harmful bacteria and prevent food-borne illness, especially for raw meats, poultry and shellfish. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Allowing food temperatures to rise above 40 degrees Fahrenheit or fall below 135 degrees Fahrenheit can allow bacteria to grow rapidly. Color is never a reliable indicator of doneness, so use a food thermometer in the thickest part of the food when cooking meats and poultry to ensure they reach proper temperatures.
• Do not taste food that looks or smells questionable. A good rule to follow is ‘when in doubt, throw it out.’

• Chill — Store food, including leftovers, in an insulated cooler with plenty of ice or frozen gel packs, except for brief times when serving. Food should not sit out for more than one hour in extreme temperatures (greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit), and do not let perishable food sit out longer than two hours in non-extreme temperatures.

If you develop symptoms of food-borne illness, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or fever, contact your health care provider or local health department. Very young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems have an increased risk of developing serious illness, and should visit a health care provider immediately if they develop these symptoms

For more information on preventing food-borne illnesses, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooking for Groups website at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Cooking_for_Groups_index/index.asp. You may also contact the USDA at (800) 535-4555, or the N.C. Division of Environmental Health at (919) 733-2884.

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Comment Period Extended On Permit For Alamance County Incinerator

Tom Mather — May 28, 2010

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.

Stericycle Inc. has applied for a renewal of its Title V permit to operate pollution-control devices in the two dual-chamber medical waste incinerators at its facility at 1168 Porter Avenue, Haw River. Title V permits, which are issued for larger facilities, consolidate existing emissions requirements and strengthen monitoring and record-keeping requirements as needed to assure compliance. The facility burns hospital, medical and infectious waste.

The DAQ held a public hearing on May 25 at Alamance Community College in Graham about the Stericyle renewal. Written comments about the permit will be accepted if postmarked or emailed by June 30, 2010. Written comments should be mailed to Don van der Vaart, DAQ Permits Section, Re: Stericycle Permit, NC Division of Air Quality, 1641 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC, 27699-1641, or e-mailed to: Gautam.patnaik@ncdenr.gov

Under the permit, Stericycle must demonstrate that it can comply with state and federal rules for controlling particulate matter, carbon monoxide, dioxin, furans, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead, cadmium, mercury and toxic air pollutants. The plant will be using scrubbers as its primary air pollution control devices, and the permit would not increase the plant’s capacity. Other permit conditions require the facility operators to:
• Limit the incinerator feed rates to less than 1,952.6 pounds of waste per hour for Unit 1 and 2,091.9 pounds per hour for Unit 2;
• Conduct stack-testing of control devices at the facility periodically;
• Inspect the incinerator scrubbers annually; and
• Monitor the scrubbers continuously for pH (acidity) and pressure.

A copy of the draft permit may be reviewed at: the DAQ Regional Office, 585 Waughtown St., Winston-Salem, phone (336) 771-4600; and the DAQ Central Office, Permits Section, Parker Lincoln Building, 2728 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, phone (919) 715-6255. The permit also may be viewed at this page on the DAQ website:
http://www.ncair.org/cgi-bin/perm_draftrev.cgi.

For more information about air quality issues, visit the DAQ website at www.ncair.org.

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Grass Carp to be introduced into reservoir in Wilson County

Sarah M. Young — May 27, 2010

RALEIGH – State and local officials will place 3,340 grass carp into the Buckhorn Reservoir in Wilson County in an effort to remove an invasive aquatic weed that is harmful to fish and people.

The carp will be deposited into the reservoir at about 10 a.m. June 1 by officials with the N.C. Division of Water Resources and the city of Wilson. The carp will be released on the north side of the reservoir off Rock Ridge School Road.

Grass carp eat hydrilla, a weed that clogs water supply intakes, impedes recreational uses of the reservoir such as boating and swimming, and competes with native vegetation. Hydrilla is recognized by the state as an invasive aquatic plant. It is illegal to sell, transport or possess hydrilla without a permit. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulates the culture and distribution of this aquatic plant species.

The use of grass carp is the most economical tool in controlling hydrilla. Grass carp are herbivores and prefer hydrilla instead of many of the native aquatic plants. Aquaculture farms provide sterile grass carp intended for aquatic weed control. Only the sterile "triploid" grass carp can be legally introduced to waters in North Carolina. Grass carp live for an average of 10 years. Researchers will conduct annual vegetation surveys to determine supplemental stockings in future years.

“The negative impacts that the hydrilla plant can cause are both economic and environmental,” said Rob Emens, the manager of the N.C. Division of Water Resources Aquatic Weed Control Program. “It degrades the quality of habitat and impedes recreation.”

There are 334 acres of hydrilla that need to be controlled at the reservoir. This initial stocking will have about 10 fish to control each acre of hydrilla.

Buckhorn Reservoir is located off N.C. Highway 581 on State Road 1142 in Wilson. The reservoir consists of 850 acres of water and 350 acres of land. The reservoir offers a variety of outdoor activities for families including skiing, boating, fishing, personal water craft, picnicking and camping.

The state Division of Water Resources administers the state’s Aquatic Weed Control Program to help local governments and others in the removal of hydrilla and other invasive aquatic weeds. For more information, go to

http://www.ncwater.org/Education_and_Technical_Assistance/Aquatic_Weed_Control/.

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Blue Ridge Paper Products Water Quality Permit Renewal Issued

Susan Masssengale — May 26, 2010

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.

The permit, issued in concurrence with the Environmental Protection Agency, is under the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program – also called NPDES.

DWQ conducted a public hearing in Waynesville on Jan. 26 to gather public comments on a draft permit. A separate meeting was held in Newport, Tenn., on Jan. 25 to gather comments from communities down river of the discharge. The hearing record remained open for additional comments until Feb. 25.

Several modifications to the proposed draft permit were made as a result of the comments presented during the public meetings, as well as those submitted in writing. The modifications include:
• The annual color limit has been reduced from 39,000 pounds per day to 38,020 pounds per day and will be reduced to between 32,000 pounds per day and 36,000 pounds per day no later than four years after the permit’s effective date of July 1, 2010.
• A color reduction implementation plan must be submitted within one year of the permit issuance.
• A contingency plan for color control when the receiving stream has low flow must also be submitted within the first year of the permit.
• The allowable rise of in-stream water temperature as a result of the plant’s discharge has been tightened. The permitted increase in the monthly average between upstream and downstream monitoring stations was lowered from 13.9 degrees Celsius to 8.5 degrees Celsius.
• Thermal modeling of the stream is required as part of the facility’s biological indigenous population study and report.
• Absorbable Organic Halides, or AOX, levels were maintained at 2001 levels.
• A fish tissue test for dioxin must be conducted three times during the five-year permit term.
• Additional monitoring for turbidity (particles suspended in the water column) and hardness (presence of calcium and magnesium salts).

A variance to North Carolina’s water quality standard for color was approved for Blue Ridge Paper Products discharge to the Pigeon River by the N.C. Environmental Management Commission in 1988. Blue Ridge Paper Products has requested that the variance be removed. The EMC NPDES Committee is expected to consider that action at its July 14 meeting.

For more information, including a copy of the final NPDES Permit No. NC0000272, go to the N.C. Division of Water Quality website at: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/swp/ps/npdes/BRPP.

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Mayo River State Park to Hold Special Event for Community, Park Supporters

Charlie Peek — May 25, 2010

RALEIGH – People will have an opportunity to tour Mayo River State Park’s new facilities and meet the park staff during a “meet and greet” event at the park in Rockingham County on June 5, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

The event at the state park just north of Mayodan on U.S. 220 Business will begin at 11 a.m. with remarks from state parks officials and community leaders.

The park’s interim facilities opened to the public April 1 at a 398-acre site known locally as Old Mayo Park, and they include a restored, historic picnic shelter, picnic grounds, play fields, a restroom building and a ranger contact station. The N.C. General Assembly authorized the new state park in 2003. The park now encompasses 1,961 acres at several sites along the Mayo River corridor.

“Ever since the state parks system began contemplating a new state park along the Mayo River, the community and the local governments in Rockingham County have shown tremendous support and encouragement,” said Fred Watkins, the state park superintendent. “It’s important that we continue to develop the relationships we’ve forged.”

What is now considered the Mayo Mountain Access to the state park has been a beloved recreation site in Rockingham County since 1948 when Washington Mills developed it as a community recreation area with two small lakes and a bath house. The state parks system acquired the property in 2004 from Avalon Development Corp. The signature pavilion-style picnic shelter at the site was designed by renowned architect Antonin Raymond.

The $1.7 million project to develop interim facilities was supported by the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the principal funding source for state park land acquisition and capital projects.

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Weeklong observation used to urge swimmer safety in North Carolina

Laura Leonard — May 21, 2010

RALEIGH — North Carolina’s health officials are reminding swimmers to follow some safety tips to avoid getting sick this summer.

That message comes as officials with the state divisions of Environmental Health and Public Health gear up for national Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week, which is May 24-30.

“Awareness of recreational water illnesses and healthy swimming behaviors play an important role in stopping the transmission of these illnesses,” said Terry L. Pierce, director of the N.C. Division of Environmental Health. “People who swim in pools, rivers, lakes, sound waters and ocean waters need to take an active role in preventing illnesses caused by potential infectious agents in these recreational waters. Infectious agents from animals and those on or in swimmers’ bodies can end up in the water and make other people sick.”

Healthy swimmers can get sick from recreational water illnesses, or RWIs. However, the young, elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems or diabetes are especially at risk.

To avoid water-borne illnesses, follow these simple guidelines.

Do not swim or allow children to swim if you or they have diarrhea.
Do not swallow pool/river/ocean water or get it in your mouth.
Everyone should shower before swimming.
Wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
Children should wear tight-fitting swim diapers, and diapers should be checked before entering the water.
Take children on bathroom breaks.
Change children’s diapers often and in a bathroom, not at the poolside.

Following simple health guidelines can help protect swimmers from many infectious illnesses. Swimmers should seek prompt medical attention at the onset of illness.

“Summer and swimming go hand-in-hand in North Carolina,” Pierce said. “Healthy swimming behaviors will go a long way in preventing waterborne illnesses. Awareness, action and advocacy are important means to securing a safe swimming environment. Knowing how and taking action to prevent illnesses associated with recreational swimming will help ensure a safe, disease-free summer.”

Pierce also said people who visit pools should ask the operators about recent pool cleanings and inspections. This advice stems from recent changes in the state’s pool rules. Those rules, which took effect May 1, require new pool drain safety requirements to prevent bather entrapment and injury for all North Carolina public swimming pools.

North Carolina health officials and local health departments have investigated numerous cases of RWI caused by Cryptosporidium, a chlorine-resistant parasite primarily associated with treated recreational water venues such as pools and water parks. It can also be found in natural bodies of water, soil, food or on surfaces that have been contaminated with infected human or animal feces.

In North Carolina, 59 cases of cryptosporidiosis were reported in 2009. Although cryptosporidiosis usually causes only mild gastroenteritis in healthy persons, it may cause serious illness in those with compromised immune systems. This parasite is able to survive and remain infectious for a long time, even in chlorinated pools.

People who swim in recreational water can also get sick from marine vibrios, which are naturally-occurring bacteria found in warm ocean and coastal waters such as bays, estuaries and rivers near the ocean. Last year, nine cases were reported in North Carolina.

People may become infected by Vibrio vulnificus and other marine vibriosthrough injuries such as a puncture or laceration from finfish or shellfish or exposure of open wounds to coastal waters. Symptoms of infected wounds include pain, swelling and redness that can quickly spread or blister. Although the risk of infection is low, persons who develop an infection should consult a doctor without delay for early diagnosis and treatment. People who have liver disease, diabetes or who are immuno-compromised are particularly at risk for infection and death from this disease.

Water contamination by sewage or stormwater runoff also can cause problems. People also have an increased risk of becoming sick from swimming in natural waters in coastal and inland areas, especially in areas downstream from sewage treatment facilities and in all areas after storm events. Storm events are associated with increased runoff from cities as well as forests, farms and pasture lands, which can be sources of Cryptosporidium, fecal bacteria and viruses known to cause human illness.

For more information about Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week and healthy swimming, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at: www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming. For North Carolina specific information, visit www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/pti_healthyswimming.htm, or contact the Division of Environmental Health at (919) 733-2884.

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Website Shows Link Between Recycling and Climate Change

Kelley Dennings — May 20, 2010

RALEIGH – According to Ecoville’s environmental benefits calculator, in 2009 North Carolina citizens saved 8,662,637 million BTUs of energy statewide, or the equivalent energy content of approximately 1.5 million barrels of oil.

Ecoville’s (http://nc.myecoville.com/) environmental benefits calculator is based on EPA’s WAste Reduction Model and illustrates that recycling saves energy thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. WARM allows solid waste planners and organizations to track and report greenhouse gas emission reductions from different waste management practices.

Harmful gases such as carbon dioxide are emitted from the burning of fossil fuels. As a result of North Carolina’s recycling 613,504 tons of material last year, the state’s residents have prevented 848,670 metric tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.

Saving energy lessens our impacts on climate change, a growing concern for the environment. In most cases, less energy is used to produce new products from recycled materials. For example, recycled aluminum production uses 95 percent less energy to manufacture products than using bauxite ore. Additionally, steel made from recycled scraps uses 75 percent less energy than extracting iron ore to make steel.

“The ability to use recycled material decreases our reliance on raw materials to make products,” said Kelley Dennings, education and outreach project manager for the N. C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance. “Therefore, less fossil fuels are burned in order to provide the energy to manufacture products made from virgin materials.”

DPPEA partnered with the Carolina Recycling Association, Curbside Value Partnership, Coca-Cola and Ecoville to create a website specific to North Carolina on Ecoville’s site at http://nc.myecoville.com/. Parts of WARM are embedded into the site so recycling staff and citizens can view how much energy is being saved, and how much the municipality’s greenhouse gas reductions total due to its recycling efforts.

Using 2009 annual report recycling data, DPPEA ranked North Carolina counties in relation to how much energy each has saved by recycling. The rankings, from the Ecoville site, take into account only common household recyclables, and do not include items such as construction and demolition debris, yard waste, household hazardous waste or electronic material. Therefore, the counties who rank the highest for recycling may not correlate to the highest Ecoville environmental calculator ranking.

A list detailing the energy saved in BTUs for each county is shown here - http://www.p2pays.org/climatechange/docs/NC_EPA_WARMranking.pdf. For more information on county and state recycling data and greenhouse gas reduction statistics, visit http://nc.myecoville.com.

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Public Meeting Will Consider Chimney Rock State Park Master Plan

Charlie Peek — May 14, 2010

RALEIGH – As part of the process to create a master plan for Chimney Rock State Park in the Hickory Nut Gorge, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation will conduct a public planning session May 26 at the Lake Lure Town Hall.

People are invited to visit the drop-in session anytime from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Proposed design alternatives for the state park will be presented, and the public will be able to ask questions and offer comments to officials of the state parks system and Greenways Inc., a Durham-based environmental planning and landscape architecture firm responsible for completing the plan.

“Creating a world class state park at Chimney Rock has been and continues to be a partnership effort between the state parks system and the community,” said Lewis Ledford, director of the state Division of Parks and Recreation. “Chimney Rock State Park has benefited from strong support in the community, and it’s important that citizens continue to be involved in the process.”

A state park’s master plan is essentially a blueprint for long-term development of facilities and recreation opportunities and a guide for protection of natural resources. It is meant to be an organic document, evolving as the park grows and as knowledge is gained about a park’s natural resources and public use.

The N.C. General Assembly authorized Chimney Rock State Park in 2005, and more than 4,300 acres in Rutherford, Polk, Henderson and Buncombe counties has been acquired in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina and others. In 2007, the former Chimney Rock tourist destination was added to the park and offers the principal current public access.

The drop-in planning session will involve a workstation format allowing people to attend at any time during the day and spend as much time as necessary to review and discuss design alternatives. Proposed designs also will be available beginning May 26 at www.greenways.com/chimneyrock. Written comments may be submitted through June 23 by using an online comment sheet or by mail to: General Management Plan Coordinator, N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation, 1615 MSC, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1615.

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Lake at William B. Umstead State Park Closed to Boating and Fishing

Charlie Peek — May 14, 2010

RALEIGH – Big Lake at William B. Umstead State Park has been closed to boating and fishing due to the presence of a potentially dangerous blue-green algae, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

The state park is advising visitors not to have contact or allow pets to have contact with the water in the 25-acre lake accessible from the park’s U.S. 70 (Glenwood Avenue) entrance. Swimming is not allowed in the lake at any time. Signs have been posted at the property, advising visitors that the water contains a type of blue-green algae capable of producing toxins that can be dangerous to humans and pets.

Visitors are warned not to ingest the water, not to allow pets to swim or drink the water and not to allow children to play along the shoreline. Rangers will regularly patrol the area to inform visitors of the warning.

The presence of the algae, which can emit a strong odor, was confirmed during routine monitoring by the N.C. Division of Water Quality. Biologists with the state parks system are working with the state Division of Water Quality and the N.C. Division of Public Health to further monitor the lake and try to determine the cause of the algae’s presence.

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N.C. Coastal Resources Commission to meet May 19 in Beaufort

Michele Walker — May 19, 2010

RALEIGH – The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission will meet at 10 a.m. May 19 at the NOAA/NCNERR Administration Building, 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort.

The commission will discuss issues related to offshore energy, including an update on the status of leasing activities for offshore energy development on the Atlantic seaboard, and recommendations from the Legislative Advisory Subcommittee on offshore energy exploration.

The following items are also on the CRC’s agenda:

Inlet Hazard Areas Study Update – Coastal management staff and the chair of the CRC’s Science Panel will present recommended revisions to the Inlet Hazard Area boundaries for the state’s 12 developed inlets.
2010 Draft Coastal Habitat Plan Recommendations, or CHPP - CHPP coordinator Jimmy Johnson will present updates and revisions to the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan, as recommended by the CHPP steering committee.
Contested Case Hearing – The commission will hear arguments in a contested case regarding the denial of a Coastal Area Management Act, or CAMA, Major Permit for a pier and platform on a property in Morehead City.
Variance Requests - The commission will hear two requests for variances from their coastal development rules.
Public Input and Comment – Members of the public may comment on coastal issues not already on the commission’s agenda for this meeting.

A full meeting agenda and meeting materials are posted on the N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s website at www.nccoastalmanagement.net.

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State Leaders and Educators Launch Environmental Literacy Plan for N.C. Students

Sarah Yelton — May 11, 2010

RALEIGH – State leaders and educators will launch North Carolina’s new environmental literacy plan on Wednesday at a Raleigh school that has become a model for outdoor learning.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson and Dee Freeman, secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, will help kickoff the plan during the 9:15 a.m. ceremony at Wiley International Studies Magnet Elementary School, 301 Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh.

The environmental literacy plan aims to ensure that graduates of North Carolina’s public schools are prepared for future environmental challenges. The plan is a partnership between the state departments of Environment and Natural Resources and Public Instruction.

“This plan will provide students with the essential critical-thinking and problem-solving skills they will need to meet real-world challenges and contribute to healthy, sustainable and prosperous communities,” Atkinson said. “Environmental literacy is an important part of a well-rounded education. It is also increasingly important as businesses recognize that an environmentally literate workforce is essential for long-term success and sustainability.”

The plan would prepare North Carolina to take advantage of federal funding through proposed No Child Left Inside, or NCLI, legislation. The NCLI Act is one of four key pieces of legislation being considered as part of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, or ESEA. The ESEA authorizes federally funded education programs administered by the states. It is being reviewed for reauthorization this year.

Freeman said an environmental literacy plan is important for the state’s future.

“To be globally competitive in the 21st Century and to have a sustainable and healthy future, North Carolina needs environmentally literate individuals and communities who can make informed decisions about the complex environmental issues affecting our economy, public health and natural resources,” Freeman said.

Wiley, the Raleigh school hosting the event, was an ideal location because of its outdoor learning area that includes a natural learning garden and a Piedmont Savannah restoration area. Recently, volunteers completed a community service project that added a learning platform to the school’s outdoor classroom area. The platform will provide a place for students to study outside. During Wednesday’s ceremony, state officials and members of the PTA as well as educators at Wiley will unveil the new platform and add plants to the school’s outdoor garden.

Wiley serves as a model for other schools that would like to have outdoor learning areas. Wiley Principal Erin Kershner,teachers and PTA members are committed to using the outdoors to teach students. You can learn more about Wiley’s outdoor learning areas online at http://bit.ly/WileyEEschool. The state’s environmental literacy plan is an important component of North Carolina’s master plan for environmental education, which can be found at www.eenorthcarolina.org/whatisoffice/eeplan/eeplanmain.htm.

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Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice

Tom Mather — May 6, 2010

RALEIGH – 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. Forecasters have predicted Code Orange conditions, which means that air quality in these areas is likely to be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The air pollution forecast for Friday predicts that ozone levels will exceed the federal standard of 0.075 parts per million (ppm) averaged over eight hours. High ozone levels can impair breathing and aggravate symptoms in people with respiratory problems and irritate the lungs in healthy individuals. People with chronic lung ailments, the elderly and children should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity in the afternoon, when ozone levels are highest.

· Limit driving by riding the bus, walking, bicycling or postponing trips.

· If you drive, avoid idling for long periods of time, stay within speed limits, combine errands to reduce the number of small trips, and use vehicles with higher fuel economies.

· Conserve electricity by setting thermostats at the highest comfortable temperature and turning off appliances that are not in use.

The DAQ estimates that more than half of North Carolina’s residents live in counties where ozone levels exceed the standard during warmer months. In 1999, the N.C. General Assembly passed legislation aimed at reducing ozone-forming emissions from cars and trucks, including an expansion of the motor vehicle emissions inspection program from nine to 48 counties. In 2002, the General Assembly enacted legislation that will require the state's coal-fired power plants to reduce their ozone- and haze-forming emissions by three-fourths during the next decade.

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Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice

Tom Mather — May 5, 2010

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.

The air pollution forecast for Thursday predicts that ozone levels will exceed the federal standard of 0.075 parts per million (ppm) averaged over 8 hours. High ozone levels can impair breathing and aggravate symptoms in people with respiratory problems, and irritate the lungs in healthy individuals. People with chronic lung ailments, the elderly and children should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity in the afternoon, when ozone levels are highest.

The DAQ estimates that more than half of North Carolina’s citizens live in counties where ozone levels exceed the standard during warmer months. In 1999, the N.C. General Assembly passed legislation aimed at reducing ozone-forming emissions from cars and trucks, including an expansion of the motor vehicle emissions inspection program from nine to 48 counties. In 2002, the General Assembly enacted legislation that will require the state's coal-fired power plants to reduce their ozone- and haze-forming emissions by three-fourths over the next decade.

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North Carolina Student Wins State Award for National Fight the Bite Poser Contest

Laura J. Leonard — May 4, 2010

RALEIGH – Angel Sanchez, 12, a sixth grader at East Union Middle School in Marshville, was named state winner of the sixth-grade category for the national ‘Fight the Bite’ poster contest today at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. (Photographs available at http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/pressimages.htm.)

Sanchez received a cash prize. His poster is on display at www.fightthebitecontest.org and will be shared with public health educators and teachers nationwide for inclusion in educational materials.

“The best way to combat ticks and mosquitoes is through education and awareness,” said Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton. “The knowledge and skill that Mr. Sanchez has shown is remarkable. The purpose of this contest was to encourage students to think creatively about ways to educate their peers about ticks, mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. One student can have a lasting impact, so it is important to cultivate a desire to learn as displayed in the Fight the Bite Poster Contest.”

Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the DEET Education Program, the annual contest (www.fightthebitecontest.org) invites fifth- and sixth-grade students to create posters that encourage children and adults to help protect against mosquito and tick bites and the diseases they can cause.

Pests such as ticks and mosquitoes are more than annoying nuisances. They can carry and transmit diseases that make people seriously ill. According to the N.C. Division of Public Health, more than 260 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever were reported in North Carolina in 2009. The state also has other tick-borne illnesses. Last year, North Carolina reported more than 100 cases of Lyme disease and more than 60 cases of ehrlichiosis.

La Crosse encephalitis is the most common mosquito-borne illness. La Crosse encephalitis is found mostly in western North Carolina. Two other mosquito-borne diseases, Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile fever, are also found in North Carolina. While Eastern equine encephalitis is found largely in the eastern part of the state, West Nile fever is found statewide.

Insect repellent is useful to deflect mosquitoes and ticks. The CDC recommends Environmental Protection Agency-registered repellents against mosquitoes – DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Insecticides containing permethrin provide excellent protection against ticks but may only be used on clothing. Permethrin-containing products should never be used on bare skin. Repellants are intended for skin application. Consumers should look for products that contain the CDC-recommended ingredients, and should read and follow all label instructions.

Exposure to both mosquitoes and ticks also can be limited by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. People should also check themselves and their families for ticks when they are in tick-prone areas.

For additional information on mosquitoes and ticks, visit the following websites: www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/phpm, www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/arbovirus and www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/tick. For more information on repellents and strategies to minimize mosquito and tick bites, visit http://cdc.gov/westnile/deetonline.org, or www.fightthebitecontest.org.

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North Carolina Student Wins State Award for National Fight the Bite Poster Contest

Laura J. Leonard — May 4, 2010

RALEIGH – Vladimir Zalakov, 12, a fifth grader from CC Bell Elementary School in Asheville, was named state winner of the fifth-grade category for the national ‘Fight the Bite’ poster contest today at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. (Photographs available at http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/pressimages.htm.)

Zalakov received a cash prize. His poster is on display at www.fightthebitecontest.org and will be shared with public health educators and teachers nationwide for inclusion in educational materials.

“The best way to combat ticks and mosquitoes is through education and awareness,” said Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton. “The knowledge and skill that Mr. Zalakov has shown is remarkable. The purpose of this contest was to encourage students to think creatively about ways to educate their peers about ticks, mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. One student can have a lasting impact, so it is important to cultivate a desire to learn as displayed in the Fight the Bite Poster Contest.”

Exposure to mosquitoes and ticks also can be limited by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. People should also check themselves and their families for ticks when they are in tick-prone areas.

For additional information on mosquitoes and ticks, visit the following websites: www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/phpm, www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/arbovirus and www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/tick. For information on repellents and strategies to minimize mosquito and tick bites, visit http://cdc.gov/westnile/deetonline.org, or www.fightthebitecontest.org.

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Notice of Proposed Changes to the North Carolina Coastal Management Program

Michele Walker — May 3, 2010

RALEIGH – As required by law, the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission is notifying federal officials of proposed regulatory changes to the state’s Coastal Management Program.

The commission’s notification went to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Such notification is required by federal Coastal Zone Management Act regulations.

The Coastal Zone Management Act requires state Coastal Zone Management Programs to formally incorporate changes made to the laws, rules and policies that are used for federal consistency. These changes have already been made to each regulation, and the purpose of this action is to incorporate these changes into the N.C. Coastal Management Program.

These changes are considered to be routine program changes, and do not significantly affect the uses subject to management, special management areas, boundaries, authorities and organization or coordination, public involvement and national interest components of the North Carolina Coastal Resources Management Program. The policies will be incorporated into the state program upon approval of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The CRC has updated the following rules and considers this action a routine change to the state's approved coastal management program. The CRC is requesting concurrence with this finding from the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, or OCRM. OCRM will review the following changes to ensure they do not constitute an amendment as described in 15 CRF .

1. 15A NCAC 7H.0306 General Use Standards for Ocean Hazard Areas
Ties oceanfront setbacks to the size of the structure, not use. The revisions include graduated setback factors for buildings greater than 5,000 square feet and preclude oceanward cantilevering.

2. 15A NCAC 7J.1200 Static Vegetation Line Exception Procedures

Creates procedures for local jurisdictions to apply to the CRC for static line exceptions in conjunction with long-term beach fill projects.

The public comment period for this change is May 1-21. Comments on these proposed changes should be submitted in writing directly to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by May 21, 2010by e-mail to Sarah.vanderSchalie@noaa.gov or at the following address: Ms. Sarah van der Schalie, Coastal Programs Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, N/ORM 10th floor SSMC4, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 20910.

Complete copies of the rules may be obtained from the Division of Coastal Management website at http://www.nccoastalmanagement.net/Rules/RPC_7H0306_7J%201200.pdf, by contacting Mike Lopazanski, who works with the N.C. Division of Coastal Management, at 400 Commerce Ave., Morehead City, or (252)808-2808.

NORTH CAROLINA HEALTH OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO FIGHT THE BITE!

Laura J. Leonard — April 30, 2010

Raleigh – On the eve of Tick and Mosquito Awareness Month,state health officials are reminding people to be careful because warmer, wetter weather brings out more of the disease-carrying pests.

All North Carolinians are urged to take simple steps to prevent insects from biting them and to reduce insect breeding conditions around the home.

“Spring rains and warmer weather provide ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes and ticks,” said State Health Director Jeff Engel. “Ticks and mosquitoes can be more than just a nuisance – they can also make people seriously ill. Now is the time to fight the bite!”

Nolan Newton, chief of the Public Health Pest Management Section of the Division of Environmental Health, said that people can take steps to prevent illness.

“You can make your backyard a lot less tick-friendly,” Newton said. “Keep grass short and remove plants that attract wild animals like deer and rodents, which carry ticks.”

Newton said discarding containers that hold water will remove mosquito breeding grounds.

“Take a good look at your environment now, before the mosquitoes really start biting,” he added. “Things like bird baths, old tires, planters and even small containers like tin cans can give mosquitoes a place to thrive.”

Newton added that people should remember to make sure they tightly secure screens on all openings on rain barrels used for water conservation. Placing a window screen on a rain barrel will remove a breeding area for mosquitoes but still allow people to conserve water.

Engel and Newton said insect repellent also can be useful, particularly against mosquitoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend several repellents against mosquitoes – DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. According to the CDC, oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3. Repellents containing permethrin provide excellent protection against ticks but may only be used on clothing. Consumers should look for products that contain the CDC-recommended ingredients, and follow instructions.

Also, exposure to mosquitoes and ticks can be limited by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. People should also check themselves and their families for ticks when they are in tick-prone areas.

Proper and prompt removal of ticks is the key to preventing infection. Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove ticks, getting as far forward near the head as possible and pulling steadily. Note the day you removed the tick on a calendar. If you become ill in the next two weeks or develop a skin rash within a month of the tick bite, tell your physician the date you removed the tick.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the most common tick-borne illness in North Carolina. According to the N.C. Division of Public Health, more than 260 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever were reported in North Carolina in 2009. The state also has other tick-borne illnesses. Last year, North Carolina reported more than 100 cases of Lyme disease and more than 60 cases of ehrlichiosis. Tick-borne diseases occur statewide.

La Crosse virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness. La Crosse virus is found mostly in western North Carolina. Two other mosquito-borne diseases, Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus, are also found in North Carolina. While Eastern equine encephalitis is found largely in the eastern part of the state, West Nile virus is found statewide.

For additional information on mosquitoes and ticks, visit the following websites: www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/phpm, www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/arbovirus and www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/tick.

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Appalachian State University Recognizes Dee Freeman During Honors Day

Diana Kees — April 29, 2010

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.

Freeman was selected for this award in recognition of his 37 years of public service as a local, regional and state official. He was acknowledged for his accomplishments as a city manager; as a metropolitan regional leader while executive director of the Triangle J Council of Governments; and for his current leadership role in Gov. Bev Perdue’s cabinet as secretary at N.C. DENR.

"The selection committee made up of faculty from the College recognized Secretary's Freeman's outstanding public service record and leadership,” said Neva J. Specht, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and chair of the Outstanding Alumni Committee. “We are proud to have such accomplished alumni serving North Carolina."

After accepting his award from Dean Anthony Calamai, Freeman commended the university for its sustainability initiatives and environmental education offerings, and challenged the students present in the audience to take advantage of their education. “As a product of North Carolina’s public school system, from primary school through graduate school, I feel that North Carolina’s public education system truly offers all North Carolinians their ‘great opportunity,’” said Freeman.

Freeman, who earned his master’s in public administration from ASU in 1979, joined Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines and Susan Jackson of Duke Energy as the three 2010 Outstanding Alumni award recipients.

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May 2-8 is National Drinking Water Week

Laura J. Leonard — April 29, 2010

RALEIGH –North Carolina environmental health officials and other states are recognizing the importance of clean drinking water as part of National Drinking Water Week, May 2-8.

“More than 7.5 million North Carolinians are served daily by more than 2,125 community public drinking water systems,” said Terry Pierce, director of the state Division of Environmental Health. “All in all, there are approximately 6,400 public water systems, including schools, churches and even rest stops, that serve the people who reside in and visit this state. From protecting water supplies that feed public drinking water systems to ensuring that what comes from the tap has been treated for disease-causing organisms, the process of ensuring clean, safe drinking water for all residents is critical to day-to-day living.”

National Drinking Water Week recognizes the importance of water source protection and conservation, as well as the value, importance and fragility of each state’s water resources.

The state Division of Environmental Health’s Public Water Supply Section works with drinking water systems, from roadside rest areas to metropolitan areas, to ensure that the water delivered to consumers meets all federal and state standards.

“These efforts are vital to sustaining North Carolina’s environmental and economic future, as well as the health of its citizens,” Pierce added.

The tasks facing state drinking water programs and public water systems continue to be extremely challenging, especially in an era of scarce resources. The drinking water infrastructure of many cities is aging and presents daunting resource demands. New and emerging drinking water contaminants associated with industrial purposes are steadily impacting drinking water.

For these reasons, North Carolina committed $64 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for 73 projects that will help provide safe drinking water in some communities andstrengthen water supplies in others.

Local municipalities may also be celebrating this observance. To learn more, contact your local drinking water provider.

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Abnormally dry conditions return to part of North Carolina

Jamie Kritzer — April 29, 2010

RALEIGH – A lack of rainfall has brought back abnormally dry conditions to parts of central and southeastern North Carolina – the first time since Dec. 1 that any part of the Tar Heel State has experienced dry conditions.

Thursday’s federal drought map shows that 26 counties in the Sandhills, the Wilmington area and parts of the Triangle and Triad are abnormally dry, due to rainfall deficits that have contributed to below average streamflows and groundwater levels in the region. Normal conditions prevail in the rest of the state, according to the map at the state’s drought website, www.ncdrought.org.

Abnormally dry is not a drought category. Rather, it indicates that if rainfall deficits continue an area could return to drought.

Drought and dry conditions are based on the impacts a lack of rainfall is having on streams, groundwater, lakes, reservoirs, wildfire activity and crops.

The state’s Drought Management Advisory Council, a group of scientists, water resources experts, foresters and others, meet once a week, as needed, to assess current conditions and recommend drought or dry conditions for North Carolina. The council sends its recommendation to officials with the National Drought Monitor, who make the final determination about which areas are experiencing drought, dry or normal conditions. The monitor’s official drought map for the United States is released Thursday morning.

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North Carolina State Parks to Implement New Fee Schedule May 1

Charlie Peek — April 29, 2010

RALEIGH – Starting May 1, North Carolina state parks will implement a new fee schedule authorized by the General Assembly in its 2009 session, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

This will be the first such increase in fees in North Carolina since 2003. The change affects visitor services such as camping, cabin and boat rentals, admission to some swimming areas and picnic shelter rentals at all state parks and state recreation areas.

The rate of the increase will vary depending on the service. For example, the fee for a standard campsite without utilities will increase from $15 to $17 per night; admission to swim areas will increase from $4 to $5 per day; and rental for a medium-sized picnic shelter will change from $60 to $70 per day.

Fees in North Carolina state parks help offset the cost of providing visitor services. There are no admission fees to 34 of the state parks, but a parking fee is charged at Jordan Lake, Falls Lake and Kerr Lake state recreation areas as a condition of the state’s leases with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. That fee will be $6 per vehicle. There are no admission fees for the parks’ interpretive programs or exhibit halls.

Traditionally, North Carolina state parks have implemented gradual and periodic fee adjustments that keep in step with the Consumer Price Index and are in the mid-range of similar state parks systems in the Southeast United States.

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State officials training in airborne firefighting system

Brian Haines — April 27, 2010

RALEIGH – North Carolina forestry officials have joined other state, federal and local firefighters for training this week on how to respond to multiple wildfires using one of the world’s largest firefighting aircraft.

Nearly 400 staff with firefighting agencies, including the N.C. Division of Forest Resources, are at the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center in Greenville this week for the annual Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or MAFFS, training. The training started Monday and ends Saturday.

Crews will train by practicing what it would be like to use a MAFFS unit, which is equipment that is placed aboard a military Lockheed C-130 aircraft and is capable of dropping up to 3,000 gallons of retardant or water on wildfires. To illustrate the point for reporters and others, crews will drop water twice during a media event Thursday at the Greenville aviation center. During the training, they will also make drops on six targets in national forests in North and South Carolina as well as Georgia.

Many states have aircraft for battling wildfires. However, using the MAFFS units enhances firefighters’ abilities, especially when resources are limited due to an increase in fires. Trained military units with the MAFFS equipment are activated to supplement the civilian or government aircraft programs during periods of high wildfire activity. North Carolina is one of three states that can activate a MAFFS unit for its fires. Neighboring states can request the MAFFS units through the federal dispatch system.

MAFFS support specialists and aviators from the N.C. Division of Forest Resources, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and CAL FIRE will be leading the weeklong event that includes classroom, flight training and recertification for military flight crews, civilian lead plane pilots and support personnel.

Military personnel involved in the training include air and ground personnel from the 153^rd Airlift Wing of the Wyoming Air National Guard, the 145^th Air Wing of the North Carolina Air National Guard based in Charlotte, the 146^th Air Wing of the California Air National Guard and the 302^nd Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserves from Colorado Springs.

Congress established the MAFFS program in the early 1970s to support wildfire fighting through an agreement with the U.S. Forest service. The military aircraft are requested by the National Interagency Fire Center and activated through the U.S. Northern Command, based on an agreement with the Department of Defense.

A media event has been scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday. Reporters and photographers will receive a safety briefing and information about MAFFS. This will be followed by two test drops and an opportunity for the media to get a close up view of the C-130 aircraft that houses the MAFFS unit.

Please contact Lt. Col. Rose Dunlap at (980) 721-4032 or Lynn Ballard at (208) 313-7737 for access requirements. To learn more about the N.C. Division of Forest Resources’ involvement, call Diane Steltz, acting public information officer at the training, at (864) 299-5619 or (864) 299-5784.

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State officials training in airborne firefighting system

Brian Haines — April 27, 2010

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HAMMOCKS BEACH STATE PARK TO ESTABLISH A TRASH-FREE ZONE ON BEAR ISLAND

Charlie Peek — April 26, 2010

RALEIGH – To further protect ecologically sensitive Bear Island, Hammocks Beach State Park plans to designate the island as a “trash-free” zone starting May 7, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Trash receptacles will be removed from the 892-acre barrier island and visitors will be asked to carry refuse back to collection points near the park’s visitor center on the mainland. The program will begin as the park resumes regular seasonal ferry service to Bear Island. The ferry service has been delayed for about a week during a beach access re-paving project.

“Bear Island is one of the few remaining pristine barrier islands in North Carolina, and we all share a responsibility to protect this rare gem,” Park Superintendent Paul Donnelly said. “The ‘trash-free’ program will help us all be more aware of our effect on the island environment and help instill a ‘leave-no-trace’ ethic.”

Visitation at Hammocks Beach State Park in Onslow County has more than doubled in the past 14 years to more than 100,000 people annually. Most of the visitors take the brief ferry ride to the three-mile-long island with its unspoiled beach, bathhouse, expansive dune fields and backpack camping sites.

As part of the “trash-free” program, free bio-degradable collection bags will be available for visitors at several points on the island. Rangers and ferry operators will explain the program and informational signs will be posted. Park staff at the bathhouse and concession area also will take steps to reduce the amount of trash generated.

The park expects to gradually reduce the cost of commercial trash collection by as much as 50 percent. The program should enable park staff time to carry out other duties. A similar program was successfully launched on a portion of beach at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in 2007.

Park visitors can help in the effort by planning to reduce the amount of disposable items they carry and, if possible, by bringing re-usable containers and bags to carry out trash and recyclable items.

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Public Hearing Set on Permit for Incinerator in Alamance County

Tom Mather — April 23, 2010

RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Air Quality has scheduled a public hearing for May 25 on the renewal of an air quality permit for an incineration facility in Alamance County.

The public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. May 25 at Alamance Community College, 1247 Jimmie Kerr Road, Graham. People can register to speak at the hearing or submit written comments. Participants will be allowed to speak up to three minutes, but the hearing officer will have the discretion to reduce speaking times if necessary to accommodate the number of speakers.

Written comments will be accepted at the hearing or if postmarked or e-mailed by June 1. Written comments should be mailed to Don van der Vaart, DAQ Permits Section, Re: Stericycle Permit, N.C. Division of Air Quality, 1641 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1641, or e-mailed to: Gautam.patniak@ncdenr.gov.

· Limit the incinerator feed rates to less than 1,952.6 pounds of waste per hour for Unit 1 and 2,091.9 pounds per hour for Unit 2.

· Conduct stack-testing of control devices at the facility periodically.

· Inspect the incinerator scrubbers annually.

· Monitor the scrubbers continuously for pH (acidity) and pressure.

By law, the state Division of Air Quality must review permits for compliance with air quality regulations. The division has no authority over zoning, land use or where a company decides to locate a facility. Local governments are responsible for regulating land use.

A copy of the draft permit may be reviewed at: the DAQ Regional Office, 585 Waughtown St., Winston-Salem. The phone number at the office is (336) 771-4600. The draft permit may also be reviewed at the DAQ Central Office, Permits Section, 2728 Capital Blvd., Raleigh. The phone number at the central office is (919) 715-6255. The permit also may be viewed at this page on the DAQ website, http://www.ncair.org/cgi-bin/perm_draftrev.cgi

For more information about air quality issues, visit the DAQ website at www.ncair.org

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State Renews Operating Permit For Wallace Farm Inc.

Cathy Akroyd — April 23, 2010

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.

The permit is effective for five years. Wallace Farm’s facility is at 14410 Eastfield Road, Huntersville in northern Mecklenburg County. The permit aims to minimize odors at the property boundary by imposing conditions beyond existing rules for best management practices.

The application, operating plan and site meet all requirements of the state’s solid waste compost rules and regulations. The draft permit was modified in response to comments received at a public hearing and during a public comment period.

Specific steps imposed by the permit strengthen requirements and minimize odors, including:

• Limiting incoming feedstock tonnages.

• Implementing additional monitoring requirements to include on-site documentation of oxygen levels within windrows. Aerobic conditions, or those where oxygen is present, are an essential part of minimizing odors during the composting process.

• Requiring two operators on-site while turning windrows that have been in existence for less than six weeks to ensure that each windrow is covered with a 3-inch-to-6-inch layer of finished compost or carbonaceous material such as wood chips and finished compost within 90 minutes of turning. The covering acts as a bio-filter, which minimizes the odors. The covering requirement is also implemented for each newly created windrow.

• Requiring notification to Mecklenburg County and the N.C. Division of Waste Management one hour prior to turning windrows.

• Eliminating odorous feedstocks based on the N.C. Division of Waste Management’s field observations of objectionable odors.

• Forming an advisory panel.

“When the division grants a permit, the review process involved ensures that all requirements of law and regulation are satisfied,” said Paul Crissman, Solid Waste section chief in the N.C. Division of Waste Management. “The division listened to public comments and accordingly imposed additional requirements, such as defining and strengthening the role of the community advisory panel.”

The permit may be viewed on the division’s website at http://wastenotnc.org or http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wm/sw.

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$400,000 in Grants Awarded by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program

Lori Brinn — April 21, 2010

RALEIGH – A program funded by the Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $404,318 for research and restoration projects that will benefit the environment in parts of North Carolina and Virginia.

Grants were awarded to three public universities and three non-profit agencies in March by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program’s policy board. All of the projects are in the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds watershed, a 52-county region in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. The projects will identify, restore and protect natural resources in the Tar-Pamlico, Roanoke, Neuse, Chowan, White Oak and Pasquotank river basins.

The following grant recipients were selected to receive funding for projects to be completed in 2010:

Research Projects

· East Carolina University was awarded $58,440 for a research project entitled “Rates and Processes of Vital Wetland Habitat Loss in the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine System.” The project aims to determine rates of wetland loss by shoreline erosion across the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine System over varying timescales. It will also evaluate the key processes driving this shoreline change using a combination of field and remote-sensing observations.

· Appalachian State University’s Biology Department was awarded $64,009 for a research project entitled “Assessment of Small Dam Impacts on Freshwater Mussels & Fishes in the Tar, Roanoke, Neuse and Chowan River Drainages, N.C. and Va.” The objectives are to quantify the effects of small dams on mollusk and fish assemblages and stream habitats in the Albemarle-Pamlico basin, provide a baseline estimate of mollusk and fish populations near small dams, and provide resource managers with an empirical ranking system for evaluating and prioritizing dams for removal in the Albemarle-Pamlico basin.

· The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Office of Sponsored Research was awarded $67,364 for a research project entitled “Evaluating Restoration Success for Newly Constructed Oyster Reefs Spanning a Critical Intertidal Elevation.” This project involves constructing oyster shell reefs at different intertidal elevations and monitoring reef size and community structure over time. These sites will serve as long-term experimental stations. The data gathered will be used to support more effective restoration models and practices for oyster reefs in intertidal settings and better define their range of ecosystem services and habitat value.

Restoration Projects

· The Albemarle Resource Conservation and Development Council was awarded $49,000 for a restoration project entitled “Manteo High School Constructed Wetland and Outdoor Environmental Education Classroom.” The project will involve constructing and planting a wetland between Manteo High School and Dough’s Creek. It also will involve constructing a boardwalk over the wetland to provide access for observation and water quality sampling, and developing an environmental education curriculum for high school students that includes using the wetland as an outdoor classroom. This project will be constructed adjacent to another APNEP project at Manteo Middle School that uses several retention areas and a rain garden to reduce stormwater runoff into the creek.

· The North Carolina Coastal Federation was awarded $99,967 for a restoration project entitled “Hydrologic Restoration for Habitat and Estuarine Water Quality Improvement in Hyde County, N.C.” This funding will contribute to a large landscape-scale restoration project to restore the hydrology on more than 42,000 acres of drained farmland. The drainage district land is adjacent to the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, Gull Rock Game Lands, the Long Shoal and Alligator Rivers, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Pamlico Sound. APNEP funds will be used to construct diking, plant vegetation and install water control structures. This project will improve water quality in estuarine areas targeted for restoration and create vital habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl on the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula.

· The Nature Conservancy’s North Carolina Chapter was awarded $65,538 for a restoration project entitled “Building Ecosystem Resilience to Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise through Restoration of an Estuarine Habitat Complex.” The objective is to restore the ecosystem function of the abandoned Point Peter waterfowl impoundment at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and adjacent estuarine sub-tidal zone through invasive species removal, re-establishment of wetland hydrology and construction of a fringing oyster reef. This project is an essential component of the Point Peter demonstration project where the conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have partnered to implement a comprehensive set of climate change adaptation strategies. The strategies will test the project’s effectiveness at reducing the impacts of sea level rise on the ecosystems of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

The committee makes grant awards pending the availability of funds from the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program. For more information, visit http://www.apnep.org or contact Lori Brinn, a community specialist with the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program, at lori.brinn@ncdenr.gov or (919) 715-4196. For current news, follow APNEP on Facebook.

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Media Advisory: Journalists invited to cover state level environmental science competition

Cindy Draughon — April 21, 2010

WHAT: N.C. Envirothon

WHEN: April 23-24

WHERE: Cedarock Park in Alamance County

CONTACTS:Bryan Evans (252) 814-4404 or Steve Bennett 624-6422. Both are cell phone numbers.

Journalists are invited to Alamance County April 23-24 to cover the N.C. Envirothon, one of the state’s largest environmental science competitions for high school and middle school students.

Winning teams from local and regional Envirothon events will be at the state competition at Cedarock Park to vie for cash prizes and college scholarships. Students will compete in hands-on field experiences and be tested on what they’ve learned about current environmental issues, aquatic ecology, soils and land use, wildlife and forestry. Teams that make it to the state competition study the year-long Envirothon curriculum.

The N.C. Division of Soil and Water Conservation and the N.C. Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts are organizing the event. Staff members that offer time and expertise come from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the state divisions of Forest Resources, Water Quality, Water Resources, and Parks and Recreation.

New this year, the voluntary oral component trains high school students to be better speakers and prepares the winning high school team to compete at the national Envirothon, where oral component scores help determine team standings. The oral component will be mandatory in 2011.

Broadcast and print journalists can conduct interviews, take photographs or get video footage during the students’ field training from 2-6:15 p.m. April 23 or during the awards program from 1:15-1:45 p.m. April 24.

For more information, please visit: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/swc/2010ncenvirothon, http://www.ncenvirothon.org/ or http://www.envirothon.org/.

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New Policy Board Leadership Appointed for Coastal Protection Program

Lori Brinn — April 16, 2010

RALEIGH – Two people were selected recently to direct the policy board for the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program, which protects parts of the coastal environment in Virginia and North Carolina.

Tony Reevy, senior associate director at the University of North Carolina Institute for the Environment, was selected as chairman of the policy board. Eric J. Walberg, administrator of the Physical and Environmental Planning Department of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission in Chesapeake, Va., was selected as the board’s vice chairman. The policy board voted on and accepted the new leadership in March.

The policy board provides community involvement, participation and support for the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program, or APNEP. The program aims to improve water quality and maintain the Albemarle-Pamlico region’s ecosystem’s in a 52-county region of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. APNEP is made up of representatives from federal, state and local government and residents, businesses, educators and researchers.

The stakeholders identify environmental problems and then develop actions to address those problems. APNEP and its partners have helped protect and restore the region’s environment and made popular a more holistic approach to ecosystem and watershed management. APNEP is headquartered in the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Raleigh.

Outgoing policy board chairman Jack Thigpen, extension director for N.C. Sea Grant, has provided excellent leadership for the past three years and will continue to be involved with the program, said Bill Crowell, who directs the program.

For information about the program, visit www.apnep.org or contact Lori Brinn, the program’s community specialist, at lori.brinn@ncdenr.gov or (919) 715-4196.

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Renovation Project Will Block Marina Area at Carolina Beach State Park

Charlie Peek — April 16, 2010

RALEIGH – All marina and boat access facilities at Carolina Beach State Park will be closed starting Monday as an extensive renovation project enters its final phase, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

The project will interrupt all access to the marina area including parking lots, trail access points and the park’s fishing pier.

The renovation includes construction of new floating docks, additional boat slips, boat ramp improvements, walkways, above-ground fuel tanks and a redesigned parking area with additional single-vehicle spaces. Dredging of the access channel to the marina was completed earlier. The $2.5 million project is supported by the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.

The project is expected to be completed in September.

The park’s Sugarloaf Trail and Swamp Trail will remain open with access from the visitor center via the Campground Trail or from a parking area at the end of Nature Trail Lane. Fishing is allowed along Snow’s Cut, accessible from the picnic area and its adjacent parking lot. A popular painted bunting feeder will be relocated from near the marina to a location along the Cape Fear River, accessible from the Sugarloaf Trail. Birders can get further information at the visitor center.

During this construction period, fencing will be installed, blocking vehicle and foot traffic on State Park Road at a point just beyond the picnic area to create a safety work zone and to secure the job site. This installation will create a turnaround point for traffic. The work zone also will be blocked from Sugarloaf Trail.

The closings are to ensure visitor and contractor safety and to allow the project to be completed as quickly as possible.

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EMC Corporation - Apex Facility Recognized as Environmental Steward

Chris Frazier — April 15, 2010

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

The state’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative, designed to promote and encourage superior environmental performance by North Carolina’s regulated community, began in 2002. An “Environmental Steward” is an organization that has demonstrated environmental leadership through its commitment to exemplary environmental performance beyond what is required by regulation. As an Environmental Steward, the organization commits to reporting annually on its environmental performance.

The award recognizes the Apex facility’s superior environmental performance, commitment to continued reduction of its environmental impact and demonstrated commitment to exceed compliance.

"The EMC Apex facility has demonstrated that it can promote the protection of the environment and maintain or increase business," said DENR Secretary Dee Freeman. "EMC is committed to the conservation of natural resources and serves as an example of strong leadership for efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing."

A 12-member advisory board appointed by Secretary Freeman provides program direction and implementation and recommended the EMC Corporation facility be selected as an Environmental Steward. Advisory board membership consists of individuals from industry, industry trade groups, environmental and citizen nongovernmental organizations, government, academia and small business. (Advisory board members are listed below.)

Reasons cited by the advisory board in its selection of EMC Corporation include:

“It is an honor for EMC Apex to be recognized by the state of North Carolina as a leader in environmental excellence,” said Bob Hawkins, vice president of EMC Corporation’s North Carolina operations. “We understand the growing importance of environmental sustainability and as a result, we are committed to reducing our impact both in the local community and throughout our supply chain. The EMC Apex culture has long been based on the elimination of waste in our operations, so it was a natural progression to incorporate that philosophy into our Environmental Program. Our participation in the NCDENR Environmental Stewardship Initiative has helped us to drive those efforts to the next level.”

The ESI program has two additional levels of participation and recognition: Environmental Partner and Environmental Rising Steward. The Environmental Partner level is designed for adoption by a broad range of organizations that are interested in beginning the process of developing a systematic approach to improving their environmental performance.

Partners must demonstrate a commitment to maintain compliance, commit to establishing an environmental management system and set environmental performance goals. The Environmental Rising Steward level is recommended to organizations that have a mature EMS in place and have set site-specific measurable environmental performance goals.

For more detailed information or to apply for the program, please visit the Environmental Stewardship Initiative Web site at http://www.p2pays.org/esi or contact Lisa Shanklin or Angela Barger with the N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance at (919) 715-6500 or esi@ncdenr.gov.
2009 Advisory Workgroup Members

Jennifer Adams - Corning Inc.
Katy Ansardi - Sustainable North Carolina
Kristin Beck - Progress Energy
Jack Blackmer - Novozymes North America Inc.
Dr. Robert Bruck - North Carolina State University
Eric Henry - TS Designs
Preston Howard Jr. - MCIC
Gary Hunt (chair) - Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources
Kimberly Killian - GKN-Precision Forming
Dan Miller - Fleet Readiness Center East
Arlene Roman - City of Gastonia
Robin Smith - Conservation Council of NC

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North Carolina's Environmental Educators Honored

Libby Wilcox — April 15, 2010

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.

Educators from around the state will attend the ceremony and listen as David Sobel, director of teacher certification programs at Antioch University New England, speaks about the importance of engaging children with the natural world in their own backyards and communities. Sobel is the author of several books, including Place-Based Education: Connecting Classrooms & Communities and Childhood and Nature.

The nationally recognized North Carolina Environmental Education Program was the first program of its kind in the country. The program began with 25 certified educators in 1996. Today, more than 1,800 teachers, park rangers, non-formal educators and North Carolina residents are enrolled in the program. The program has been used as a model by a number of other states, as well as South Korea. Participants are required to complete 200 hours of professional development, which includes instructional workshops, 50 hours of outdoor experiences, knowledge of environmental education resources and facilities, a teaching component and a community environmental stewardship project.

Administered by the N.C. Office of Environmental Education, the program is sponsored by NCDENR, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, Environmental Educators of North Carolina, the Environmental Education Fund, the N.C. Association of Environmental Education Centers and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Environmental education certification ensures high-quality, comprehensive environmental education programs by establishing standards for the environmental education profession. It has become a powerful tool for strengthening the field of environmental education in North Carolina and is a widely recognized credential for employment in environmental education and related fields.

“The certification program recognizes professional development in environmental education and the educators who have committed their time to instilling a sense of environmental stewardship in children and adults,” said Dee Freeman, secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “This program inspires educators to use the outdoors to teach math, science, social studies, language arts and art while connecting students to their communities and instilling an environmental ethic. It also helps provide future citizens and adults with the data and skills needed to make knowledgeable environmental decisions.”

Ceremony sponsors include Progress Energy; Duke Energy; N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission; Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation; Environmental Educators of North Carolina; N.C. Aquarium Society; N.C. Zoological Society; Friends of State Parks; Project Food, Land and People, N.C. Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts; Southeastern Community College; N.C. Association of Environmental Education Centers; and the Environmental Education Fund.

You can view a list of the certified Environmental Educators in your region on the Office of Environmental Education’s Web site at http://www.eenorthcarolina.org/certification/certified_educators.html.
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State environmental agency invites people to celebrate Earth Day

Jamie Kritzer — Apirl 15, 2010

RALEIGH – North Carolina’s leading environmental agency will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day with a long list of events throughout the state later this week and next week.

Earth Day was first celebrated April 22, 1970 to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth. The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources is participating in the following events:

Coastal

· Celebrations at all three state-run aquariums. The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher will host the second annual 5K Race for the Planet at 8 a.m. April 25. Registration is at 7 a.m. The flat, mostly asphalt course traverses the grounds of the Civil War fort and includes views of the ocean and the maritime forest. Race fees are $20 before April 16 and $25 after April 16. For information, call (910) 458-8257 or e-mail Amy.Kilgore@ncaquariums.com.

The N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is hosting “Party for the Planet” events from April 18-24. Activities will include afternoon crafts and games in the classroom at the aquarium, a cake-baking contest with a conservation theme and films in the facility’s Big Rock Theater. Activities are free with admission or membership. For information, contact Julie Powers, the aquarium’s public relations coordinator, at (252) 247-4003, ext. 228 or Julie.Powers@ncaquariums.com.

The N.C. Aquarium at Roanoke Island invites people to learn about the success stories of endangered species and come see the largest bat in the world, the gigantic flying fox bat from Malaysia. The aquarium is bringing in Rob Mies, a conservation biologist who has appeared on “The Today Show” and “The Tonight Show,” to talk about bats and his book, “Stokes Beginners Guide to Bats.” For information, contact Buster Nunemaker, the aquarium’s public relations coordinator, at (252) 473-3494, ext. 243 or Buster.Nunemaker@ncaquariums.com.

· Volunteers with the state Division of Coastal Management’s Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve are inviting people for a beach cleanup at Bird Shoal, part of the reserve in Beaufort, from 11:45 a.m.-4 p.m. April 22. To get to the beach, people will take a short boat ride. The boat ride and the event are free. Volunteers should bring their lunches. For information, contact Paula Gillikin at (252) 838-0886 or paula.gillikin@ncdenr.gov.

Come to Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 24 for an Earth Day celebration. The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources and partner agencies will host booths with hands-on activities and indoor, educational presentations each hour. The event will also include a scavenger hunt with prizes and giveaways for children and families. All activities are free and will be held at the new Coastal Education and Visitor Center at Fort Macon State Park, 2300 West Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. Hosting the event are staff with the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina Maritime Museum, the North Carolina Estuarine Research Reserve, the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter and Fort Macon State Park. For information, go to http://www.nccoastalreserve.net/Resources/Beautify-Bird-Shoal/174.aspx.

Children and families can celebrate Earth Day at Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammock Beach Road, Swansboro from 4-5 p.m. April 20. Park rangers will have hands-on activities so children can discover the secrets of nature.

Piedmont

· The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro will treat visitors to a “Party for the Planet” with events on April 17-18. Events on April 17 include Radio Disney music and games at the North America exhibit and games at the zoo’s KidZone. Environmental exhibitors from the Asheboro Recycling Center, the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments and N.C. Division of Forest Resources will be on hand from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 17. On April 18, the zoo will host a tree seedling giveaway at the North America exhibit. For information, contact Kim Allgood, the zoo’s special events coordinator, at kim.allgood@nczoo.org or check out the zoo’s Web site, www.nczoo.org.

· Looking for something in the state capital? Check out the third annual Planet Earth Celebration in downtown Raleigh from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. April 17. The event will be held in Bicentennial Plaza and inside the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 West Jones St., Raleigh. The event will include bands, a visit from the state’s official water conservation mascot, exhibits from the state divisions of Water Quality and Water Resources plus experts on a variety of environmental topics. The event is free. For information, check out the event’s Web site, www.planetearthcelebration.com.

Also April 17, the state Division of Water Resources will be talking about water conservation at Union County’s Earth Day 2010 celebration. The event will be held in downtown Monroe and will include a 5K race and a visit from the state’s official water conservation mascot Conservin’ Irvin. For information, see the Facebook page on the celebration, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Earth-Day-2010-Monroe-Union-County-NC/10150100538270637.

Mountains

· Staff in the department’s Asheville regional office will do a stream cleanup of a section of the Swannanoa River in Swannanoa from 9 a.m. to noon April 23. The cleanup is part of the RiverLink Adopt-A-Stream program. The office staff will be cleaning a section of the river near exit 59 off Interstate 40. To learn more, check out the RiverLink Web site, www.riverlink.org/adopt.asp.

Other events

Check out the N.C. Office of Environmental Education’s online calendar, www.eenorthcarolina.org, for events in North Carolina celebrating National Environmental Education Week from April 11-17 and Earth Day on April 22 and local Arbor Day events. Visitors will find great places to learn and connect with nature at the state’s 192 environmental education centers.
More than 90 fun and free educational programs are being offered at North Carolina state parks during the week of Earth Day. Programs will include a spring wildflower walk at South Mountains State Park and a sunset hike at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Some programs may require people to register before the event. Visit www.ncparks.org for program information.

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Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC in Wilson Recognized As 2009 Environmental Steward

Chris Frazier — April 14, 2010

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 Bridgestone facility serves as an example of strong leadership in environmental performance by setting and achieving environmental performance improvements, and proactive communication of environmental goals and impacts to its employees and the public,” said DENR Secretary Dee Freeman. “Bridgestone has excelled in developing management systems for efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing.”

A 12-member advisory board appointed by Secretary Freeman provides program direction and implementation and recommended the Bridgestone facility be selected as an Environmental Steward. Advisory board membership consists of individuals from industry, industry trade groups, environmental and citizen nongovernmental organizations, government, academia and small business. (Advisory board members are listed below.)

Reasons cited by the advisory board in its selection of Bridgestone include:

• Integration of environmental management into core business operations through multiple processes for internal communication of environmental issues, and driving environmental awareness through efficiency improvement and employee ownership of environmental projects;
• Its practice of operating well below permitted limits and implementing management techniques beyond those required by regulation;
• Development of the 300-acre Freedom Wildlife Habitat and Refuge focused on environmental conservation and education;
• Environmental mentoring to schools and businesses in the local community;
• Energy conservation in the areas of lighting efficiency, steam trap management and compressed air usage;
• Reduction of hazardous waste generation by 82 percent over the last 2 years; and
• Elimination of landfill disposal of pin vent waste and scrap tire curing bladders.

2009 Advisory Workgroup Members

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The N.C. Division of Forest Resources Launches Team to Prevent Wildfires

Brian R. Haines — April 14, 2010

RALEIGH – State forestry officials today are launching a team of wildfire prevention staff to reinforce their message that dry, windy weather has made it unsafe to conduct open burning in North Carolina.

The N.C. Division of Forest Resources continues to discourage people statewide from open burning but is sending a Fire Prevention Education Team to western North Carolina, where weather conditions are most conducive to fire activity.

The team, made up of three fire prevention specialists in the state agency, will be going into mountain communities to educate residents on the dangers of careless debris burning, which remains the No. 1 cause of wildfires in the state.

The team will preach fire prevention by talking to the media and people in communities about not burning leaves, twigs and other vegetation. They will also provide residents with information about Community Wildfire Protection Plans, or actions they can take to reduce hazards around their homes should a wildfire start and how those community plans can help crews fight fires. The objective is to assess communities so they can put in place techniques outlined in Firewise, a program that teaches people how using landscaping and fire-resistant building materials can prevent wildfires from damaging homes.

Historically, North Carolina’s busiest fire season starts in March and ends in June – a time when many people decide to burn yard vegetation. It is always illegal to burn garbage, tires and other man-made materials. State and local firefighters have been busy, as the N.C. Division of Forest Resources reports more than 1,600 wildfires so far in 2010. As of Tuesday, those fires had burned 6,565 acres and destroyed five homes and 79 other structures.

Interested in knowing more? Check out the Division of Forest Resources’ Web site, http://dfr.nc.gov/, or contact Brian Haines, public information officer with the N.C. Division of Forest Resources, at (919) 218-9728. To reach the fire prevention team, call (919) 218-3179. More information about Firewise can be found at www.ncfirewise.org.

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Grants Awarded to Aid in Emissions Reductions From Construction Equipment

Tom Mather — April 14, 2010

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.

The NC LEADER program was made possible with funds provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the national Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) of 2008. The N.C. Division of Air Quality is coordinating the competitive NC Clean Construction LEADER grant program in North Carolina.

All three projects selected were replacements of older diesel equipment with new lower-emitting diesel construction vehicles. Project recipients, locations and amounts of grants selected during this grant round are:

• Martin Marietta, Wake County, loader replacement, $86,000
• Sunland Builders, Carteret County, backhoe replacement, $16,125
• Shavender Trucking, Beaufort County, rubber-tire loader replacement, $36,341

The grants were aimed at older off-road construction equipment with diesel engines, which often lack up-to-date air pollution controls. Older diesel engines contribute significantly to air pollution in North Carolina and other states.
"North Carolina has a number of efforts underway to reduce ozone and particle-forming emissions from industry, power plants and highway vehicles," DAQ Director Keith Overcash said. "These grants will target off-road sources that lack modern emissions controls."

Off-road mobile sources such as construction equipment contribute about 18 percent of the nitrogen oxides (NOx), 16 percent of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and 5 percent of the fine particle pollution (PM 2.5) in North Carolina. NOx and VOCs are the main contributors to ozone, which is unhealthy to breathe and is the state's most widespread air quality problem in the summer months. Particle pollution is unhealthy to breathe and contributes to haze.

For additional information about air quality issues in North Carolina, visit the DAQ Web site at www.ncair.org .

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MEDIA ADVISORY: EMC Corporation - Apex To Be Recognized As 2009 Environmental Steward

Chris Frazier — April 13, 2010

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources will name EMC Corporation - Apex as one of the state's 14 Environmental Stewards on Thursday, as part of the department's Environmental Stewardship Initiative.

NCDENR Secretary Dee Freeman will recognize EMC Corporation’s commitment to superior environmental performance and continuous improvement in a 2:30 p.m. award ceremony on April 15. Freeman will join EMC Corporation – Frank Hauck, executive VP; Mike Kerouac, senior VP of Manufacturing; and Kathrin Winkler, corporate director of Environmental Sustainability for the ceremony, which will be held at EMC Corporation - Apex (directions below).

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Directions: 5800 Technology Drive, Apex

From Raleigh: Take US1South/US 64 W
Take exit 95 for NC55 towards Apex/ Holly Springs/Fuquay Varina
Turn left onto NC55 and continue for 1.5 miles
Turn right at Technology drive and follow driveway to Visitor’s parking

MEDIA ADVISORY - Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations To Be Recognized As 2009 Environmental Steward

Chris Frazier — April 12, 2010

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.

NCDENR Secretary Dee Freeman will recognize Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations’ commitment to superior environmental performance and continuous improvement in an 11:30 a.m. award ceremony on April 14. Freeman will join facility plant manager Jim Pridgen for the ceremony, which will be held at Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations in Wilson (directions below).

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Directions: 3001 Firestone Parkway, Wilson

From Raleigh: Take US-64 East toward Greenville/Wilson/Rocky Mount
Merge onto US-264E towards NC-97/WILSON/GREENVILLE. Drive 24.1 miles.
Merge onto US-301N via ext 43A. Drive 8.8 miles
Take the Firestone Parkway ramp. Drive 0.2 miles.
Turn slight right onto FIRESTONE PARKWAY/Rosebud Church Rd. Drive for 1.0 mile.
3001 Firestone Parkway NE is on the right.

North Carolina Environmental Education Week Set for Next Week

Lisa Tolley — April 9, 2010

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.

Since 2004, the National Environmental Education Foundation has coordinated the implementation of National EE Week during the week before Earth Day. Working in partnership with various federal, local and state agencies and organizations, EE Week engages the participation of thousands of educators and millions of students and adults. It is the largest organized environmental education event in the United States. This year, EE Week is sponsored by the Wal-Mart Foundation.

The N.C. Office of Environmental Education is promoting EE Week, Earth Day and Arbor Day programs and events statewide in April using its blogs, e-mail lists and Web site, www.eenorthcarolina.org. On the Web site, individuals can use an online calendar to view environmental education activities offered by organizations across the state. Visitors can search for great places to learn and connect with nature at one of the 192 environmental education centers in North Carolina. Teachers and nonformal educators can search for environmental education resources tailored to different ages and subjects. The office also encourages schools, organizations and local government agencies to sign up as participants in National EE Week at www.eeweek.org.

Research shows that environmental education and outdoor and community-based learning improves student achievement across the curriculum and can have a positive effect on classroom behavior. Adults can benefit as well, as outdoor activities have been shown to improve mental focus and can be therapeutic for those suffering with stress-related problems and physical health issues.

Lisa Tolley, director of the N.C. Office of Environmental Education, hopes the Office of Environmental Education’s Web site will help get children and adults outside this spring and introduce them to the benefits of participating in environmental education activities.

“April is a great time to celebrate all the exciting outdoor events and programs going on in North Carolina,” said Tolley. We want to help people find outdoor experiences and environmental education activities in their own community and at facilities they can visit across the state.”

For a calendar of environmental education activities in April, visit the N.C. Office of Environmental Education Web site, www.eenorthcarolina.org, and select the “News and Events” tab. Events, workshops and classes can be viewed as a calendar and can also be searched by location and topic. In addition, the site has links to articles and peer-reviewed research on the benefits of environmental education and outdoor activity, located under “Resources.”

The Office of Environmental Education invites environmental education centers, parks, government agencies, cities, counties, schools and nonprofit organizations to post their EE Week, Earth Day and Arbor Day events on the environmental education calendar. Contact the Office at (919) 733-0711 or Marty.Wiggins@ncdenr.gov for more information.

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Pollen Reaches Record High Levels

Tom Mather — April 7, 2010

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.

The pollen count in Raleigh reached 3,524 grains per cubic meter on Wednesday and 3,099 grains per cubic meter on Tuesday at the Division of Air Quality’s central office, the highest levels since at least 2003. The count was even higher in Winston-Salem, reaching 9,632 grains per cubic meter Tuesday at the Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department.

People who are bothered by allergies may want to limit their time outdoors until pollen levels subside, particularly during early morning hours and when it is windy outside. Keeping doors and windows shut with air conditioners running will help reduce pollen levels indoors.

Pollen levels typically reach their peak in central North Carolina during late March and early April when trees such as oaks and pines are flowering. In most years, the highest daily pollen levels generally fall between 1,000 and 1,500 grains per cubic meter, with the peak levels usually occurring within a one or two-week span. The highest previous pollen count in Raleigh was 2,925 on March 27, 2007.

The high pollen levels are probably due to several factors. The weather turned suddenly warm last week after a cold winter and cool early spring, with little rainfall since March 29. In addition to the dry weather, winds have been blowing the pollen around.

The cold winter also could have delayed some trees that normally flower earlier in the spring, so that more different tree species are flowering at the same time.

“Weather forecasters are calling for rain later this week, so that should knock the pollen levels down to more normal levels,” said Keith Overcash, director for the Division of Air Quality. “Hopefully the worst of the pollen will be over by then.”

Daily pollen levels in Raleigh can be found at this page on the DAQ Web site: http://xapps.enr.state.nc.us/aq/ambient/Pollen.jsp.

In Winston-Salem, daily pollen levels can be found at this site: http://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/envaffairs/pollen_report.aspx

Pollen sufferers can receive e-mail updates by contacting the Division of Air Quality or Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department at the Web addresses listed above.

For additional information about air quality issues, visit the DAQ web site at www.ncair.org or call 1-888-RU4NCAIR (1-888-784-6224). Information about air quality in the Triad can be found at Forsyth County’s Web site, http://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/EnvAffairs/

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State Officials Discouraging Outdoor Burning Due to Dry, Windy Weather

Brian R. Haines — April 6, 2010

RALEIGH - The N.C. Division of Forest Resources is discouraging people from outdoor burning for the next few days as weather officials have issued warnings about dangerous fire conditions for almost all of North Carolina.

The National Weather Service is predicting breezy southwest winds coupled with near-record warmth and relatively dry conditions. Those conditions have created high probability for wildfires. Meteorologists are also forecasting the possibility of strong thunderstorms Thursday night through the pre-dawn hours of Friday as a cold front approaches from the west. Wind gusts associated with these storms may reach 45 mph, which can cause a fire to spread quickly.

Careless burning of leaves, twigs and other outdoor debris is the No. 1 cause of wildfires in North Carolina.

Weather in recent weeks has dried downed trees and created conditions that could be dangerous for outdoor burning. Historically, North Carolina’s busiest fire season starts in March and ends in June – a time when many people decide to burn yard debris.

This year, 1,329 wildfires have burned 5,045 acres in North Carolina. In recent days, state and local firefighters battled two wildfires in Robeson County that combined to burn 450 acres plus a 160-acre fire in Bladen County and a 40-acre fire at Morrow Mountain State Park in Stanly County.

For more information on preventing wildfires, go to http://dfr.nc.gov/, or contact Brian Haines, public information officer with the N.C. Division of Forest Resources, at (919) 857-4828.

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Air Quality Officials Issue Code Orange Health Notice

Tom Mather — April 5, 2010

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

The Code Orange forecast means people who are sensitive to air pollution should avoid moderate exertion outdoors in the afternoon. Sensitive groups include children and the elderly who are active outside, people who work or exercise outdoors, and those with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other respiratory ailments.

The air pollution forecast for today predicts that ozone levels will exceed the federal standard of 0.075 parts per million (ppm) averaged over 8 hours. High ozone levels can impair breathing and aggravate symptoms in people with respiratory problems, and irritate the lungs in healthy individuals. People with chronic lung ailments, the elderly and children should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity in the afternoon, when ozone levels are highest.

The DAQ estimates that more than half of North Carolina’s citizens live in counties where ozone levels exceed the standard during warmer months. In 1999, the N.C. General Assembly passed legislation aimed at reducing ozone-forming emissions from cars and trucks, including an expansion of the motor vehicle emissions inspection program from nine to 48 counties. In 2002, the General Assembly enacted legislation that will require the state's coal-fired power plants to reduce their ozone- and haze-forming emissions by three-fourths over the next decade.

For more information about air quality forecasts, open burning restrictions and other air issues, visit the DAQ Web site at www.ncair.org or call 1-888-RU4NCAIR (1-888-784-6224). Information about air quality in the Triad can be found at Forsyth County’s Web site, http://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/EnvAffairs/

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Hazards Remain on Grandfather Mountain State Park Trails

Charlie Peek — April 1, 2010

RALEIGH – Although the 12-mile trail network has reopened at Grandfather Mountain State Park, rangers warn that extremely hazardous conditions remain in the park’s backcountry area, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Downed trees and debris remain on some sections of trail, and at higher elevations, ice and snow remain with drifts up to four feet deep. More than 81 inches of snow has been recorded at the mountain in 2009 and 2010. Trails could be dangerouswhen hiking through debris and on ice, and trail markers on rock faces may not be visible, making navigation difficult.

Due to conditions on Grandfather Mountain, hikers should allow extra time to complete the selected hike. In spring, the weather can change quickly, and hikers should be prepared for winter conditions. Hikers should carry a pack with essential gear including water, extra socks, hat, gloves, rain protection, extra food, a flashlight and basic first aid supplies. Hiking boots are necessary, and proper clothing includes layers of insulating and moisture-wicking synthetic fiber.

There is no fee for hiking at Grandfather Mountain State Park, but hikers must register at trailheads.

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Woodland Steward Series Expands Statewide

Brian Haines — March 31, 2010

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.

The N.C. Division of Forest Resources is once again joining forces with the Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Association, the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, the U.S. Forest Service Cradle of Forestry in America and additional partners to host the Woodland Steward Series through the Biltmore Forest School.

The workshop series will consist of four 1.5 day sessions led by natural resource and land management specialists, including both hands-on activities in the field and instruction in the classroom. The courses include:

• Discovering Your Land: Basic Land Management Skills introduces participants to setting goals and objectives, understanding local wildlife, and basic skills such as map and compass use, tree identification and soil sampling. This workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 9 and from 9 a.m. to noon April 10 at Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury.
• Native Landscaping & Water Management focuses on designing with and planting native plants, urban forestry techniques, stormwater best management practices and other water features such as ponds and streams. This workshop will be held at the N.C. Zoological Park in Asheboro from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 23 and from 9 a.m. to noon April 24.
• Woodscaping Your Woodlands & Firewise Management gives an overview of managing forest land, insects and diseases, secondary forest products, and the protection of home and property by becoming Firewise. This workshop will be held at Jordan Lake Educational State Forest near Chapel Hill from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 7 and from 9 a.m. to noon May 8.
• Stewardship, Recreation, & Liability covers the basics of land ownership liability, planning trails, finalizing goals and applying new knowledge and skills in the field. This workshop will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 21 and from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 22 at Montgomery Community College in Troy.

Participants in the workshops are required to register and attendance in at least three of the four workshops is required to graduate. The cost for each workshop is $50 per participant and $25 per spouse or family member. One set of educational materials is provided for the family. Lunch will be provided on the first day of each workshop.

Credit toward N.C. Environmental Education Certification is available, as well as CEU credits. The workshops will also count as electives toward Asheville Board of Realtors ECO Certification.

For more information and registration materials, visit www.cradleofforestry.org or contact Amy Garascia, program coordinator, at amysworkshopinfo@aol.com or (828) 884-5713 ext. 26.

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Air Quality Forecasts Renew Statewide

Tom Mather — March 31, 2010

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.

This is the third year under new ozone standards that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency adopted in 2008, and the EPA is considering making the standards even more stringent. Despite the tougher limits, North Carolina had its lowest ozone levels on record in 2009 – a trend that state air quality officials hope will continue.

“Last year we anticipated an increase in Code Orange and Red days due to the lower ozone standard, but we were pleasantly surprised,” said Keith Overcash, director of the N.C. Division of Air Quality (DAQ). “Air quality is improving, but we are likely to face stricter standards aimed at further protecting public health and the environment.”

The daily air quality forecasts focus on the pollutant likely to reach the highest level on a given day, which could be ozone or particle pollution. The color-coded forecasts show whether air quality is likely to be good (green), moderate (yellow), unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange), or unhealthy (red).

State and local air quality programs issue air quality forecasts for ozone from April through October in the Asheville, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Hickory, Triad, Triangle and Rocky Mount metropolitan areas. Forecasts are issued for particle pollution year-round for all of the metro areas except Rocky Mount, which lacks a particle monitor.

Meteorologists issue the air quality forecasts at 3 p.m. every day for the following day. On Code Orange and Red days, the forecasts also suggest things people can do to protect their health and reduce air pollution, such as limiting outdoor activities, avoiding strenuous exercise and driving less.

Ozone is North Carolina's most widespread air quality problem, particularly during the warmer months. High ozone levels generally occur on hot sunny days with little wind, when pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons react in the air. High levels of fine particles are more of a problem in the western Piedmont region but can occur throughout the year, particularly during episodes of stagnant air and wildfires.

Ozone, a highly reactive form of oxygen, can be unhealthy to breathe – particularly for children, people with respiratory problems or heart disease, and even healthy adults who work or exercise outdoors. Exposure to high ozone levels may cause previously healthy individuals to develop asthma over time. Ozone also causes millions of dollars in tree and crop damage each year. More than half of North Carolina’s residents live in counties where ozone levels exceed the standard at times.

Particle pollution, which consists of very small particles and liquid droplets in the air, can be harmful to breathe and contributes to haze and other air quality problems. Fine particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs and absorb into the bloodstream, causing or aggravating heart and lung diseases. Persons most susceptible to particle pollution include those with heart and respiratory conditions, the elderly and young children.

Currently all of North Carolina meets federal particle standards, but levels have exceeded the annual standard in several Piedmont counties in the past. Unlike ozone, which is usually highest in the afternoons, particle levels can be high at any time of the day. Sensitive groups should take special care to limit their physical activity during high particle periods.

The DAQ developed its air quality forecasting system to help citizens better protect their health and to comply with clean air standards. In the Triad, forecasts are issued by the Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department.

North Carolina has taken a number of steps to reduce levels of ozone, fine particles and other air pollutants in recent years. The General Assembly enacted the Clean Smokestacks Act, which requires power plants to reduce their ozone, particle and haze-forming emissions by three-fourths. Other legislation has required cleaner gasoline and expanded the auto emissions-testing program from nine to 48 counties.

Citizens can obtain air quality information and forecasts by visiting the DAQ’s Web site at www.ncair.org or Forsyth County’s Web site at http://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/EnvAffairs/. The division also has a toll-free hotline (1-888-RU4NCAIR) where people can call to get the forecasts.

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Winter Storms Damage Morrow Mountain State Park Boating Facility

Charlie.Peek@ncdenr.gov — March 31, 2010

RALEIGH – Boat and canoe rentals at Morrow Mountain State Park in Stanly County will not be available in 2010, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Severe shoreline erosion prompted by winter storms and flooding on Lake Tillery damaged the park’s boathouse.

Also, much of the nearby Fall Mountain Trail remains closed due to erosion damage. The state parks system has had plans in place to replace the boathouse, and construction should begin later this year. Boat rentals will likely resume in 2011.

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Funding available for swine lagoon conversion program

Cindy Draughon — March 31, 2010

RALEIGH RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Soil and Water Conservation announced today that another round of funding is available to swine farmers who switch from conventional lagoons to a more environmentally-friendly and innovative waste management system.

The Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative makes more than $1.1 million available in 2010 to farmers who implement new technologies that provide better water quality protection, reduce odor emissions and capture methane. Interested producers must apply by April 15 to the N.C. Division of Soil and Water Conservation.

The five-year program is carried out through a partnership between the N.C. Division of Soil and Water Conservation, local soil and water conservation districts and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Funding comes from the Natural Resources Conservation Services’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program. In June 2009, the first round of funding was made available by state and federal officials to assist two swine farms to convert to innovative technology and decommission inactive waste lagoons on nine swine farms.

“We appreciate the support of our conservation partners at NRCS to continue to promote adoption of innovative waste management technologies in the animal industry, which is so important to the state’s economy,” said Pat Harris, director of the N.C. Division of Soil and Water Conservation. “This initiative furthers the department’s goal of growing a green economy by supporting industries that promote environmental protection and energy independence.”

Harris praised the federal funding initiative, stressing the importance of finding innovative ways to meet conservation objectives during a severe economic recession. The initiative gives highest priority to the installation of innovative swine waste management technologies consistent with the state’s Lagoon Conversion Program. The program was established by the General Assembly in 2007. To be eligible for funding consideration, projects must meet environmental performance standards established by the General Assembly. The initiative places special emphasis on projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce renewable energy. As such, funds not used to install lagoon conversion technologies may be used to close existing swine waste lagoons or install other waste management technologies that yield renewable energy or greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Swine farmers who participate in the initiative may receive 75 percent of the typical cost of eligible practices. Producers applying for Lagoon Conversion Program projects and producers classified as beginning, limited resource, small and socially-disadvantaged farmers, ranchers and Indian tribes may receive up to 90 percent of typical costs to install the waste management technologies. Participants must meet the federal program’s eligibility criteria to receive funding.

“I am pleased we are able to continue partnering with farmers, private industry and the state of North Carolina to implement alternative livestock waste treatment systems that provide superior environmental performance,” said J.B Martin Jr., state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in North Carolina. “Some of these new systems are capable of producing value-added products useful to other farmers, or they generate renewable electric power.”

To initiate the application process, producers should contact David Williams, Non-Point Source Programs section chief with the N.C. Division of Soil and Water Conservation, by April 15 at (919) 715-6103 or David.B.Williams@ncdenr.gov.

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New Mayo River State Park Will Open to the Public Thursday

Charlie Peek — March 30, 2010

RALEIGH – The new Mayo River State Park in Rockingham County will open interim facilities to the public on Thursday, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

The restoration of a pavilion-style picnic shelter designed by renowned architect Antonin Raymond is the centerpiece of the project that also includes picnic grounds, play fields, a hiking trail and a ranger contact station at the 1,961-acre state park. The park was authorized by the N.C. General Assembly in 2003.

“The development of North Carolina’s 35^th state park has truly been a result of close partnership with the community, and the state parks system is very proud to share this achievement with Rockingham County and its citizens,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “Mayo River State Park will grow in its conservation mission and its ability to offer exciting outdoor recreation.”

The interim facilities are on a 398-acre site just north of Mayodan on N.C. 220 Business and known locally as Mayo Park. The site was developed in 1948 by Washington Mills as a community recreation area. The state parks system acquired the property in 2004 from Avalon Development Corp.

Land acquisition for Mayo River State Park continues within a 12-mile river corridor from Mayodan north to the Virginia state line. The state parks system owns about 400 acres contiguous to the state line, which could be developed as a second principal access to the park.

The former Mayo Park site included the picnic pavilion, a cooking shelter and a bathhouse designed by Raymond, a protÃ©gÃ© of Frank Lloyd Wright who introduced a Japanese style of architecture to the United States incorporating natural materials. The pavilion and cooking shelter have been fully restored in wood and natural stone. The bathhouse was deemed too dilapidated for restoration, although portions of the structure were salvaged for potential use as exhibits. The site also includes two small ponds, one of which has been drained to allow dam renovation.

Five individual picnic sites are being installed at the site. A half-mile hiking trail is in place and volunteers and park staff are building another 1.8-mile trail. The initial development project also includes renovation of a former caretaker’s quarters as a ranger contact station, a restroom building designed in a style similar to Raymond’s and park infrastructure including entrance road, parking areas and utilities.

The $1.7 million project was supported by the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the principal funding source for state park land acquisition and capital projects. Mayo River State Park has a permanent staff of four and two seasonal employees under the direction of Park Superintendent Fred Watkins.

(EDITORS: A high-resolution photo of Mayo River State Park facilities is available on our Web site: www.ncparks.gov. Click “News.”)

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Fort Macon State Park Facility Earns Gold Rating from U.S. Green Building Council

Charlie Peek — March 30, 2010

RALEIGH – The new Fort Macon State Park Coastal Education and Visitor Center has earned a gold rating in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program of the U.S. Green Building Council, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

The gold rating is the second highest of four ratings in the certification program that has become an industry standard for environmentally-sensitive construction. The Fort Macon facility is the first non-university, state-owned building to earn the distinction.

The 22,547-square-foot education and visitor center at North Carolina’s second oldest state park was dedicated in October and is devoted to environmental education about the state’s fragile coastal ecology, offering 4,000 square feet of exhibit space, a teaching auditorium and classrooms.

“An important part of the mission of state parks is to exemplify good stewardship of our natural resources, and the Fort Macon facility serves that mission well,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “The LEED gold rating exceeds our mandate to make all new state park buildings energy efficient, and it’s the result of extraordinary effort by the building’s designer, the contractors and the park staff.”

The brick-and-block facility was designed by Hobbs Architecture, of Pittsboro, and the general contractor was Daniels & Daniels Construction Co. of Goldsboro. It is a close neighbor of the park’s 183-year-old fortress and reflects that attraction’s 19^th Century military architecture. Funding for the project came from Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. Construction began in April 2008.

Sustainable features that contributed to the gold rating include a sophisticated rainwater collection system and stormwater runoff controls, low-energy lighting, water-saving fixtures and preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles. Also, several tons of concrete construction debris was collected to contribute to an artificial, offshore reef.

The coastal education and visitor center is similar in function to visitor centers built at 20 state parks and state recreation areas since 1994. Established in 1924 when the fort was acquired from the federal government, Fort Macon State Park recorded 1.3 million visits in 2009.

(EDITORS: High-resolution photos of the Fort Macon Coastal Education and Visitor Center are available on our Web site: www.ncparks.gov. Click “News.”)

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Damaged Courtesy Boat Docks Removed at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Charlie Peek — March 30, 2010

RALEIGH – Courtesy docks damaged by winter flooding have been removed from the Ebenezer boat ramp access at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, although the boat ramps remain available for use, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

In the coming months, the two courtesy docks at the Ebenezer site will be replaced, which may at times interrupt access to the ramps.

The state parks system will gradually replace all its existing floating courtesy docks at Jordan Lake with those of a different design that does not rely on permanent pilings. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will contribute design and construction assistance for installation of the new courtesy docks.

Boaters that require or prefer the use of courtesy docks should launch from the Robeson Creek or Farrington Point boat ramp areas, which are open 24 hours a day, or from the New Hope access, which is open during normal state park operating hours.

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State Offers Safety Tips for Post-Storm Tree Inspections

Brian Haines — March 29, 2010

RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Forest Resources is encouraging people to be safe by inspecting their trees for damage after last night’s storm.

State emergency management officials are reporting that severe storms brought heavy rain, hail, damaging winds, flooding and tornadoes to North Carolina Sunday evening.

Although your trees may look severely damaged, restorative pruning and care may increase the chance of your trees regaining their original health and beauty. If the basic structure of your trees is intact, it may be in your best interest to save the tree.

Damaged trees should be inspected by a tree care professional. Hiring a reputable tree care service with a certified arborist is the best solution to professionally restore, maintain and prevent future damage to your trees.

If you choose to do the clean up yourself, you should work with a partner, particularly when operating equipment such as chainsaws. If you are not familiar with chainsaws, you should consult a professional for your tree work. If you use a chain saw, follow these guidelines:

· Work only on the ground and always use personal protective equipment such as a hard hat, eye protection, chainsaw chaps and appropriate footwear.

· Keep both hands on the chainsaw handle at all times.

· Use caution when cutting with the tip of the chainsaw to avoid kickback.

· Cut at waist level or below.

· Before any work begins, survey the site for hazards such as downed electrical wires, leaning trees or broken limbs hanging in the canopy.

If electrical wires are an issue, do not attempt the tree work. Contact your utility company and let them remove the electrical wires.

Tree topping is not a viable solution to storm damage recovery or prevention. The sprouts that occur after topping are fast-growing, weakly-attached branches that are more likely to break off in a future storm.

Most tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Local tree companies will often note their professional affiliation in their yellow pages advertisement. To learn more about certified arborists in your area, visit The International Society of Arboriculture at www.treesaregood.com , the American Society of Consulting Arborists at www.asca-consultants.org , or the Tree Care Industry Association at www.treecareindustry.org.

For advice on proper tree care and tree assessment following a storm, contact your county Division of Forest Resources office. You can also find more information by logging on to www.dfr.state.nc.us and following the links to “Why Hire an Arborist” under the Urban and Community Forestry heading.

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Study finds social media helps increase recycling rates at Charlotte university

Kelley Dennings — March 26, 2010

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.

The study found that upon receiving social media e-mails, students in three UNC-Charlotte dormitories would use this information to influence others in their dorms to recycle more frequently, increasing recycling rates for the residence halls.

The study was done by the N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance, UNC Charlotte’s Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling and the university’s Environmental Assistance Office along with Mecklenburg County Land Use and Environmental Services Solid Waste Division.

“During the spring 2009 semester, select students received four consecutive weekly e-mails from RE3.org, which provided a link to a social networking site like Facebook.com or YouTube.com,” said Kelley Dennings, the RE3.org education and outreach project manager for the state Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance. “These sites reminded the students to recycle and asked them to remind their friends to recycle.”

Student surveys showed that when recycling bins are readily available, the majority of survey respondents (74 percent) say they are willing to recycle. When recycling bins are inconvenient, survey respondents (more than 50 percent) reported that they were less likely to seek them out in order to recycle.

“We not only surveyed students about their recycling behavior before and after the social media interaction, but we also tracked the amount of recyclables coming from three dorms on campus to see if they were recycling more,” said Devin Hatley, UNC- Charlotte’s environmental educator.

The final survey results showed an increase in the number of students from all three dormitories who claimed to “always” or “frequently” recycle. The actual amount of recyclable material collected from Sycamore Hall decreased by 10 percent. However, students from Cedar Hall and Hickory Hall increased the amount of materials they recycled in their residence halls by 25 percent and 60 percent, respectively.

In the initial survey, “not thinking about it” was the main reason students did not recycle. In the follow-up survey, the main reason given was that recycling was inconvenient.

“Our results from this project show that reminding students to recycle can help improve recycling rates,” said Kathy Boutin-Pasterz, UNC-Charlotte’s recycling coordinator. “It is as important as providing convenient recycling bins.”

For more information, contact Dennings at (919) 715-6507 or Kelley.dennings@ncdenr.gov, or UNC-Charlotte’s Environmental Assistance Office at (704) 687-3968 or eaoforSB@uncc.edu or www.eao.uncc.edu. To read the entire study, visit www.p2pays.org/ref/50/49992.pdf.
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N.C. Coastal Resources Commission Votes on Terminal Groin Recommendations

Michele Walker — March 25, 2010

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.
The recommendation was made based on the commission’s recent study of the feasibility and advisability of the use of a terminal groin as an erosion control structure in coastal North Carolina. The study was mandated by Session Law 2009-479, which required the CRC to conduct the study and present a report and recommendations to the Environmental Review Commission and the General Assembly by April 1, 2010.

The recommendation reads as follows:

The General Assembly directed the CRC to conduct a study on the feasibility and advisability of the use of terminal groins as an erosion control device. The study determined that terminal groins, in combination with beach nourishment, can be effective at controlling erosion at the end of barrier islands. The individuality of inlets necessitates site specific analysis. The study findings were mixed regarding the effects of terminal groins on wildlife habitat and marine resources. If it is the desire of the General Assembly to lift some of the limitations specific to terminal groins, due to the individual nature of inlets, the following factors must be effectively met:
1. In light of the current policy favoring a non-structural approach to erosion control, the use of a terminal groin, should be allowed only after all other non-structural erosion control responses, including relocation of threatened structures, are found to be impracticable.

2. The effects of a terminal groin on adjacent beaches are variable and a primary concern. Any use of such a structure should include siting and construction that avoid interruption of the natural sand movement to downdrift beaches.

3. The nature of terminal groins and the potential effects on coastal resources and adjacent properties necessitate a full environmental review. Any proposal for the construction of a terminal groin should be accompanied by an environmental impact statement that meets the requirements of the NC Environmental Policy Act (NC G.S. 113-4).

4. To ensure the adequacy of compliance with SEPA and the protection of the public interest, third-party review of all environmental documents should be required. The cost of third-party review should be borne by those responsible for the project. This third-party review should include all design, construction, maintenance and removal criteria.

5. Since a terminal groin may impact properties well beyond those adjacent to the structure, notification of property owners in areas with the potential to be affected by the terminal groin should be required. This notification should include all aspects of the project likely to affect the adjacent shoreline, including construction, maintenance and mitigation activities as well as post-construction effects.

6. As the post-construction effects of a terminal groin on coastal resources and adjacent properties are difficult to predict, financial assurance in the form of a bond, insurance policy, escrow account or other financial instrument should be required to cover the cost of removing the terminal groin and any restoration of adjacent beaches. Financial assurance should also be required for the long-term maintenance of the structure including beach nourishment activities. (Legislative authorization for requiring financial assurance would be necessary).

7. The use of a terminal groin would need an adequate monitoring program to ensure that the effects on coastal resources and adjacent properties do not exceed what would be anticipated in the environmental documents. All monitoring of impacts of a terminal groin on coastal resources and adjoining properties should be accomplished by a third-party with all cost borne by those responsible for the project.

8. As terminal groins are typically used in combination with a long-term shoreline management program, any proposal for use of a terminal groin in NC should be part of a large-scale beach fill project, including subsequent maintenance necessary to achieve a design life of no less than 25 years.

The current law, which bans hardened structures on North Carolina’s oceanfront, with three limited exceptions, remains in place until and unless action is taken by the N.C. General Assembly.

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Hearing for Wastewater Infrastructure Funding Plan Scheduled

Susan Massengale — March 24, 2010

RALEIGH – Staff with the state Division of Water Quality have scheduled a public hearing for next week on the 2009-10 draft Intended Use Plan for federal and state money slated for wastewater infrastructure improvements.

The public hearing is at 2 p.m. March 31 in the Ground Floor Hearing Room of the Archdale Building, 512 North Salisbury St., Raleigh.

The division is seeking public comments on the draft of the Intended Use Plan for the 2009-10 Federal Capitalization Grant appropriations, the state’s list of potential wastewater system projects and the revised priority rating system for projects funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The plan outlines the activities associated with the appropriation of $12 million in federal money and the state match of approximately $2.5 million for 2009, and the nearly $37 million of federal funds and the projected state match of $7.4 million for 2010.

Monies from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund can be provided for traditional wastewater projects such as collection system improvements or treatment plant upgrades for stormwater and other non-point pollution source projects that improve water quality. The fund can also be used for green projects such as for wastewater reuse or improvements to energy efficiency. Funds will be awarded based on a revised priority rating system, for which comments are also being requested.

The draft plan includes changes that more clearly define and formalize the project application and award process in order to improve project management efficiency. Changes proposed for the priority rating system will identify projects with the greatest need and those that have the most beneficial environmental effects.

The draft plan, the state project list and the revised priority rating system are available on the Division of Water Quality’s Web site, http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/cgls/iup, or by writing Daniel M. Blaisdell, P.E., Chief; Construction Grants and Loans Section, DENR-DWQ, 1633 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C., 27699-1633, or Daniel.Blaisdell@ncdenr.gov.

Those who would like to present oral comments are asked to register at the hearing. Registration will begin at 1:30 p.m. Oral comments will be limited to three minutes, and a typewritten copy of a speaker’s comments is requested. Written comments also may be presented to the hearing officers at the hearing or by mail to the address listed above. The comment period ends April 7.

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$118,022 in Grants Awarded by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program

Lori Brinn — March 22, 2010

RALEIGH – A state program has awarded $118,022 in grants for projects that protect the environment and promote environmental education in parts of North Carolina and Virginia.

The seven grants were awarded in February by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee. The grants will go toward projects in a 36-county area in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia whose borders include the Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, Roanoke, Pasquotank and Chowan river basins.

The following list includes the grant recipients selected for projects to be completed in 2010:

North Carolina

· The Mid-East Resource Conservation & Development Council was awarded $19,800 for J.H. Rose High School’s In-Stream Constructed Wetlands Schoolyard Demonstration Project. The grant will be used to plant a 0.75-acre constructed wetland, restore 450 linear feet of stream and provide educational programming at J.H. Rose High School in Greenville.

· N.C. Sea Grant was awarded $20,000 for “Landscaping with Nature in Currituck County,” a project that will create an environmental education demonstration site with natural landscape features and native plants at the Currituck County Cooperative Extension Building.

· The Black Family Land Trust in Durham was awarded $20,000 for the Henderson Affordable Housing Wetland Boardwalk Trail. The grant will help create a protected, one-acre wetland park at the center of an affordable housing subdivision.

· The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries was awarded $8,087 to reduce stormwater flowing into Bogue Sound at the division’s headquarters in Morehead City. This is part of a comprehensive stormwater project and will involve re-vegetating part of the Bogue Sound shoreline adjacent to the agency’s headquarters and educating the community about stormwater pollution.

· The N.C. Coastal Reserve in Carteret County was awarded $14,929 for the Carrot Island Habitat Improvement Demonstration Project. The project will improve a 22,000-square-foot dredge spoil habitat through native plantings and fencing and provide public outreach about habitat improvement.

Virginia

· Dinwiddie Junior High School in Dinwiddie, Va., was awarded $15,206 for its Outdoor Classroom and Nature Trail. The grant will be used to construct an outdoor classroom area with seating, an educational kiosk and a nature trail with signs identifying native plant species.

· Greensville County, Va. was awarded $20,000 for phase 1 of the Uriah Branch Nature Trail. The project will consist of trail development next to the Greensville County Government Complex and construction of an observation deck overlooking the floodplain and wetlands along Uriah Branch stream.

The committee makes grant awards, depending on the availability of funds from the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program. For more information, visit http://www.apnep.org or contact Lori Brinn, a community specialist with the program, at lori.brinn@ncdenr.gov or (919) 715-4196.

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N.C. Coastal Resources Commission To Discuss Terminal Groin Study March 24-26 in Sunset Beach

Michele Walker — March 18, 2010

RALEIGH – The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission will discuss its study of the feasibility and advisability of the use of a terminal groin as an erosion control device and hear public comments about the study during its meeting next week.

The CRC’s next meeting is March 24-26 at the Sea Trail Golf Resort and Conference Center in Sunset Beach. The regular meeting will begin at 3 p.m. March 24 and at 8:30 a.m. March 25 and 26. The meeting is open to the public. The terminal groin study public hearing will take place at 5 p.m. March 24. This is the final of the five scheduled public hearings for the study.

On March 25, the CRC will review the final terminal groin study report from contractor Moffatt & Nichol and develop final recommendations for the General Assembly. As mandated by Session Law 2009-479, the CRC must present the final report, along with its recommendations, to the Environmental Review Commission and the General Assembly by April 1.

The following items are also on the CRC’s agenda:

Contested Case Hearing(3:15 p.m. March 24) – The commission will rule in a contested case hearing regarding a property in Pasquotank County.
Static Vegetation Line Exception Request (3:15 p.m. March 24) – The commission will hear requests for static vegetation line exceptions from the towns of Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Indian Beach/Salter Path and Pine Knoll Shores. If the requests are granted, the exception could allow limited development on lots that cannot meet the setback from the static vegetation line put in place after large-scale beach nourishment projects.

· Land Use Plan Certifications (8:30 a.m. March 25)– Commissioners will consider certification of CAMA Land Use Plans for Onslow, Tyrell and Beaufort counties.

· Public Input and Comment (Noon March 25)– Members of the public may comment on any issue not on the current agenda.

· Public Hearings (5 p.m. March 24)– Members of the public may provide comments on two issues: amendments to 15A NCAC 7H .0104 Development Initiated Prior To Adoption by The CRC, and the CRC’s terminal groin study.

· Sea Level Rise Initiatives Update(8:30 a.m. March 26)– Coastal management staff will update the CRC on recent activities related to sea level rise.

The Coastal Resources Advisory Council, a group that provides the CRC with local government perspectives and technical advice, will meet at 1 p.m. March 24 at the resort conference center.

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National drought workshop to be held in Raleigh on April 1

Jamie Kritzer — March 18, 2010

RALEIGH – A national workshop to be held in Raleigh April 1 will showcase North Carolina’s response to the state’s record-breaking drought of 2007-08 and the tools cities, towns and the nation’s farmers can use to respond to future droughts.

The 2010 North Carolina Drought Management Tools Workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 1 at the McKimmon Center for Extension and Continuing Education, 1101 Gorman St. The event is geared toward national, state and local leaders, public water supply officials and the agricultural community. It is open to the public and is free.

As space is limited, people should register soon at http://drought.unl.edu/registration/nc2010/ncregistration2010-step1.asp. You must register online by 5 p.m. March 26.

The event starts at 9:30 a.m. April 1 with the annual meeting of the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council, state experts who assess North Carolina’s climate conditions and help determine the state’s drought outlook. Some part of North Carolina experienced drought or abnormally dry conditions for nearly three years until heavy rainfall brought back normal conditions in December. Steady rainfall has helped keep conditions normal in the state since then.

From 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., the group will hear from officials from the state and federal departments of agriculture, the National Drought Mitigation Center and the State Climate Office of North Carolina. The topics discussed will include climate change and drought, how farmers can use Web-based historical data on rainfall and climate to plan for drought and how officials at the National Drought Mitigation Center make decisions about drought.

Drought has been a hot topic in the Tar Heel State for several years. The drought of 2007-08 was the worst in North Carolina since recordkeeping began on the topic in 1895. The conditions in 2007-08 prompted a state law that improved drought response and encouraged better water supply planning, conservation and cooperation. It also resulted in numerous communities enacting water conservation measures and constructing water line hookups with nearby municipalities so backup supplies would be available during future water supply shortages.

The 2007-08 drought also took a heavy toll on farmers. The agricultural community recorded about $382 million in crop losses in 2007 alone, according to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Much of the afternoon session of the workshop will be devoted to a discussion of the data and satellite mapping tools that allow farmers to monitor drought stress so they can make prudent decisions about crops and livestock. For a description of the tools farmers and others can use to prepare for drought, check out the Web link: http://drought.unl.edu/registration/NC2010/tools.html.

The workshop is hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency, the National Drought Mitigation Center, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Computer Science and Engineering Department, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the State Climate Office of North Carolina, N.C. State University and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. To learn more, check out http://drought.unl.edu/registration/NC2010/ncregistration2010.html.

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Engineered Sintered Components in Troutman Recognized As 2009 Environmental Steward

Chris Frazier — March 17, 2010

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.

“The Engineered Sintered Components facility serves as an example of strong leadership in environmental performance by setting and achieving environmental performance improvements, and proactive communication of environmental goals and impacts to its employees and the public,” said DENR Secretary Dee Freeman. “Engineered Sintered has excelled in developing management systems for efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing.”

A 12-member advisory board appointed by Secretary Freeman provides program direction and implementation and recommended the Engineered Sintered Components facility be selected as an Environmental Steward. Advisory board membership consists of individuals from industry, industry trade groups, environmental and citizen nongovernmental organizations, government, academia and small business. (Advisory board members are listed below.)

Reasons cited by the advisory board in its selection of Engineered Sintered Components include:
• Integration of environmental management into core business operations through multiple processes for internal communication of environmental issues, and driving environmental awareness through efficiency improvement and employee ownership of environmental projects;
• Its practice of operating well below permitted limits and implementing management techniques beyond those required by regulation;
• Reduction of volatile organic compound air emissions by 47 percent;
• Reduction of landfill impact by 60 tons annually; and
• Reduction of water usage by 40 percent.

2009 Advisory Workgroup Members

Jennifer Adams -Corning Inc.
Katy Ansardi - Sustainable North Carolina
Kristin Beck - Progress Energy
Jack Blackmer - Novozymes North America Inc.
Dr. Robert Bruck - North Carolina State University
Eric Henry - TS Designs
Preston Howard Jr. - MCIC
Gary Hunt (chair) - Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources
Kimberly Killian - GKN-Precision Forming
Dan Miller - Fleet Readiness Center East
Arlene Roman - City of Gastonia
Robin Smith - Conservation Council of NC

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Two Gastonia City Agencies Receive Recognition As 2009 Environmental Stewards

Chris Frazier — March 16, 2010

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.

The award recognizes both of these Gastonia agencies’ superior environmental performance, commitment to continued reduction of their environmental impacts and demonstrated commitment to exceed compliance. These agencies join the city of Gastonia’s Long Creek Water Resource Recovery facility at the highest level of the ESI program. The Long Creek facility achieved Steward status in 2004.

“The city of Gastonia has not only shown a commitment to comply with regulations but has also established programs and activities that go beyond regulatory requirements,” said DENR Secretary Dee Freeman. “Its facilities serve as an example for other public utilities in the state, and I encourage other organizations in North Carolina to consider the city of Gastonia as a role model.”

A 12-member advisory board appointed by the DENR Secretary provides program direction and implementation and recommended the Gastonia facilities be selected as Environmental Stewards. Advisory board membership consists of individuals from industry, industry trade groups, environmental and citizen nongovernmental organizations, government, academia and small business. (Advisory board members are listed on p. 2.)

Reasons cited by the advisory board in its selection of the city of Gastonia Water Supply and Treatment Division include:

The facility works with county and state agencies on drought committees and regional planning.
The division assists other towns and cities with their testing and monitoring.
Through the Citizen's Volunteer Water Quality Testing Program, citizens can volunteer to have the city test the water at their home, which provides further evidence to the facility of its water quality upon reaching the customer. The division currently tests approximately 1,700 samples per year.
From 2003 through 2008, the water treatment plant met the requirements for EPA’s Area Wide Optimization Program, designed to help water systems meet more stringent regulations and achieve higher levels of water quality.
The facility no longer uses the industry-standard chlorine on-site. The replacement chemical is cheaper, more efficient and better for the environment than chlorine, and allows Gastonia to meet and go beyond regulatory requirements.
The water treatment plant reduced its wash water usage by more than 25 percent over a two-year period by reducing the frequency of and using less water when backwashing its filters.

The advisory board cites the following reasons for its selection of the city of Gastonia Crowders Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility:

• In 2003, the facility changed the process for introducing carbon into the wastewater treatment process. The introduction of carbon is an important part of the process for nutrient removal from the wastewater. Crowders Creek found an alternative carbon source that was once a waste material from a nearby industrial process. This waste material is now beneficially reused in this facility rather than being discarded.
• Sewer pipe blockages due to fats, oil and grease being put into drains are a common problem for water treatment plants. Crowders Creek’s blockages due to fats, oils and grease have decreased by 68 percent over the last seven years due to an aggressive educational campaign.
• During the winter months, the facility went beyond the requirements of its permit by removing greater amounts of nitrogen from its discharge into Crowders Creek, improving its environmental footprint.
• Gastonia has partnered with Gaston County law enforcement and Home Instead Senior Care on a Prescription Collection Program – Operation Medicine Cabinet - for proper disposal of expired drugs to keep them from being disposed of in the collection system, and out of the environment.

“As the first municipal Environmental Steward, the city of Gastonia is very proud to now have all three of our treatment facilities gain that designation," said Matt Bernhardt, Gastonia's director of public works and utilities. "We are very proud of the outstanding staff of each of these facilities for their hard work and for the standards of quality and excellence shown by this award. We also appreciate the continued support of our city council, manager and citizens in pursuit of these goals.”

The ESI program has two additional levels of participation and recognition: Environmental Partner and Rising Environmental Steward. The Environmental Partner level is designed for adoption by a broad range of organizations that are interested in beginning the process of developing a systematic approach to improving their environmental performance. Partners must demonstrate a commitment to maintain compliance, commit to establishing an environmental management system and set environmental performance goals. The Environmental Rising Steward level is recommended to organizations that have a mature environmental management system in place and have set site-specific measurable environmental performance goals.
For more detailed information or to apply for the program, please visit the Environmental Stewardship Initiative Web site at http://www.p2pays.org/esi or contact Angela Barger or Lisa Shanklin with the N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance at (919) 715-6500 or esi@ncdenr.gov.

2009 Advisory Workgroup Members
Jennifer Adams - Corning Inc.
Katy Ansardi - Sustainable North Carolina
Kristin Beck - Progress Energy
Jack Blackmer - Novozymes North America Inc.
Dr. Robert Bruck - North Carolina State University
Eric Henry - TS Designs
Preston Howard Jr. - MCIC
Gary Hunt (chair) - Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources
Kimberly Killian - GKN Driveline
Dan Miller - Fleet Readiness Center East
Arlene Roman - City of Gastonia
Robin Smith - Conservation Council of NC

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Celebrate Arbor Day on Friday by Planting a Tree

Brian Haines — March 16, 2010

RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Forest Resources is encouraging all North Carolinians to plant a tree on Friday, which is Arbor Day in the Tar Heel State.

Arbor Day is an opportunity to celebrate trees because they make communities better. Trees keep the air and water clean, provide shade, save energy, reduce carbon dioxide and look good. Trees also filter rainfall and reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants entering waterways and drinking water sources.

Residents in North Carolina should consider planting native trees. Native plants typically require less maintenance because they are suited to the local soils and climate. Remember to plant trees in an appropriate and safe location. Before you plant a tree, know what it looks like at maturity and its site requirements such as height, crown spread and proximity to electrical wires and buildings. When planting a tree, the available planting space above and below ground is crucial to its survival.

The N.C. Division of Forest Resources collects seeds, grows and sells about 50 different native North Carolina tree species. This year, the agency collected the largest amount of seeds in its nursery program’s history with 77,265 pounds of seeds and 1,183 bushels of walnuts collected. You can order seedlings through the N.C. Division of Forest Resources online at http://dfr.nc.gov, by phone at (888) NC-TREES, at any division office, or from one of the agency’s free catalogs. The catalogs can be found at a county ranger’s office.

The division also will be celebrating with the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at N.C. State University at the university’s Arbor Day Celebration from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 27 on the Raleigh campus. Events include a tree seedling give-away, a plant adoption center for youth as well as presentations from faculty and graduate students.

During the celebration at N.C. State University, this year’s 2010 N.C. Arbor Day Poster contest winner Adrian Dailey, a fifth grader from Village Christian Academy in Fayetteville, will receive a framed copy of her poster depicting this year’s theme “Trees are Terrific…and Energy Wise.” She also will receive a $250 savings bond donated by the N.C. Forestry Association. Her teacher, Julia Aber, will receive a framed copy of the poster and a $200 check from Duke Energy. The prizes will be awarded at noon. All the poster contest entries will be on display. For a schedule, please visit http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/forestry/arborday.

The official North Carolina Arbor Day is celebrated on the first Friday after March 15. National Arbor Day is on the last Friday in April. Municipalities may celebrate Arbor Day at different times, depending on the best time of the year to plant trees in that area.

To find out more about the benefits of trees, visit The International Society of Arboriculture Web site at www.treesaregood.com, or contact Leslie Moorman, the state’s Urban Forestry Program coordinator, at (919) 857-4842. For information on indigenous plants and trees, check out N.C. State University’s Web page "Going Native" at http://www.ncsu.edu/goingnative/index.html.

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Celebrate Arbor Day on Friday by Planting a Tree

Brian Haines — March 16, 2010

RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Forest Resources is encouraging all North Carolinians to plant a tree on Friday, which is Arbor Day in the Tar Heel State.

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HEARINGS FOR RECLAIMED WATER RULE REVISIONS SCHEDULED

Susan Massengale — March 16, 2010

RALEIGH – Recent droughts prompted state lawmakers to propose revisions to North Carolina’s reclaimed water rules and encourage the beneficial use of treated wastewater in ways that are environmentally responsible and safe for human health.

The Environmental Management Commission is holding three public hearings in March to gather comments on the proposed reclaimed water rule revisions.

Registration for the hearings is at 6:30 p.m. with each hearing starting at 7 p.m. on the following schedule:

· March 23 – Pitt Community College, Goess Building, 1986 Pitt Tech Road, Winterville.

· March 25 – Archdale Building, Ground Floor Hearing Room, 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh.

· March 30 – Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Thomas W. Simpson Administrative Building, 340 Victoria Road, Asheville.

Reclaimed or reused water is wastewater that has gone through several levels of treatment in order to make it safe for incidental human contact. Incidental human contact can include contact from walking or playing ball on an irrigated lawn or being splashed by a decorative fountain. It has long been used for landscaping and golf course irrigation, spraying on roadways or construction sites to suppress dust, in industrial processes, firefighting and in decorative ponds. Reclaimed water must not be used for swimming pools, hot-tubs or spas or as a raw, potable water supply.

The proposed reclaimed water rule revisions include the reorganization of the rules to better identify reclaimed water as a resource rather than a wastewater. The reorganization includes minor language changes and additional allowances that clarify existing language and facilitate further beneficial reuse of reclaimed water. In addition, the rules will have a new North Carolina Administrative Code designation – 15A NCAC subchapter 2U.

In order to facilitate reclaimed water use, the new rules allow several new “deemed permitted” uses for reclaimed water. Those uses include flushing or hydrostatic testing, irrigation on single-family residential lots, some crop irrigation and some residential irrigation at permitted, on-site systems. The proposed rules replace fecal coliform with E. Coli as the pathogen indicator for effluent sampling. This is thought to be a more reliable indicator for bacteria associated with human waste.

Two new permitted uses are also proposed. The rule revisions would allow the use of reclaimed water on food crops, depending on the treatment level of the reclaimed water used, the type of irrigation and how the food is processed before it is eaten. Another proposal would allow reclaimed water to be used in pine flat and hardwood flat wetlands to maintain habitat during drought and provide for reclaimed water use if the water benefits the environment.

For more information and to see the proposed rule revisions, go to the Division of Water Quality Web site at: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/aps/lau#Rules.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Engineered Sintered Components in Troutman Recognized As 2009 Environmental Steward

Chris Frazier — March 15, 2010

WHAT 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.

WHEN/WHERE Wednesday, March 17; 11 a.m. award ceremony
Engineered Sintered Components (directions below)

HIGHLIGHTS Scheduled speakers include Secretary Dee Freeman of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Ryuichiro Goto, president of Engineered Sintered Components.

CONTACT Chris Frazier, (919) 715-6515 or chris.frazier@ncdenr.gov

DIRECTIONS 250 Old Murdock Road, Troutman, NC 28166

From Raleigh: Take I-40 W toward Cary/Durham
Keep right to take I-40 W via Exit 131 toward I-70/Greensboro/Winston-Salem
Merge onto I-77 S via Exit 152A toward Charlotte
Take Exit 45 toward Troutman/Barium Springs
Turn right onto Amity Hill Rd.
Turn left onto Murdock Rd.
Turn left onto Old Murdock Rd.
250 Old Murdock Rd. is on the left

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Two Gastonia City Agencies to be Recognized as 2009 Environmental Stewards

Chris Frazier — March 15, 2010

WHAT To recognize City of Gastonia Water Supply and Treatment Division and Crowders Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility’s 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.

DENR’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative was established in 2002. The ESI is a voluntary program designed to promote and encourage superior environmental performance and encourage business, industry, government agencies and nonprofits to develop and implement programs that use pollution prevention and other innovative approaches to meet and go beyond their regulatory requirements. This program seeks to reduce the impact on the environment, producing a better environment and a stronger economy and conserving natural resources.

WHEN/WHERE Tuesday, March 16, 2010 – 6 p.m. City Council Meeting and Award Ceremony
Gaston County Court House
325 North Marietta Street, Gastonia (directions below)

HIGHLIGHTS Scheduled speakers include DENR Secretary Dee Freeman.

CONTACT Chris Frazier, (919) 715-6515 or chris.frazier@ncdenr.gov.

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Directions: 325 North Marietta Street, Gastonia - (704) 842-5106
From Charlotte, take I-85 South to exit 19 (NC Hwy 7).
Turn right at stop sign, cross over I-85 on Hwy 7 (Long Ave)
Proceed to Marietta Street which will be at the 3rd stoplight
Turn right on Marietta Street
Travel past courthouse to the left (parking lot beside building)
Additional parking is below courthouse on left at the next light.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION APPROVES RANDLEMAN LAKE WATERSHED RULES

Susan Massengale — March 12, 2010

RALEIGH – Proposed rule changes governing development on streamside vegetated areas in the Randleman Lake watershed moved one step closer to final approval on Thursday.

The N.C. Environmental Management Commission approved changes to proposed existing rules and a new rule to protect the watershed in the Randleman Lake Reservoir, which covers parts of Forsyth, Guilford and Randolph counties. The proposed rules now go to the legislative Rules Review Commission, which could provide final approval.

Rules to protect riparian buffers in the Randleman Lake Water Supply Watershed first became effective in April 1999. The approved changes are designed make the rules easier to understand and implement and to bring the Randleman Lake Reservoir rules in line with other buffer protection programs that have been developed in the Catawba, Neuse and Tar-Pamlico river basins and the Jordan Lake watershed.

The changes approved by the EMC Thursday would provide:

· A table of uses that clearly define development and other activities exempt from the rules. Some activities could be allowed, depending on local government or state Division of Water Quality review. They may also be allowable, after agency review, but require mitigation for impacts to vegetated buffer areas along streams, rivers and lakes.

· A variance application process for certain activities that may be prohibited.

· Mitigation as a requirement for certain activities that impact the watershed. This allows more flexibility than the current rules, which do not provide for mitigation for impacts to the watershed.

The N.C. Division of Water Quality, which provides administrative support to the EMC, opened the proposed rule changes to public comment from mid-October to mid-December and held a public hearing in November. It had been proposed that in order to come under the rules’ protections, streams must be present on maps identified in the rule, as is true in the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico river basins. However, it was determined that stream maps in the Piedmont are less accurate than those in the eastern part of the state and often do not identify all of the waterways on a property. The EMC decided to maintain the protection of streams found during on-site reviews and to allow a flexible variance procedure to address concerns of owner due diligence.

In other business, the EMC determined that the Falls Lake Nutrient Rules and the Triennial Review for Surface Water Standards are to proceed to the public comment phase of rule development. Staff will develop fiscal notes for each of the rule packages. The fiscal note for a rule must then be approved by the Office of State Budget and Management before the public comment period can begin.

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Fix A Leak Week Set for March 15-21

Chris Frazier — March 12, 2010

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.

WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by EPA to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by promoting and enhancing the use of water-efficient products and services. The WaterSense label makes it easy for consumers to recognize products and programs that save water without sacrificing performance or quality.

“Leaks can add up to more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted at home every year—that’s enough to fill a backyard swimming pool,” said DENR Secretary Dee Freeman. “North Carolina is participating in Fix a Leak Week to help homeowners find ways to save money on their utility bills and to help save water in our community and for future generations.”

As a result of increasing water supply demand and the limited quantity of available treatable raw water, the state’s public water supply systems are implementing water efficiency programs. For links to a few examples of North Carolina local governments’ water efficiency programs, visit: http://savewaternc.org/CitiesHome.asp. Contact your local water supply system operator for more information about water efficiency in your area and possible incentive or rebate programs available.

Common types of leaks found in the home include leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets and other leaking valves. In most cases, fixture replacement parts don’t require a major investment and can be installed by do-it-yourselfers. Following are a few water-saving tips:
• Check for leaks by turning off all the taps in your house and then look at your water meter. If it is still turning, chances are you have a leak somewhere. Instructions on how to read your water meter can be found at: http://savewaternc.org/ReadMeter.asp.
• Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense labeled model.
• Place five drops of food coloring into the tank of the toilet and wait 15-20 minutes. Do not flush the toilet during this test. After 15-20 minutes, look into the bowl of the toilet. If the color starts to develop in the bowl, there is a leak in the toilet and it must be repaired. Usually, installing a new flapper will correct the leak. For more information about detecting and repairing leaks in your home, visit North Carolina’s water efficiency Web site at: http://savewaternc.org/FindRepairLeaks.asp.

Currently, there are more than 400 WaterSense-labeled toilets, more than 1,600 labeled faucets and faucet accessories, and more than 850 certified irrigation partners. WaterSense-labeled products must achieve independent, third-party testing and certification to prove they meet EPA’s rigorous criteria for efficiency and performance. Watersense labeled products can be found at home improvement stores and usually cost the same as less efficient models.

For more information on Fix a Leak Week, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak. For more information about North Carolina’s water efficiency efforts, visit http://savewaternc.org/index.asp.
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First Meeting Next Week for Mountain Resources Commission

Jamie Kritzer — March 12, 2010

RALEIGH – A state board meets next week for the first time to start tackling land use planning, protection of open spaces and other pressing environmental issues facing western North Carolina.

The Mountain Resources Commission will hold their first organizational meeting from 1-3 p.m. March 19 in the downstairs conference room of the Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center at milepost 384 of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville. All the commission’s meetings will be held in western North Carolina and are open to the public.

The 17-person commission was created in August by the General Assembly to address many of the environmental issues brought about by growth and development in 27 western counties. Legislation establishing the commission is at http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/SessionLaws/HTML/2009-2010/SL2009-485.html. The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources will offer the commission administrative support.

“The mountains of North Carolina are prized for their breathtaking vistas and abundant natural resources,” said Dee Freeman, secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “These lands are a part of our natural heritage, treasured for their beauty and an honored place of tranquility. We must always be good stewards of these mountains as ever accelerating growth and competing land uses threaten to alter the landscape and hurt its natural resources. This commission will encourage mountain communities to pursue sustainable growth and economic development in a manner that preserves the region’s natural resources, open spaces and farms, while also protecting the environment.”

The commission will identify and evaluate issues affecting important mountain resources and recommend policies and programs to address those issues. With help from state agencies and others, the commission will collect research from North Carolina and other states on approaches to issues such as planned growth in mountainous areas. The commission can also determine whether new strategies should be pursued to address the region’s growth pressures. The commission is responsible for providing guidance and advice for local planning boards and government officials but does not have regulatory authority. Any decision the commission makes won’t supersede the decision of a planning board.

The following people were appointed to serve in the initial four-year appointments to the commission: Tom Massie, appointed by the N.C. Speaker of the House Joe Hackney; George Santucci, appointed by Hackney; Jim Coman, appointed by the N.C. Senate President Pro-Tem Marc Basnight; Tommy Jenkins, appointed by Basnight; Bob Shepherd, appointed by Gov. Bev Perdue; David Gantt, appointed by Perdue; Ruth Ann Suttle, appointed by Perdue; Rodney Locks, appointed by Perdue; Jay Leutze, appointed by Perdue; Harris Prevost, appointed by Perdue; Maxine Dalton, appointed by the N.C. National Parks, Parkway, and Forest Development Council; Bill Gibson, appointed by the Southwestern Planning & Economic Development Commission; Chuck McGrady, appointed by the Land of Sky Regional Council; Max Hopper, appointed by the Isothermal Planning & Development Commission; Charles Vines, appointed by the High Country Council of Governments; Wayne Abele, appointed by the Western Piedmont Council of Governments; Angie Chandler, appointed by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

For more information, contact Judy Francis in the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources at (828) 296-4523 or Judy.Francis@ncdenr.gov, or go to www.onencnaturally.org/pages/CO_Mountain_Resources_Commission.html.

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STATE COASTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE TO MEET ON TERMINAL GROIN FEASIBILITY STUDY

Michele Walker — March 11, 2010

RALEIGH – The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission terminal groin study steering committee will meet March 18 to develop draft recommendations based on a study of the feasibility and advisability of the use of a terminal groin as an erosion control device in coastal North Carolina.

The meeting will be from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 18 in the soil and water auditorium at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Office, 300 Industrial Drive, New Bern. The meeting is open to the public.

The steering committee consists of five members of the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission and five members of the Coastal Resources Advisory Council. The steering committee will present its draft recommendations to the full CRC at a meeting in Wilmington on March 25.

A terminal groin is a long, low structure, typically made of rock or concrete, which extends out into the ocean at the end of an island, and is intended to trap sand and prevent beach erosion.

The study was mandated by Session Law 2009-479, which requires the CRC to conduct the study and present a report to the Environmental Review Commission and General Assembly by April 1.

For more information on the terminal groin study, please visit the study Web site at http://www.nccoastalmanagement.net/CRC/tgs/terminal%20groin%20study.html.

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North Carolinians Urged To Check Pantries Following Recall Of Flavoring Ingredient

Laura Leonard — March 9, 2010

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.

Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is a common ingredient used most frequently as a flavor enhancer in many processed foods, including soups, sauces, chilis, stews, hot dogs, gravies, seasoned snack foods, dips and dressings.

“It is important to take this recall seriously as this ingredient is used to flavor foods commonly found in households across the state,” said Larry Michael, head of the Food Protection Branch in the Division of Environmental Health. “So far, several products have been recalled, and this has the potential to expand rapidly. It is important to monitor the recall list to know which products are safe to consume.”

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Most healthy people recover from Salmonella infections within four to seven days without treatment. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses, such as arterial infections (infected aneurysms), infection of the lining of the heart and arthritis.

No reports of illness associated with HVP have been reported in North Carolina. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been no reports of illness in other states as well.

Only HVP manufactured by Basic Food Flavors Inc. in Las Vegas, Nev., is involved in this recall. After collecting and analyzing samples at the facility, the FDA confirmed the presence of Salmonella Tennessee in the company’s processing equipment. The company is recalling all hydrolyzed vegetable protein in powder and paste form that it has produced since Sept. 17, 2009. The full list of recalled products can be found online at: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/HVPCP/.

In coordination with the CDC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, other federal agencies and state health departments, the FDA is closely monitoring and assessing the potential risks of illness from affected products. The Division of Environmental Health along with other state agencies are working together with industry and local health departments to inform and monitor restaurants, child care centers, long-term care facilities, schools and other regulated facilities where the recalled product may be found.

If you have the recalled product, you may dispose of it or contact the place of purchase to ask about a refund. The FDA is recommending that consumers should:
• Check www.foodsafety.gov for a list of recalled products.
• Remember to follow cooking instructions for all foods.
• Report symptoms of Salmonella or other food-related illness to your local health care provider.

For more information, contact Larry Michael at (919) 715-0927 or visit the FDA Web site dedicated to the recall at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/MajorProductRecalls/HVP/default.htm.
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Statewide "Love-A-Tree" Environmental Education Program Kicks Off Tomorrow

Marty Wiggins — March 8, 2010

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.

The N.C. Office of Environmental Education has distributed materials from the “Love-A-Tree” Environmental Education Program to more than 2,000 teachers and environmental educators from across North Carolina, and estimates that a total of 3,000 will be circulated by year’s end. The kits are designed for 4th and 5th grade teachers and are correlated to the state standard course of study for science, social studies and healthful living. The materials are also adaptable to other grade levels and curricula. Love-A-Tree is provided at no cost through funds provided by the International Paper Foundation to the Environmental Education Fund, a nonprofit organization based in North Carolina. The program is managed and distributed by the Office of Environmental Education.

The theme of this year’s packet is “Healthy Trees, Healthy People,” and integrates environmental education, health and physical fitness. The packet includes a lesson plan book with activities provided by agencies within DENR, including: the Office of Environmental Education, the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, the N.C. Zoo, Parks and Recreation, Water Resources, Coastal Management, Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance, the N.C. Aquariums, Forest Resources and Soil and Water Conservation. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, N.C. Project WET, N.C. Project Learning Tree and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction’s Healthy Schools Section also contributed to the booklet.

“We are grateful to the International Paper Foundation and the Environmental Education Fund for their support of this program,” said Lisa Tolley, director of the Office of Environmental Education. “We would be unable to distribute such a large number of these valuable resources without their support.”

"This marks the 12th year of our partnership with the Office of Environmental Education and the Environmental Education Fund,” said Deano Orr, International Paper’s regional government relations manager for North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. “This successful program exemplifies International Paper's commitment to our communities and the environment.”

The packet also includes a copy of the Guide to Environmental Education Centers in North Carolina. This publication features 190 environmental education centers located throughout the state. The Office of Environmental Education produced the guide to assist teachers, afterschool program providers and other educators with finding quality local field trip destinations. The Charlotte Nature Museum is one of the facilities featured in the guide.

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Many Roads, Trails Closed at DuPont State Forest Due to Recent Storm Damage

Brian Haines — March 5, 2010

RALEIGH – Many of the roads and trails in DuPont State Forest will be closed starting Saturday and will not reopen to the public until weather conditions improve and debris downed during recent ice storms can be removed, state forestry officials said Friday.

Wet and cold weather this winter has damaged trails and delayed cleanup of debris on roads and trails in the 10,400-acre state forest near Hendersonville.

David Brown, DuPont State Forest supervisor, has ordered that some of the 80 miles of roads and trails be closed until conditions improve. All forest visitors are asked to abide by the posted trail closures. The roads and trails in DuPont State Forest, which is managed by the N.C. Division of Forest Resources, are shared by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian users.

Many trails that are not closed also have debris in them. For that reason, people are warned to use those trails at their own risk. The list of trail closures is listed below and will be updated on a weekly basis at the N.C. Division of Forest Resources’ Web site, http://dfr.nc.gov. Just follow the links to DuPont State Forest under the quick links section.

To learn more, call the forest at (828) 877-6527, or Brian R. Haines, public information officer with the N.C. Division of Forest Resources, at (919) 857-4828. People should report problems on trails to Brown’s office at (828) 877-6527.

Trail #	Road or Trail Name	Closed To	Trail #	Road or Trail Name	Closed To
49	LAUREL TRAIL	All Users	11	BURN MOUNTAIN TR East	Bikes & Horses
50	LITTLE BRIERY TRAIL	All Users	11	BURN MOUNTAIN TR West	Bikes & Horses
53	LONGSIDE TRAIL	All Users	14	CART TRAIL	Bikes & Horses
59	PINE TREE TRAIL	All Users	19	CORN MILL SHOALS TR From Shelter Rock Trail to Little River	Bikes & Horses
62	POPLAR HILL LOOP	All Users	19	CORN MILL SHOALS TR From Shelter Rock Trail to Little River	Bikes & Horses
64	REASONOVER CR TR	All Users	48	LAUREL RIDGE TRAIL	Bikes & Horses
69	ROCKY RIDGE TRAIL	All Users	55	MINE MOUNTAIN TRAIL	Bikes & Horses
77	STONE MOUNTAIN TR	All Users	57	NOOKS TRAIL	Bikes & Horses
78	SWITCHBACK TRAIL	All Users	75	SHOALS TRAIL	Bikes & Horses
83	TURKEY KNOB ROAD	All Users	8	BUCK FOREST ROAD Lake Imaging Rd to Hickory Mt Rd	Motor Vehicles
85	TWIXT TRAIL	All Users	8	BUCK FOREST ROAD Lake Imaging Rd to Hickory Mt Rd	Motor Vehicles

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CRC Science Panel to Meet on Final Terminal Groin Study Report, Inlet Hazard Areas

Michele Walker — March 5, 2010

RALEIGH – The state Science Panel on Coastal Hazards will meet March 12 in Raleigh to discuss the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission’s study of the feasibility and advisability of the use of a terminal groin as an erosion control device in coastal North Carolina.

The panel, which provides scientific advice to the CRC, will meet at 10 a.m. in Room 1H120, 2728 Capitol Boulevard, Raleigh. The meeting is open to the public.

Following the terminal groin study discussion, the science panel will resume its discussion of revised inlet hazard area boundaries and risk lines.

The CRC has asked the science panel to serve as a scientific review group for the terminal groin study, which has been contracted to the engineering firm of Moffatt & Nichol.

During this meeting, the science panel will discuss the final terminal groin study report from Moffatt & Nichol. The final report, which was submitted to the CRC on March 1, is available on the N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s Web site at http://www.nccoastalmanagement.net/CRC/tgs/finalreport.html.

The CRC, in consultation with N.C. Division of Coastal Management, the N.C. Division of Land Resources and the N.C. Coastal Resources Advisory Council, is conducting the study on the use of a terminal groin as an erosion control device, as mandated by Session Law 2009-479.

Created by the CRC in 1997, the 13-member science panel is composed of coastal engineers and geologists.

For more information on the terminal groin study, please visit the study Web site at http://www.nccoastalmanagement.net/CRC/tgs/terminal%20groin%20study.html.

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